BGC South Vancouver Island
In a world where screens dominate our attention and social media dictates our sense of belonging, it's easy to overlook the deep struggles that many young people face. In our neighbourhoods, middle years’ youth are grappling with feelings of isolation and struggling with mental health challenges. They feel lost and disconnected from the world around them and they don't feel like they belong at school, at home, or with their peers. They’re desperate for connection, and in a moment of hopelessness, they turn to drugs and alcohol. They’re getting involved with the wrong crowd and are engaging in criminal activities. They're falling behind in school and their future is looking bleak. Their mental health is spiraling out of control, and they feel like there's no way out.
So BGC South Vancouver Island (formerly Boys & Girls Club of Greater Victoria) is doing something about it! They have established a youth outreach team to work in schools to connect with middle years’ youth who are falling through the cracks!
BGC South Vancouver Island (BGCSVI) knows that Opportunity Changes Everything! Their outreach team provides a safe and supportive space where young people can find a sense of community and belonging. They provide youth with opportunities to learn new skills and discover new interests, increasing motivation and passion for learning. This translates to more engagement in school and academic performance! Through the outreach team and new experiences, youth learn healthy habits, develop coping and life skills and build self-esteem and resilience, so they can handle stress and bounce back from setbacks. With each outreach activity, middle years’ youth make incremental steps towards positive change and find a sense of purpose and direction in life.
For more information, please visit their website: www.bgcsvi.org
Goldstream Food Bank
The Sarah Beckett Memorial Run is happy to support the Goldstream Food Bank for another year.
In 2020, the food bank averaged 240 hampers and 631 people per month in the Western Communities. Children, infant to 17 years of age, made up thirty-four percent (34%) of the number of people. The hampers they provide are nutritionally compliant and are tailored to the size and nature of each family.
New for 2026!
The Sarah Beckett Memorial Run will be donating proceeds from the Virtual Run to the National Police Federation Benevolent Foundation (NPFBF).
As of 2025, the NPF Benevolent Foundation has awarded nearly $185,000 in student bursaries (including those awarded to our Member dependents and spouses), over $565,000 in gifts to grieving families following the loss of a Member on or off duty (including suicides), and we are continuing to grow our community investments with charitable contributions made to organizations nationwide. These charities include Ned's Wish, Honour House Society, Honour Ranch, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Zebra Centre and Luna Centre for Child and Youth Advocacy, CHEO Foundation, food banks and rape crisis and victim services centres. We are continuing to grow with the generosity of our donors, supporters, and corporate partners. I am so excited to announce a partnership this spring with the Strongest Families Institute; it's nearly ready to go, and while it is a pilot project, it will support our Members who are parenting and caring for children with mild to moderate behavioral challenges like anxiety and depression.
Like Sarah's legacy of supporting families during difficult circumstances, the NPFBF exists to provide immediate support to the families of our Fallen Members. Your registration to participate virtually will both honour Sarah's life and legacy and help the NPFBF continue to grow by supporting families and supporting youth.