Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ territories, September 8, 2021 – United Way Southern Vancouver Island (UWSVI) and Blue Heron Advisory Group are coming together to help kids, youth and families across the region.
BC’s already high child poverty rate is likely to worsen due to the pandemic, according to research. In the CRD, 1 in 10 children live in poverty. With an unaffordable housing market and rising gas and food prices, many families are struggling to make ends meet. The insecurities brought on by the pandemic will be felt for some time to come.
Believing no child should be left behind, UWSVI is pleased to announce that every dollar raised up to $250,000 will be matched by Blue Heron Advisory Group, helping to ensure that resources are available for kids, youth and families. This extraordinary gift coincides with the start of a new school year.
Funds raised will support activities such as: preschool and afterschool programs to art therapy groups, homework clubs and reading programs. Donations will also assist families in accessing food boxes and parenting programs.
“We believe that the success of our community is best measured by the opportunities it provides its most vulnerable citizens – particularly its children and youth,” said Graham Isenegger, Blue Heron Advisory Group.
“We are very thankful to our clients that enable us to do what we love to do and help support our community in this way. We live in a very generous community and want to be a part of that,” said Neil Chappell, Blue Heron Advisory Group.
Loss of activities that boost physical and mental health along with restricted social interactions with friends have increased the incidence of childhood depression over the past year. A recent Canadian survey found in February and March of this year, 50% of children aged 8 to 12 reported significant depressive symptoms, and it jumped to 70% for youth over 13.
In addition, with the shift to online learning and social distancing measures put in place, many children on Southern Vancouver Island may feel anxious about the return of in-person, classroom learning. To ease the transition, funds raised will also benefit children and youth struggling with their mental health by providing counselling and outreach to support them.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of Blue Heron Advisory Group. Families on the edge of poverty have been hit hard during COVID and continue to cope with the lingering effects of the pandemic in their lives. This transformational gift and the matching opportunity it presents will open many doors to resources to help families get back on track,” said Mark Breslauer, CEO of UWSVI. “Half of the funds will benefit children and youth’s mental health services through our Blue Love campaign, and the other half of the donations will support local children’s charities to ensure that kids have a strong foundation to cope with life’s challenges.”
For individuals or businesses looking to make a contribution to The Blue Heron Advisory Group of CIBC Wood Gundy Match Fund please visit www.uwsvi.ca/donate
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ABOUT UNITED WAY SOUTHERN VANCOUVER ISLAND
United Way Southern Vancouver Island (formerly United Way Greater Victoria) is a trusted leader, influencer and catalyst for change. United, we accelerate change to improve the lives of our neighbours who need it most, making our local community stronger. We believe everyone on Southern Vancouver Island, which includes 13 municipalities and 11 First Nations and the Southern Gulf Islands should have the opportunity to reach their potential. Our priorities are focused on assisting isolated seniors; families in need; diversity, equity and inclusion; and individuals struggling with mental health challenges and/or addictions. Last fiscal year, United Way raised $6.2 million thanks to over 7,000 donors and 200 workplaces opening their offices to run employee giving programs. Through our community partnerships, over 125,000 people on Southern Vancouver Island received support. Show your local love today by making a gift to United Way at www.uwsvi.ca
ABOUT BLUE HERON ADVISORY GROUP OF CIBC WOOD GUNDY
The Blue Heron Advisory Group of CIBC Wood Gundy was founded in 2013 by Neil Chappell and Graham Isenegger. Together with their team, they manage over half a billion dollars for 300 families across the Island and the country from their base in Victoria, BC. The Blue Heron Advisory Group focuses on overseeing portfolio design and helping clients meet their financial goals while investing with their values in mind. For more information about us, please visit www.blueherongroup.ca
MEDIA CONTACTS
Heather Skydt
United Way Greater Victoria
Director Marketing and Communications
heather@uwgv.ca
Mobile: 250-686-3606
Office: 250-984-2269
Hanna Kent
Blue Heron Advisory Group
CIBC Wood Gundy
blueheronadvisorygroup@cibc.ca
Office: 250-361-2284
CIBC Private Wealth Management consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. “CIBC Private Wealth Management” is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. “Wood Gundy” is a registered trademark of CIBC World Markets Inc. CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. Graham Isenegger and Neil Chappell are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Victoria, BC. The views of Graham Isenegger and Neil Chappell do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.
