NEW INVESTMENT TO EXPAND COMPUTER FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAM
On June 05th at the Neil Squire Society, Industry Canada Minister James Moore announced that an additional $2 million in new funding to expand the Computer for Schools (CFS) program.
CFS provides digital skills training, refurbishes donated computers, and distributes them to schools, libraries, nonprofits learning organizations, and Aboriginal communities throughout Canada.
“The funding announced today will create new opportunities for community groups to help low-income and new Canadians build their digital skills, train for jobs and fully participate in the digital economy”, says Minister James Moore.
CFS also provides work opportunities to graduates and young people through VCN’s Youth Internship program. Read the press release here: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=984709
JUDY GRAVES SPEAKS TO CBC ABOUT THE STREET MESSAGING SYSTEM
Judy Graves, community leader and homeless advocate, was featured on CBC One’s The Early Edition to discuss the Street Messaging System.
“It’s an oral story community and so if we can get messages out to even one third of the people in the street, we know that they’ll tell other people in the street,” she told Rick Cluff. “It is without exception the fastest way of getting the story out.”
Judy is calling on all social service providers in the Downtown Eastside to participate in the SMS, and encourages donations of used and refurbished mobile phones to VCN.
On June 10th, Judy received an honorary degree from Simon Fraser University for her life’s work of community service and advocacy for the marginalized.
Listen to Judy’s interview: http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/British+Columbia/ID/2669170972/
VCN AT COMMUNITY EVENTS
VCN SOCIAL
VCN held its first networking event at the Billy Bishop Legion in Kitsilano on June 16th. The evening brought together the VCN user group, Vancouver’s tech community, and IT enthusiasts to socialize and connect over drinks.
Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about VCN’s ongoing work in the community to bridge the digital divide as well as share their thoughts on ways to improve VCN’s programming.
SUMMER + CONNECT
VCN joined the community at the Summer Connect Event on June 17th. The lively event, organized by the Union Gospel Mission, helped link the homeless or those who are struggling and/or at-risk with 30 vital service providers.
With the accompaniment of live music and food, services offered at the event included haircuts, employment assistance, income assistance, and pet care.
2ND ANNUAL RECONCILIATION IN ACTION EVENT
VCN was invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Reconciliation in Action Event organized by the Aboriginal Life in Vancouver Enhancement (ALIVE) Society and Our Place.
The community-powered event, held at Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre, gathered many residents, nonprofits and community groups, members of government, local businesses and community leaders to celebrate community successes and strategies.
MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS
Get charitable this June! VCN is counting down the days until the end of the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. Only 7 days left to make your donation to support VCN’s work in the community. Every dollar you donate qualifies VCN for the $10,000 grand prize!
To give please visit Canada Help’s website: https://www.canadahelps.org/gcgc/49308