VANCOUVER VIRTUAL FAMILIES
A Virtual Support Hub for Parents and Caregivers
WELCOME
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in our personal and professional lives and many of us were (or still are) experiencing caregiver burnout. Even though we started this initiative in April 2020 to support parents through the closure of schools and daycares - which have since reopened - many families still face daily challenges and uncertainty. Vancouver Virtual Families (BC) is a parent-run initiative aimed at supporting local families throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to providing a place for isolated parents and caregivers to connect in unique ways, we will continuously update our numerous resource lists to support our families.
We are making some changes to our website at the moment so please be patient and check back frequently - we are a small group with big ideas and many other responsibilities. Thank you for visiting our site and we would like to welcome you to our virtual family!
While our reach may extend beyond these lands, we would like to acknowledge that most of our families live, work and play on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.
CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP CONNECTED IN 2022
Our primary goals when we started this initiative were to promote virtual community connections and provide resources to support or supplement virtual learning experiences. Even though most public health orders have been lifted, we understand there are still families who are not comfortable with in-person gatherings. For 2022, we are switching gears a bit to promote ongoing social connections that meet the needs of all families. Stay tuned!
WEBINARS AND VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
Visit our webinars and workshops page for more information about what we will be offering in collaboration with various local individuals and organizations. This is a brand new program and we will be adding to it over the coming months.
VIRTUAL HOME LEARNING RESOURCES
Visit our home learning pages to browse through a variety of free and low-cost resources that will help you maintain your sanity while providing your children with safe and fun educational opportunities at home.
COVID-19 INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
This page is no longer being updated as most of the COVID-19 emergency support programs have been discontinued.
BC COVID-19 DASHBOARD:
LAB CONFIRMED CASES BY HEALTH AUTHORITY
Click the link below to view the BC COVID-19 dashboard.
KINDERGARTEN CONNECTIONS:
AN ONLINE INITIATIVE FOR OUR
2020-2021
KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES
This program has now concluded. Thank you to those who participated! Feel free to visit the page to read more about the success of this virtual initiative. Please note that we will NOT be offering this for future school years as in-person Kindergarten orientations are no longer restricted.
HELP US SAY THANK YOU TO OUR
HEALTHCARE & ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS
We need your help! Click the link to submit your photos, videos, and written notes to help us thank those who have dedicated their time and energy to saving lives and/or providing us with essential goods and services throughout this difficult year.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.
Maintaining a positive outlook and finding time for self-care during this pandemic can be challenging, even for those who did not already struggle with their mental health. We are continuously updating our Mental Health & Wellness resources, so check back frequently for more great programs and services for children, teens/youth, adults, and older adults.
Science Lesson of the Day:
"Water is the most essential element of life because without water, you can't make coffee."
- Anonymous
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
"Sean's Gift of Sharing" Toy Drive for BC Children's Hospital Oncology Unit
Being part of a community involves supporting those who need it most without expecting anything in return. We are using our platform here as a voice for local community initiatives who wish to spread awareness and/or raise funds for a local project. Thank you to those who donated to the 2020 Sean's Gift of Sharing Toy Drive for BC Children's Hospital Oncology Unit - alongside toy donations, we were able to raise an additional $3,115 to go towards purchasing toys. In total, we donated 1,232 brand new toys to BCCH! Please visit the 'Supporting Our Community' page for more about Sean and Tina's story.
COLLABORATE WITH US!
Please send us an email if you would like to host a webinar or workshop series with us. We are open to collaborating with a wide range of individuals including, but not limited to, subject matter experts with professional qualifications, local enterpreneurs and organizations, and/or individuals with lived experience and a passion for educating others.
