Burnaby Neighbourhood House is a launching a new holiday campaign to raise money to “keep our lights on.”
For almost 20 years, NNH has been quietly working in Burnaby, bringing people and communities together, creating a sense of belonging and providing a platform for volunteers and neighbours to meet and experience the diversity in their own backyards.
But, unfortunately, it takes a lot of money to ensure those programs continue.
BNH receives only 30 per cent of its financial support from government grants and it fundraises the rest through private donors and supporters.
Included in that fundraising is the need for monies for basics like rent and utilities - which is why BNH is calling it “keep our lights on.”
During this campaign, the campaign will introduce the people of BNH.
“We were fighting loneliness long before it was cool,” says Antonia Beck, executive director of BNH. “Today both our houses have more than 750 volunteers and offer programs for all generations and all backgrounds. No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, no matter how much money you have – you are our neighbour.”
According to the recent research out of UBC and the Vancouver foundation, loneliness has detrimental effects on people moving to and living in our densely populated province. Newcomers, seniors, young parents. All groups need support and a place to meet.
This is what BNH is here for.
“We are so appreciative of our supporters here in Burnaby, they totally understand why a sense of belonging and feeling connected to our neighbours is so important for each of us,” says Antonia Beck.
BNH serves the citizens of Burnaby in 10 locations – two Neighbourhood Houses, 10 elementary schools and one community hall.
For more details on how to donate, visit burnabynh.ca.
