2021 Vital Conversations Initiative

Over the past few years, in particular with the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic and all of the attendant impacts, organizations within our area have been focused on supporting populations in our area who are vulnerable to these impacts. In particular, those experiencing poverty-related issues such as food and shelter insecurity, lack of financial literacy, and physical and mental health challenges have felt these impacts most acutely. While these challenges did not originate with Covid-19, the impacts, particularly related to the isolation effects, were greatly intensified.

In order to explore these issues, and in particular to identify ways and means to address solutions cooperatively, a Vital Conversations event was organized to facilitate a “Discussion and Action on Local Poverty Reduction Initiatives”.

Covid-19 restrictions required that this event be held virtually, via Zoom. Invitations were extended to organizations in the Brockville and surrounding area that deal with these challenges on a daily basis. The response was very gratifying, with representatives from 21 different organizations registered to participate.

Leith Wheeler Investment Council Ltd has partnered with Community Foundations Canada to assist Community Foundations such as ours in hosting Vital Conversations, and we are grateful for their support.

Please click here to view the full report.