The Editor:
As readers may be aware, BC Non-Profit Day, Oct. 30, was recently proclaimed to honour the impactful work of non-profit organizations in British Columbia and gain a deeper understanding of their vital role in supporting communities. Representatives from a number of organizations had the opportunity to meet with government officials and celebrate the sector.
However, it is the thousands of people who work and volunteer in non-profits and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their communities each and every day who should be recognized. The significant but often overlooked efforts of our front-line champions contributes to the social and economic fabric of our province.
Each day, this dedicated workforce builds communities with their time, talent, imagination, and skills. There are approximately 31,000 non-profit organizations in B.C., according to Stats Canada (including community, business, and government non-profits) representing 335,000 jobs and a $28 billion contribution to the provincial economy.
However, their contribution can't adequately be measured in dollars and cents — nor should it be. Our non-profits are incredibly diverse, offering a wide array of services - from support for seniors, childcare, and youth programs to arts and culture, sports, food security, housing, health, environmental initiatives, advocacy, and Indigenous supports. They champion justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and provide emergency response when situations like flooding or wildfires occur. The sector’s inherent strength is its grassroots proximity and responsiveness to community needs. As a result, they are well positioned to help inform government policies, programs, and funding decisions. In many ways, the work of non-profits has never been more important because of the increasing challenges facing British Columbians, but they continuously innovate and go the extra mile to maximize support and service delivery. To all of those who quietly go about building stronger communities and in many ways are the face of our non-profits — we salute you. - Zahra Esmail, Vantage Point CEO
Vantage Point is a British Columbia non-profit that serves other non-profits in the province by convening, connecting and equipping leaders to lift organizational capacity and elevate the non-profit sector.
