More than 2.4 million people work Canada’s nonprofit sector. They are highly skilled, well-educated, and widely credited with helping the most vulnerable in our communities, especially through the pandemic. In celebration of “Nonprofit Sector Appreciation Week,” in Ontario (Feb 14-20,) Hilborn Charity eNEWS is featuring essential frontline nonprofit workers from across the country whose dedication and passion makes a daily contribution to the communities they serve.

GameChangers902 

GameChangers902 is a volunteer organization founded by three community activists: Kate MacDonald, DeRico Symonds and Trayvone Clayton. Together, they are making space for conversations about racism, leading a movement to a more equitable community where Black and African Nova Scotians are not experiencing discrimination.

They have hosted multiple anti-racist, anti-oppression and Black mental health workshops to educate those who want to support and uplift Black and African Nova Scotian communities. They have also hosted demonstrations and actions and have built a network of professionals and organizations who can support and provide information to Black Nova Scotians.

Public Good Society 

As the public health directives of the COVID-19 pandemic caused programs to move online, the digital divide became more apparent than ever. The Public Good Society of Dartmouth stepped up with a new and innovative solution to ensure community members weren’t left behind. Partnering with non-profits and community organizations, they launched the GEO Project. This initiative provides home internet services and hardware – computers, webcams and even headsets – so that those who can’t afford them, can still access important services, resources, school work and peer support that is needed.

The GEO Project is founded on partnership and collaboration. The Public Good Society, in concert with several other organizations, moved quickly to create a network of partners to address a challenge faced by thousands of households in Nova Scotia. To develop a framework that can respond to that challenge and leverage the knowledge and relationships of community partners is very exciting and something all participants are proud of. Now the Public Good Society is sharing their model for others to replicate elsewhere. Receiving this award has meant that more people can be helped, and has raised awareness of the critical need for people to be connected, locally and across Nova Scotia.

GameChangers902’s mission is to centralize African Nova Scotian experience, culture and history. GameChangers902 want to change the rules of the game and ensure that young African Nova Scotians are invited to the playing field. https://gamechangers902.com

The Public Good Society of Dartmouth works with partner agencies to share resources and knowledge to better understand and address complex social issues facing community members. https://www.publicgoodsociety.ca