At DP World Vancouver, we believe businesses can help the community in many ways: by making donations, by encouraging volunteers, and even by operating their own charities. Our Community Kinship programme points the way toward organizations that are contributing to the greater good in Vancouver and across the country, such as the North Coast Transition Society.
North Coast Transition Society Helps Those Seeking Safety
Safety is a basic human need. Without a feeling of safety, it’s difficult to lead a fulfilling and productive life. The North Coast Transition Society seeks to empower women, men and children in Prince Rupert by helping them find safety in the face of personal challenges such as physical or emotional abuse, poverty, and homelessness.
What began in the late 1970s as an organization called Prince Rupert Options for Women, eventually became the Prince Rupert Transition House Society. In 1981, the Society opened the Maude Bevan House, offering support to women and children in a six-bedroom house. Today, the North Coast Transition Society operates a 15-bedroom transition house along with eight transitional apartments and an extreme weather shelter. In 2018, the society is growing even further, with a new project consisting of 42 modular units which will provide a variety of housing options.
In addition, the NCTS offers a variety of programs supporting women, men, children, and entire families in hopes of creating safety. The goal is not to fix people’s lives by telling them what to do; it’s to provide a safe place and a listening ear without judgement. People can find their own solutions if they feel supported in the attempt. The goal is always to empower people to change their own lives.
Each person who works for the Society, whether they’re volunteers or staff, feels strongly about the work they do and lives they better. They come from all walks of life and possess a wide variety of skills.
How North Coast Transition Society Helps in the Community
In 2017, the Society presented three community events, with meals cooked and served by staff and volunteers and supported by citizens and businesses. Last year, one family donated 50 boxes of pancake mix and syrup for a Mother’s Day brunch, and Overwaitea Foods provided sausages and coffee. Over 200 people were served.
The NCTS facilitates several events and fundraisers to support the important work it does in the community. These two in particular, have become much anticipated in the community:
- Every two years the Society hosts its main fundraising event, Mz Judged, in recognition of the White Ribbon Campaign where men take a stand in advocating against violence against women. It’s a beauty pageant with a twist: All the contestants are men. There is an evening gown, bathing suit, and talent competition, as well as a final question before the winner is crowned. The most recent show, in November 2017, was a 700-seat sellout and raised over $30,000. Five shows since 2009 have raised over $100,000.
- The Society hosts an annual feast and vigil for the missing and murdered women of the Highway of Tears. It’s important that these women not be forgotten, and the Society is proud to honor their memory.
Get Involved
Businesses can help the North Coast Transition Society in several ways. Volunteers with skills of all sorts are always needed. Financial donations are always much appreciated and can be immediately put to use for purposes most needed by clients in the moment. NCTS can issue charitable receipts by email/mail for all cash donations. If your business or members of your team would like to help, you’re invited to contact the Society directly.
Visit the website to learn more about how this organization provides Renewal, Hope, and Dignity to those who need it.
You can also connect with the NCTS on Facebook for event updates, news, and more.