British Columbia
Girls’ Fund Grants
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver, Pre-Teen Girls’ Program
2009-2012: $93,000 over three years
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver (BGCGV) provides social, health, educational and recreational services to assist young people in their growth and development. Summer camp, low-cost recreational programs, alcohol and drug abuse counselling, after-school drop in programs and parent support are just a few of the programs provided on seasonal and daily basis to over 6,000 youth and families.
The Pre-Teen Girl’s Program, offers girls recreational activities that help them transition into their teen years with strong self-esteem, communication and leadership skills. Skilled staff facilitate activities, and provide mentorship and a forum to discuss issues (one-on-one or in a group) that are important to the girls.
Interior Indian Friendship Society, Rites of Passage
Kamloops
2009-2012: $120,000 over three years
The Interior Indian Friendship Society is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people by providing a variety of programs for all ages including counselling, life skills, HIV/AIDS, healthy beginnings and health services.
Funding from CWF supports the Rites of Passage girls group, which provides marginalized and at-risk Aboriginal/First Nations girls with the opportunity to explore their experiences and challenges in a safe and non-threatening environment. Given the strong societal messages that often create negative images of Aboriginal peoples, this group helps the girls resist societal stereotypes and develop healthy definitions of themselves as Aboriginal/First Nations girls.
Actua, National Girls’ Program, Girls’ Clubs
2006-2009: $75,000 over three years
Currently running in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and British Columbia Actua offers excellent programs in science and technology to children. The National Girls’ Program offers girls the opportunity to experience the wonders of science, engineering and technology in a positive, all-girl environment, through summer camps, girls’ clubs and workshops. Girls learn more about the world around them, increase their skills and confidence, and meet new friends. This grant will strengthen and expand Girls’ Clubs at three sites in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Victoria, British Columbia.