RUN4HOPE

Run For Change Society encourages and assists low-income, shelter, recovery and homeless residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle, and to build their confidence and self-esteem, through a regular routine of running or walking with their friends, neighbours and dedicated volunteers. *Note: We are currently applying for charitable status and tax receipts will not be available until we receive successful review and grant of charitable status. Learn more here

ArtStarts in Schools provides innovative arts programs for young people, practical resources for artists and teachers, and leadership in advocacy for arts in schools and communities throughout BC. ArtStarts envisions a society where the arts are regarded as an essential part of educating young people and a catalyst for creating innovative, engaged and contributing members of society. Learn more here

Beauty Night Society is an award-winning registered charity that builds self-esteem and changes lives through three streams of programming wellness, life skills development and makeovers. In 12 years, Beauty Night has given 26,000 makeovers thanks to 500+ volunteers. In 2011/2012 we served 200 people each week on $44,845.

For over 75 years, Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC) has been giving children and youth something they deserve: a place to belong when they aren’t at home or at school. To kids, their Club feels like a place where they can hang out with their friends, and make new ones! But it’s so much more. It’s a safe place that provides them with three of the things they need most: a sense of belonging, a sense of success, and positive relationships. That happens through a wide range of activities that are not only of interest to kids, but that are good for them, too: sports, homework, safe access to the on-line world, arts, crafts, and of course, sharing meals. Annually, we serve more than 10,000 children, youth, and families — and no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. No one.

YWCA Metro Vancouver is a registered charity, providing a range of integrated services for women and their families, and those seeking to improve the quality of their lives. From early learning and care to housing, health and fitness, employment services and leadership, YWCA Vancouver touches lives in communities.

First and foremost, Team Finn is about Finn. About celebrating life in the way that Finn lived; by Running Jumping Bouncing Dancing Singing Loving Smiling and Riding. Always and forever about Finn. The Team Finn Foundation is also committed to changing the face of pediatric cancer research. We are a volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that 100% of the funds the Team Finn Foundation receives are committed to pediatric cancer research and supporting families in need. We do this because of Finn and because pediatric cancer research offers hope to all struck by this horrible disease. Ultimately we do what we do to Change the Story for Other Finns. Learn more here

The Canadian Cancer Society has more impact against more cancers in more communities than any other cancer charity. Our impact comes from leading crucial cancer prevention initiatives, funding lifesaving research into all cancers and delivering trusted information and compassionate support to people living with cancer and their caregivers. Learn more here

The Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation empowers at-risk youth to achieve their full potential, realize their dreams and give back to their communities. Take a Hike is a full-time alternative education program offered in partnership with the Vancouver School Board. It engages at-risk youth through a unique combination of adventure-based learning, academics, therapy, and community involvement. The Foundation has raised over $2.5 million in support of Vancouver’s at-risk youth.

Science World is a not-for-profit, registered charity whose mission is to engage British Columbians in science and inspire future science and technology leadership throughout the province. Through interactive exhibits and province wide outreach programs that make science fun, we ignite minds, both young and old, to explore the world around them and develop a long-term interest in science and technology. Learn more here

Cause We Care Foundation is a Vancouver-based registered charity, founded to assist local single mothers and their children in need. Since 2007, we have provided a ‘hand up’ to those dealing with poverty and the everyday challenges it brings. In concert with our volunteer base, we assist families in need within the Greater Vancouver area through a variety of annual outreach initiatives. Learn more here

BC Cancer Foundation

The BC Cancer Foundation is the bridge that connects philanthropic support and research breakthroughs in cancer knowledge. As the fundraising partner of the BC Cancer Agency and the largest charitable funder of cancer research in this province, we enable donors to make contributions to leading-edge research that have a direct impact on improvements to cancer care for patients in British Columbia. We fund with the goal of finding solutions.

As an independent charitable organization, we raise funds exclusively for the BC Cancer Agency that support innovative cancer research and compassionate enhancements to patient care.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system. There is no cure. Since 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has been working towards a developing cure or control for CF by investing in research labs, clinical care and drug development programs. Since these initial investments we have seen tremendous progress, but it is not enough. Still, half of those who died from CF in 2010 were under 26 years old.

BC SPCA, Speaking For Animals

The BC SPCA is the largest animal welfare organization in North America, working to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals. Last year alone the BC SPCA cared for more than 32,000 abused, injured and abandoned animals. Created under the auspices of the provincial Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the BC SPCA has been working to improve animal welfare for the past 116 years through a range of services including adoption, education, ethical farming certification and cruelty investigations. The BC SPCA does not currently receive any government funding and is reliant on your support to provide animals in need with a second chance at a safe, loving forever home.

Room to Read

Room to Read is a global organization seeking to transform the lives of millions of children in the developing world through a focus on literacy and gender equality in education. Founded on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children, Room to Read works in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and to ensure girls have the skills and support needed to complete their secondary education. Since 2000, Room to Read has impacted the lives of more than six million children by providing increased access to high-quality educational opportunities through its network of libraries and schools, local language children’s books and its girls’ education program. Room to Read is changing children’s lives in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Zambia and aims to reach 10 million children by 2015. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.

The Arthritis Society

For more than 63 years, The Arthritis Society has been the leading voice for those who cannot speak to the impact of arthritis — making us the best investment in the arthritis cause. Devoted to providing leadership and funding for research, advocacy and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by arthritis, we have invested more than $175 million in the fight against arthritis.

With the help of donors, we fund researchers who develop innovative solutions for improving arthritis treatment and care. We bring together the vision of healthcare professionals, community leaders, the commitment of staff and the compassion of dedicated volunteers all of whom are driven to find a cure for this painful disease.

Stanley Park Ecology Society

Stanley Park Ecology Society promotes awareness of and respect for the natural world and plays a leadership role in the stewardship of Stanley Park through collaborative initiatives in education, research and conservation. Each year we connect around 4,000 school children with nature through curriculum-linked school programs and engage with over 1,200 community volunteers in the stewardship of Stanley Park. Learn more here.

For close to 60 years, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has generated life-saving knowledge and expertise that has completely revolutionized the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke. Since our inception, the death rate from cardiovascular disease has declined by more than 75% due to research advances such as surgical procedures and drug therapies, our health promotion efforts, and advocacy. Yet despite historic advances, cardiovascular disease is still one of the leading causes of death and disability in Canada, with heart disease and stroke taking one life every seven minutes. Your donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation will help us give all Canadians a chance to live longer, fuller lives. Together we will Make Health Last.

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The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food and related assistance to those in need. The GVFBS collects and distributes food for nearly 27,000 people weekly through 15 food depots and over 100 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and North Vancouver. The GVFBS does not receive government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations willing to donate funds, food and time. For more information, please visit www.foodbank.bc.ca