We are excited to announce the recipients of UTown@UBC Community Grants Spring Cycle! Our diverse volunteer grants selection committee made up of residents, faculty, students and staff members chose 14 projects for funding this cycle. We look forward to seeing the variety of ways these projects will enrich our community.
University Hill 3rd Annual Multicultural Fair - $1000
In its third year, this event is an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultural, linguistic, and traditional heritage represented in the school. Beginning back in 2018, families and students host interactive booths showcasing and celebrating their culture for students, families, teachers, and neighbours alike.
2020 Mental Health Symposium - $1000
Hosted by the Mental Health Network, this day-long annual conference held at UBC focuses on providing students with an opportunity to learn about the multitude of mental health initiatives and resources available on campus. It also aspires to destigmatize issues surrounding mental health through a variety of keynote speakers, workshops, collaboration sessions, and self-care activities.
PD Outreach: A Parkinson’s Research Seminar and Workshop for Seniors - $1000
PD Outreach is a student-led educational initiative that seeks to promote greater awareness of Parkinson’s disease research among senior residents on campus. This project plans to deliver a series of interactive workshops for seniors so they can gain a deeper knowledge of the novel technologies and strategies designed to improve the daily lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Play with Clay: Handbuilding as a Means to Convene, Connect and Destress - $990
UBC Pottery Club’s objective through Play with Clay is to provide free/low-barrier workshops to the greater UBC community. Community members can have the opportunity to learn a new skill, meet new people and destress through pottery, no membership fees required!
Gardening with Children - $1000
This gardening project began in 2016 at Sandpiper Daycare when parents and educators saw the opportunity to engage children in horticulture and teach values of respect and love for the environment. Gardening with Children was funded to provide the daycare with gardening supplies, workshop materials, compost and fertilizers, and seeds necessary to keep this beloved program running.
1st Year LGBTQ+ Community Engagement - $1000
The goal of this project is to provide an inclusive and welcoming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents in their first year of university and to connect those residents with resources around UBC campus. Additionally, this project provides leadership opportunities to first year students looking to get involved and to build community on campus.
Sprout Sticker Project - $700
With its humble roots beginning as a senior year high school initiative, the Sprout Sticker Project has been funded to expand to the broader UBC campus. This project intends to promote mental health and wellbeing resources, while engaging young artists at the same time.
Bike Bus Meet and Greet & Equipment Upgrade - $905
For the residents and families of Acadia Park, this parent-led initiative plays an integral role in picking and dropping children off to and from school. Not only does it help parents to save time, but it’s also a great way for children to enjoy the outdoors and meet other members of the community.
Men’s Community Network - $1000
The Men’s Community Network plans to create a space for men of the UBC community to discuss men’s health, mental health and wellbeing, as well as big life transitions in their work, family and social lives.
Trot for Tots - $1000
This annual run aims to raise money and awareness for child poverty in British Columbia. Trot for Tots provides an active and public-facing way to educate the UBC community about the oft overlooked child poverty rates in our province.
Launch Innovation - $1000
Launch Innovation is an after-school club designed for youth who are interested in STEM-related fields. Participants in the program will be participating in workshops and encouraged to create their own projects that will be showcased at a community science fair.
Parents Support Parents Club - $1000
Single-parent, immigrant households are a growing population in the UBC community. The Parents Support Parents Club’s purpose is to create a platform in which immigrant parents and their children can have access to resources helping them to familiarize themselves in a new country and connect them with other well-settled immigrants.
UBC Cooking Club - $1000
The UBC Cooking Club hosts workshops throughout the academic year to teach students and members of the UBC community basic cooking skills, while fostering a community that emphasizes where our food is sourced, nutrition, and diversity of food through culture.
Recreation Soccer for Acadia Park Adults - $1000
This project will promote physical and social wellbeing through hosting weekly, non-competitive soccer games for Acadia Park residents.
Kiddie Coding - $300
This project aims to inspire and teach elementary school aged kids coding skills. A series of free, educational workshops will introduce children to fundamental concepts of computer programming via play and fun activities using tech-toys.
CPR Education Initiative - $1000
This student-led initiative aims to operate various booths across campus to educate the broader UBC community about hands-only CPR and equip people with the life-saving skills that are necessary for when a cardiac emergency arises.