Vibrant Abbotsford

Harm Reduction: Theory and Practice; Barriers and Benefits

May 3, 2011

The 100 Conversations

May 12, 2010

100 conversations were undertaken with randomly selected Abbotsfordians (at the bus loop, and a local shopping centre) to gather input on what poverty means to people, what they feel causes it, and what might be done to improve the situation.

Poverty Myths

May 12, 2010

Sarah Campbell, in collaboration with the groundbreaking work of the United Way of Simcoe County, has produced a rich booklet of poverty myths, as they relate to Canada in general and Abbotsford in particular.

Cost of Eating Report

February 24, 2010

The purpose of the report is to bring attention to the fact that not all residents of British Columbia have enough money to purchase healthy food.

Cost of Eating Background

February 24, 2010

The Cost of Eating in BC 2009 report demonstrates that income assistance is too low to pay rent and buy healthy food. In the spring of 2009, dietitians throughout BC priced a standard basket of food at 134 randomly selected grocery stores. The basket contains 67 basic foods that require preparation. The cost of the food basket is then compared to disposable income for a number of family scenarios. For those on income assistance, shelter and food costs consume an unreasonable proportion of the income. For those with a low earned income ($11/ hour, $3 more than minimum wage), food costs also represent an unreasonable percentage of their income.

Neighbourhoods Project Report

January 19, 2010

The purpose of the Neighbourhoods Project was to gather information about issues surrounding poverty in Abbotsford. With the help of Vibrant Abbotsford and its supporters, more than a hundred people were accessed through a Sunday Picnic for Immigrant/Migrant Workers, a Single Parents Luncheon, an Indo Canadian Women’s Focus Group, an All Candidates Forum and a Downtown Business Association meeting. Group events were hosted in many community areas and various tools were utilized to gather data, including; volunteer translators, e-surveys, and public forums. Valuable data also emerged from an open call for information and collaboration with churches and community organizations.

Creating Election Excitement

January 19, 2010

Hosting a conversation café in Abbotsford around the topic of poverty provided a great opportunity for focused discussion among citizens and provincial candidates. Organizers learned a great deal about residents’ views on poverty while also recognizing a need for more education about the electoral process.