Last year, the North Saanich Parks Ecosystem Restoration Society’s $30,000 grant through the Victoria Foundation's Community Grants program aided invasive species removal in 11 North Saanich parks.
The same year, Sidney Pre-School received $15,000 to continue nurturing young minds. And the Peninsula-based Cycling Without Age Society? The volunteer-run charity received $7,500 to help expand its program, providing free cycle rides to those who otherwise could not get out to see the sights or experience the sounds of their community.
While all very different organizations on the surface, they share a few vital similarities. Yes, they're all non-profit organizations serving the South Island, but more importantly, their selection for a Community Grant was informed by the results of previous Victoria's Vital Signs Reports.
In turn, those reports are possible thanks to the annual Vital Signs citizen survey.
The diversity of recipients underscores the importance of the greater community to get involved – to take a few minutes to take the survey and share their thoughts, perspectives and insights about key issues facing the region, from diversity and inclusion to transportation and the arts.
“For 20 years, Victoria’s Vital Signs has been an important and influential report card on the health and wellbeing of our region,” says Victoria Foundation CEO Sandra Richardson. “Our region faces complex and integrated challenges, and through the collective voices of our community, we can continue to identify and coordinate on solutions that will last far beyond the next 20 years.”
Take the Vital Signs survey today
Marking 20 years in 2025, the Victoria Foundation's annual Vital Signs program encourages residents to weigh in on the state of the region. Open now until May 30, the 2025 Vital Signs citizen survey explores a variety of issue areas for Greater Victoria, from transportation and housing to the arts and the environment.
Everyone, from youth and young families to seniors, is encouraged to participate in the survey, which, along with local facts and statistics, will help inform this year's Victoria's Vital Signs report.
In turn, the report becomes a vital document to help local governments, nonprofits and philanthropists in their decision-making. It's an essential way to identify issues facing our community, while looking to the future with possible solutions.
This year's survey asks participants to weigh in on 12 issue areas related to quality of life in the region, including housing, safety, health and wellness, belonging and engagement, and more.
Fill out the survey for your chance to win!
Residents living in the capital region can fill out a short or long version of the survey online, and as a thank you, have a chance to win one of three $100 Country Grocer gift cards.
Victoria's Vital Signs citizen survey is open until Friday, May 30 at noon. After completing the survey, residents will be entered into the gift card draw – double your chances to win by filling out the long version. It only takes 10 minutes or less!
Link to the survey from the Victoria Foundation website at go.victoriavitalsigns.ca/survey or scan the QR code below.
