Celebrating community spirit with United Way BC Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley 

Mission’s Cedar Valley neighbourhood is filled with talented, caring people who are passionate about community building. Whether it is garden boxes for seniors, Mela Shaukeena Da celebrations or community cupboards supplying free food and other basics, United Way BC’s Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley connected area residents with Local Love funds – microgrants of up to $1,000 – to help make it happen.  

As Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley moves into the legacy phase of this initiative at the end of September, we are delighted to share some of the activities, led by United Way BC Community Champions, that made this neighbourhood special. 

Growing good 

The ‘Growing Good’ Community Garden Box Project began when the Cedar Valley Hi Neighbour team led by Community Champion Jash, Community Builder Elizabeth, and volunteers delivered garden boxes to 25 participants in the Mission neighbourhood. The project empowers older South Asian residents by helping them to grow veggies in their front lawn gardens. The garden boxes, along with essential supplies such as dirt, compost, and seeds, meant participants got to garden as a fulfilling hobby close to home, which is particularly important for those with mobility issues.   

Two of the garden boxes went to a community member who works with families in Mission who are new to Canada. The families planted their raised garden beds together and tended and shared their yields throughout the summer, giving them a sense of belonging and ownership as they literally and figuratively plant roots in their new community.   

“It was a significant occasion when the newly arrived children in Mission participated in planting and then shared their experiences with the activity. This would not have been possible without the contribution of United Way BC,” says Manpreet Brar from United Way BC community partner, Mission Community Services.  

The Hi Neighbour team also launched the ‘Growing Good’ Facebook page (https://bit.ly/464X8sf) as a place for residents to connect online, share updates, and support one another in their gardening journey. 

Mela Shaukeena Da shares celebration and culture 

Over 1,000 women, many adorned in henna, jewels and colorful suits and saris, came together for Mela Shaukeena Da in Cedar Valley in July 2023. The celebration, which was hosted by Community Champion Jash and partially funded through a United Way Local Love grant, is based on a Punjabi tradition where women gather to visit their friends and families they have left when going to live with their in-laws. The celebration featured performances of Bhangra dancing, and DJ Prince making it a vibrant outdoor party where music and laughter could be heard from blocks away.   

With rising food insecurity in communities across BC, the importance of creating a support system for those in need is increasingly critical. In October 2023, the Cedar Valley community stepped up for their friends and neighbours. 

The Cedar Valley Community Cupboard located at Cedar Valley Church is filled with essential items such as non-perishable food, sanitary products, and diapers. The project was supported by United Way BC and Community Builder Stefany, Cedar Valley Church members, and a devoted team of volunteers at Tools to Empower, who built the cupboard. Working together helped facilitate solutions for Cedar Valley community members during challenging times.  

Art in Park  

Art in the Park has been one of Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley’s most consistently well-attended events. Over the years, the United Way BC team worked closely with the City of Mission Parks, Recreation, and Culture department to hold art events for children and families. All age ranges – from babies to grandparents – have participated in a range of crafty activities involving paint, chalk, markers, scissors, glue, and everything in between! Art projects focused on themes like the Olympics, reading, the beach, and camping have been hugely successful in bringing the community together.

UNITED for communities 

 
“It has been the honour of a lifetime working with the Cedar Valley community in Mission,” says Elizabeth Birak United Way BC Community Engagement Specialist.  “I’ve met and worked alongside the most incredible people who care deeply about their community. It’s a gift to see firsthand that so many of us are eager to make connections, support each other, and create a more inclusive world.”  
 
“Through United Way BC Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley, many Community Champions were able to see their ideas for their communities come to fruition, through tangible support like financial resources through our Local Love Fund, or through mentorship and training.  I’m convinced that the impact of United Way BC Hi Neighbour in these communities will continue through the community champions who live out the values of equity, inclusion, and belonging.” 

As Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley moves into legacy, our Building Inclusive Communities Hi Neighbour Cedar Valley Handbook provides inspirations, tips, tools and resources to ensure Cedar Valley residents continue to lead vibrant and positive community change. 

Leaving a legacy 

Over the past seven years, the United BC Hi Neighbour (HIN) Initiative has succesfully fostered community connections in over 33 communities, including Indigenous Communities and Emergency Response across BC. Since 2021, almost 1,000 Local Love grants have been disbursed for numerous projects, events and other vital community building and rebuilding activities. Almost 165,000 people have been engaged and uplifted to help create healthier, more caring and inclusive communities. 

Together, we are UNITED for communities.