Each year, the City of Kamloops issues a call for proposals for registered charities and non-profit agencies in our community to apply for Social and Community Development Grants, which are intended to fund special projects, operational costs, and/or capital expenditures that address specific current social problems and/or issues related to the City’s Social Plan or the Livability pillar of the Council Strategic Plan.
Spinal Cord Injury BC received a $5,000 Social and Community Development Grant in 2022. This is how the grant was used:
Submitted by Spinal Cord Injury BC
Our project provides vital peer support and information to people living with a spinal cord injury in Kamloops, both virtually and in person. Our daily online programming is popular. It’s a great way for people to connect with others facing similar challenges. Whether it’s advice from a medical expert, some friendly competition with board games, getting the blood pumping with a session of adaptive boxing or home fitness workouts, adapted cooking classes, relaxing yoga and mindfulness, or a casual coffee and chat, there's something for everyone.
Furthermore, we are excited to be back hosting in-person peer events. We offer opportunities for people with a physical disability to try new activities they never imagine possible, like our adaptive water-skiing clinic, and social gatherings that bring people together, such as our Music in the Park outing. We also host a “Bean There” coffee support group that meets twice a month at a local restaurant. In addition, our InfoLine team connects people with vital resources that makes living with a spinal cord injury a little easier. Whether someone needs help finding accessible housing, meaningful employment, sources of funding, special adaptive equipment, advice about sexual health, tips on accessible transportation, travelling with the wheelchair, or any other resource about living well with physical disability, we are here to help. All of our activities aim to show people that life after a spinal cord injury can be full and rich. People come away with increased confidence, new friendships, improved physical and mental health, and a better outlook on life.
“It’s difficult to imagine where I’d be without the support of so many peers over the years. After my accident, it was peers who really pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone. From learning to do a wheelie and go off a curb, to getting my driver’s license and on an airplane, to dating and having children. It’s because I witnessed people with disabilities living ‘normal lives’ and participating in all sorts of activities. I didn’t have to question whether or not I was also capable. I get to be part of Spinal Cord Injury BC ‘paying it forward’ and yet it’s because of the Peer Program and Information Services, I still find myself having life experiences I never imagined,” said Brandy Stiles, Provincial Peer Program Manager.
To learn more about this grant, visit Kamloops.ca/Grants. To view stories on how other groups used their Social and Community Development Grants, visit Kamloops.ca/CityStory.
