Hi Neighbour North Delta: a celebration of community power 

As United Way BC Hi Neighbour North Delta transitions to a legacy community, we reflect on the incredible journey community members, champions and United Way BC staff had together—a journey defined by connection, resilience, collective action, and the true meaning of neighbourliness. 

Celebrating everyone calling North Delta home 

Started in 2021, Hi Neighbour North Delta has been a shining example of what happens when neighbours come together to create meaningful change. Through more than 65 Local Love micro-grant initiatives, residents brought their ideas to life—whether through arts and culture, youth-led projects, wellness programs, or acts of kindness that built bridges between people. The grants of up to $1,000 supported initiatives demonstrating that community strength comes from the creativity and dedication of its residents. 

Ability Swing 

One of the standout accomplishments of these community efforts was the installation of the Ability Swing at North Delta’s Annieville Park. Recognizing the lack of accessible play equipment, United Way BC, the North Delta Lions Club, the City of Delta, and Magical Hearts collaborated to install an ability swing – a piece of equipment designed for children and adults with diverse abilities. The swing now serves over 80 local students with special needs, seniors, and others who use mobility aids. More than just a swing, it symbolizes a community commitment to equity, accessibility, and shared joy. This collaboration is a powerful reminder that inclusion is more than a value—it’s something we build, together, in our parks and public spaces. 

Nick’s Nooks 

Another highlight was the creation of four Nick’s Nooks food pantries; grassroots solutions to address food security in North Delta. In July 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of North Delta neighbours, including Hi Neighbour North Delta Community Builder, Cathie, began delivering food hampers to families in need. As demand grew, they created the first Nick’s Nook—a small, anonymous food pantry supported by 30 local stewards. The first Nick’s Nook was named to honour Cathie’s grandson, Nickolas, who passed away at 18. 

As the need for food and essentials grew, so did the commitment. The idea quickly gained momentum, with three more Nooks opening at local churches: New Hope Church, Sunridge Baptist Church and Crossroads Church. Originally started with Local Love funding, the community rallied, securing funding to not only keep the Nooks stocked and reliable, but to expand to meet increasing need. For example, along with being fun for North Delta residents, the annual Halloween Crawl and Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt supported Nick’s Nooks.   

The work of Nick’s Nook inspired students from six local Delta elementary and high schools to tell the story of Nick’s Nook through poetry and illustrations in storybook form through Nick’s Nooks North Delta’s Community Action for Food Security — another testament to the power of working together. The book will be launched in November 2025. 

Alongside Nick’s Nook, there was the Knitting Pantry—a place where yarn and knitting supplies were stored and made available for anyone to use. It became a small but mighty hub of creativity and care, reminding North Deltans that nourishment is not only about food, but also about expression, warmth, and shared humanity. 

A shining heart 

A special spark throughout this journey was Hi Neighbour North Delta Community Builder, Cathie. Cathie’s passion, energy, and skills in organizing, connecting, and inspiring the community made a lasting impact. Her ability to bring people together, empower residents, and make every initiative feel personal and meaningful truly shaped the heart of Hi Neighbour in North Delta. 

“Working with Cathie has been an inspiring experience—she has a true gift for community building and an incredible way of empowering others to step in, contribute, and make a difference together,” says Hala Kapani, United Way BC Community Engagement Specialist. 

Power of partnership 

None of these initiatives would have been possible without partnership. United Way BC is deeply grateful to the City of Delta, Magical Hearts, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Delta Assist, and the many community champions, volunteers, community members, and agencies who walked alongside us. Their collaboration and generosity amplified the impact of every endeavor and ensured that Hi Neighbour’s work was rooted in community care. 

“As a North Delta resident, I’ve seen the power of people here in the everyday moments that give this community its soul. I see it in the volunteer who runs the community page for the small food pantry, making it easy for neighbours to sign up for shifts or donate food so others can take what they need. I hear it in the weekday evenings at the neighbourhood schoolyard, where a group of Punjabi grandmothers share lively conversations and laughter while their grandchildren play tag. And I feel it in the warmth of the local café, where regulars gather each morning to catch up over coffee and muffins, or to simply read the local community paper,” says Cindy Cassidy, United Way BC Engagement Coordinator.  

“These simple slices of community life show how North Delta is a woven together by care, creativity, and the spirit of neighbours showing up for one another.” 

As Hi Neighbour transitions to legacy, we pay tribute to the North Deltans who believed in each other, who rolled up their sleeves, who shared what they had, and who built something lasting. These community projects may have started with United Way BC Hi Neighbour, but their impact and continued success belong to all. To help the community on its journey forward, the Building Inclusive Communities North Delta Community Handbook offers inspiring success stories, resources and tools to spark imagination, and encouragement for creating engaging community projects.  

Together, we are UNITED for communities.