UTown@UBC Community Wellbeing Grants awarded

UTown@UBC is pleased to announce the recipients of the first-ever UTown@UBC Community Wellbeing Grants!

Generously supported by the UBC Wellbeing Initiative, these grants were awarded to student-led projects that demonstrated a commitment to improving human and ecological wellbeing. From an aspirational animation project, to a meal program that encourages undergrads to connect over a sustainable lunch, to a workshop on resiliency and more, there are lots of great wellbeing projects coming up on campus over the next few months!

For more information on this new grant program, check out the UTown@UBC Community Wellbeing Grant page.

Before I Graduate, Gurvir Sangha ($500)

Before I Graduate is an installation project that will invite students to share their passions, interests and aspirations with one another while animating a public space on campus. The project aims to foster an enhanced sense of community and social sustainability amongst students. Keep an eye out for this installation in September!

Eating Sustainably, Jesline Rahardjo ($1000)

What better way to make friends than over a meal? This hot lunch program invites UBC undergraduate students to share a meal of locally grown, fair trade and organic food together, while raising funds for the Quest Food Exchange—a non-profit organization that offers affordable healthy food for those facing barriers to access.

This project will also incorporate education on zero-waste initiatives, health and wellness, sustainability, and an emphasis on local food production.

UBC Medicine Vancouver Street Soccer Team, Kimberly Hamilton ($800)

In addition to promoting physical wellbeing, this ongoing project, coordinated by students in the UBC Faculty of Medicine fosters community between future and current healthcare practitioners and residents of the Downtown Eastside. Students run weekly soccer practices for women who have experienced marginalization or poverty and share healthy meals to provide further opportunities to connect.

Resiliency 101 Workshop, Gachiri Wamweya ($500)

Resiliency 101 will bring the UBC community together to engage in activities, workshops, and discussions targeted towards building a greater sense of belonging on campus through the understanding of mental health issues and the role resiliency plays in alleviating social and emotional isolation. Check back for more information on how to register.

Bike Rave, Joshua Compagna ($500)

UBC Bike Rave is back for a third year, encouraging social sustainability, physical exercise, and community building in the most fun and engaging way imaginable—with a celebration on wheels.

With an emphasis on celebrating sustainable transportation and promoting cycling as an easy, accessible form of transportation and fitness, Bike Rave brings together hundreds of cyclists to celebrate sustainable transportation and promote cycling as an easy, accessible form of fitness and transportation. Check out the UBC Bike Rave Facebook Page for more info!

Embrace Your Mind Art Gala, Amika Shah ($500)

This semi-formal evening will allow the UBC community to come together and celebrate the numerous ways mental health can translate into art. Individuals from the campus community are encouraged to submit art (photography, painting, writing), or to sign up to perform.

Check back for more information on when and where this event will take place!