Team Jedi Magic wanted to create a project that could enhance connections between neighbours. They chose Neighbour Day, modelled after a similar event that began in Melbourne Australia in 2003 and has since spread nationwide. 

Their mission? “To create safe neighbourhoods and foster a sense of belonging and feeling valued in a community by promoting inclusion and reducing isolation through the development of neighbour-to-neighbour connections”. 

Team Bellatonia used video to create a diversity awareness project titled “DiverCity Victoria”, in order to enhance understanding and inclusivity in our community. The project aims to help us to recognize, tackle and address our own biases, therefore promoting a more diverse and inclusive society based on mutual understanding and improved meaningful connections between people. 

The project was inspired by current political discourse, and concerns about the rise of intolerance and targeted hatred towards a few faith communities, as well as the stigmatization of immigrants, particularly in North America. It was also designed to build awareness around the team’s own experiences with discrimination. 

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”  by Thoreau

This mural project facilitated a collaboration between non-profit organization Power To Be, local artist Kay Gallivan, and property management company DNL Holdings. Inspired by the work of Power To Be, Kay and partners painted a stunning mural on the wall of one of DNL Holdings' properties in downtown Victoria as a way to beautify the downtown, encourage community connectedness and a sense of belonging for all. Team #3 then hosted a celebration to unveil the mural and celebrate the community work that led to its creation.

The Booster Bench Project was created to foster strong childhood friendships by providing a place to connect in the areas of inclusion, empathy and kindness. The team worked with local schools in SD 61 to develop an in-class discussion activity for kids focusing on what it means to "give a boost" (an anti-bullying message). In each school, the "Booster" message was reinforced through the installation of a colourful permanent bench on or near the play areas. 

The launch of the first Booster Bench was unveiled at South Park Family School in School District 61, the team’s partner.  Throughout 2016, the project will expand to at least 10 more schools across Greater Victoria, building a visible, community-wide friendship network.  A special thanks to Coast Capital Savings, Beatrice Stevens Memorial Foundation, South Park Family School, Ecole Quadra School, local dignitaries, Associate Superintendent of Schools and the Honourable Mike Bernier, Minster of Education.  Thank you to Carole James, MLA for Victoria Beacon Hill who delivered a 2 minute speech in the House of Commons. 

Team DiverCity partnered with Help Fill a Dream Foundation to develop and launch the Happy Half-Birthday Challenge aiming to raise awareness of volunteer opportunities focused on assisting local families of children with life-threatening illnesses.   The campaign encourages the community to give back on their half-birthday through volunteerism and donations. 

Working with Jeneece Place, a home away from home for families dealing with these challenges, the team coordinated the installation of a Sanctuary Garden – a natural setting for nature therapy. The official opening of the Jeneece Place Sanctuary was celebrated with the ceremonial planting of a dogwood tree, special guest speakers, a ribbon cutting and family BBQ. 

Here are some of the amazing businesses and organizations that supported this project:

• Hothouse Marketing
• BC Transit
• Alpine Group
• Save-a-Lot Hauling
• Costa Verde Landscaping
• Bald Eagle Landscaping
• Bartlett Tree Experts
• Grounds 4 Design
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local Union 608
• Victoria Firefighters Charitable Foundation
• Harlequin Nature Graphics
• Bond Bond's Bakering
• Fairways
• Villages Pizza
• Harbour Air
• Country Grocer
• Pacific Audio Works
• Hilltop Greenhouse
• Eurosa Farms
• RC Construction
• Jeneece Place
• BladeRunners 
• Boys Scouts of Canada

The focus on this project was to provide a one-day workshop to youth transitioning into adulthood.  The team organized a variety of local resource people to offer interactive workshops to youth from the WestShore in areas of life skills. Topics included resume writing and job search; renting and tenancy rights; financial literacy; stress management; and how to cook on a budget.  

82% of the youth wanted to participate again to further their knowledge.  The Project partner was the West Shore Boys and Girls Outdoor Ed. Centre.  A special thanks to volunteer facilitators who offered their time and expertise supporting and inspiring our youth for the next stage of their journey.