November 17th 2020

Friends and supporters,

On November 20, the Umbrella Society celebrates an important milestone -- its 20th anniversary.

To honour the occasion, we're taking a look back at how far our small but mighty organization has come over two decades, while also casting our eyes to the future.

What's next for Umbrella?

And how can you help us, help others, as we start the next 20 years?

Because, it's your support that keeps us going.

These are extraordinary and difficult times.

COVID-19 has made life even harder for the most vulnerable in our community, who are struggling with mental health and addictions challenges while on their journey to recovery.

But it is also possible to find incredible examples of hope and inspiration when you look at the dedicated staff and board at Umbrella, or when you hear the stories of people who have gone through our services like peer outreach, counselling, group sessions or housing like Foundation House and Hudson House. We feature some of those stories every month here in our newsletter, and on our website and social media feeds.

Umbrella has risen to the challenge of the times, like it always has since Nov. 20, 2000, when Umbrella was founded on a shoe-string budget as a one-person mobile peer support service for those grappling with substance use.

Since then, we've opened an office and grown to 33 staff, led by Executive Director Sharlene. We have staff inside Victoria hospitals, shelters and out in communities from Saltspring to Sooke.

And during the pandemic, we added more groups, services and programs to meet the needs and demands and to provide outreach and support inside several government-run hotels and shelters. 

Umbrella has never been larger, or busier, than it is now.

There are so many people to help, and still not enough staff or services to meet the demand.

Over the years, many of you have chipped in $5 here and there to help buy coffee for a client who might be meeting a support worker for the first time, and taking that all-important first step on a recovery journey. 

We've been grateful for your support.

Umbrella had big plans to celebrate this anniversary that included a fundraiser to help fund our programs, but, like all of us, we have had to take a step back and follow Provincial guidelines, which means online asks, like this one, are all we are able to do this year.
On this 20th anniversary, we're asking you to consider helping us with a donation.

Every contribution over $20 is eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

And anything you can give would be appreciated.

The funds we receive will help Umbrella start its next 20 years on strong and stable footing.

You can go here to easily make a donation online.

We're gently encouraging anyone who can afford to do so, to also consider making a recurring monthly contribution, which helps give us even more certainty about how we can grow in the future.

It's been an incredible two decades. 

Just recently, in February, Umbrella completed one of the most significant transactions in its history when it purchased Foundation House, our second stage home for men. Now, instead of being renters, worried about whether the house can stay open, we are landlords, fixing up our character home with a new coat of paint and caring for a building that will be used to care for many others in the years ahead.

It's an example of the great things we can do together.

Thank-you for being such strong supporters for the past 20 years.

Ways to Donate

In Person: We accept cash, cheque, credit or debit.

By Mail: #8-415 Dunedin St, Victoria, BC  V8T 5G8

Online: www.canadahelps.org ( credit card and securities donations)

By Paypal: Please email donations to wecanhelp@umbrellasociety.ca and follow up with an email that includes your first and last name and address for your tax receipt.

Other ways to give: While fundraising events in person are on hold, we are grateful for all the Facebook fundraisers people have created for Umbrella. If you would like help setting one up please let us know.