2023 Impact Report

2023

Impact Report

Our Inspiration and Looking Ahead celebrated their 15th and 16th anniversaries, respectively, and reflected on their growth in that time. Our Landscape and Restoration Employment Program, in collaboration with CanAssist and other community partners, saw its first cohort graduate and advance to further education and careers.

From left: Jason Cole, Rahul Ray, Dana Hutchings

Dear friends of Power To Be, We are excited to share our 2023 Impact Report, highlighting our achievements from the past year.

As leaders of a social impact organization, we are continually inspired by the exceptional work of our staff and volunteers, including our devoted board of directors, and the dedication and enthusiasm of our partners and supporters. We truly have an incredible community. What a year! Thank you!

Our mission remains focused on building community by removing barriers and inviting everyone to explore possibilities in nature. We are steadfast in our vision of creating a world where all can experience the transformative power of the great outdoors. Nature belongs to everyone, and everyone belongs in nature.

In 2023, through partnerships with more than 70 organizations, we offered a wide array of accessible and inclusive activities to 904 participants through 2,494 unique visits. These activities included adaptive hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and newer offerings like shelter-building and equine-assisted learning. We spent 132 days on the water and 189 days on trails. Our Family Roots and Wilderness School programs

We expanded our reach beyond last year’s achievements, growing our provincial work while also making more regional and national connections. This year, we spent countless hours collaborating with community partners, including Parks Canada, BC Children’s Hospital, the Capital Regional District, and BC Parks in order to advance the inclusion movement. At our Prospect Lake campus, we had a significant year for research. Collaborations with partners like Swim, Drink, Fish and Rocky Point Bird Observatory enhanced community understanding of our local water and birds.

Two additional highlights this year came from awards. Jason Cole was honoured as the first non-profit leader to receive the Roy Group's MacGregor Cup for leadership excellence, and our Prospect Lake campus won a Capital Region Commercial Building Award in the Green and Sustainability category, making this our second building award alongside 2022’s EcoStar award.

Our accomplishments are made possible by the generous support of our donors and partners.

Your contributions enable us to continue, expand, and enhance our work. Reflecting on the past year, we are grateful for our progress and acknowledge that there is more to be done. With your continued support, we will extend our inclusive reach and continue to change lives.

Please enjoy our 2023 Impact Report, and thank you for being part of our community.

Dana Hutchings

Jason Cole

Rahul Ray

Co-CEO

Co-CEO

Board Chair

Cover: Participants Colton and Adam take in the sights

Mitch, Ryan, and Wendy enjoy an adaptive hike in Victoria.

Mission, Vision, and Why Our Mission

Power To Be is driven by our mission, inspired by our vision, and grounded in our reason for why we do what we do. We are grateful to everyone who has been a part of our journey and contributed to the sense of home and community that we feel and embody today.

We build community by removing barriers and inviting people to explore what’s possible in nature.

Our Vision Everyone belongs in nature.

Nature belongs in everyone.

We affirm, with respect, the unceded lands and waterways of the Coast Salish Peoples where we live, learn, and play.

Our Why We believe nature can transform lives.

Our Program Streams 2023 was a fantastic year for programs.

Our Wilderness School celebrated its 16th anniversary, we launched our Landscape and Restoration Employment Program in partnership with CanAssist, and we led our Active Grief, Active Hope program. We also introduced new wilderness activities, like shelter building and equine-assisted learning.

Thank you to our dedicated program facilitators and our enthusiastic participants, who engaged with one (or many!) of our programs this year. We are extremely proud of the work we do together, and are lucky to be able to spend so much time out in nature with our community.

We offered 428 programs in total, spending 1565.5 hours in nature. We spent 132 days on the water, and 189 days on the trail, with 904 unique participants. 189 of our 428 programs, or 44.2% were environmental, including restoration and stewardship of animals.

2,494

Participant Visits

Based on our program evaluation, 100% of respondents said they would recommend Power To Be to others.

100% Recommended

Activities We Offered This Year:

INCLUSIVE ADVENTURES Building skills and creating positive outdoor experiences by removing barriers to nature.

PADDLEBOARDING

YOGA

CAMP CRAFT

INCLUSIVE HIKING

CANOEING

CAMPING

NATURE EXPLORATION

KAYAKING

ROCK CLIMBING

WILDERNESS WELLNESS Experiences that nurture wellbeing and focus on personal growth.

CATALYST FOR GOOD Pursuing projects for social and environmental change.

Our focus is flexible to fill specific needs.

GEOCACHING

MINDFULNESS

Our Program Outcomes Are Focused On: → Physical Activity → Outdoor Proficiency & Confidence → Nature Access → Emotional & Mental Health

→ Social Skills → Inclusion Understanding → Sense of Belonging → Nature Knowledge

Did You Know?

B.C. is home to over 50,000 species of plants and animals, which is more diverse than anywhere else in Canada. (bcwf.bc.ca)

Our Community Our adventures include everyone! With the support of our community, we provide the tools, resources, and space for our participants to discover their full potential, achieve their goals, and explore the magic of the outdoors.

"On hikes, snowshoeing, in the forest, or kayaking, my heart seems to beat differently.

I love the sense of safety I feel on trips with Power To Be – that’s so important to me."

"Power To Be has helped me to gain confidence.

I remember trying adaptive paddleboarding. My knees were shaking, but [I stood up] with the support of Power To Be staff surrounding me!”

- Sheila, Program Participant

- Brittany, Program Participant

Needs We Support

Age Groups We Support

Nature Access Other Support/Family Mental Health Physical Autism Undersupported Youth Developmental New Canadians Oncology

Children (0-12) 16%

22% 19% 16%

Adults (26+) 34%

10% 8%

Young Adult (19-25) 17%

8% 8% 5% 2% 2%

0

5

10

15

20

25

While 100% of our programs are nature access, the statistical category of Nature Access describes organizations or communities seeking nature access, like Indigenous communities, schools, youth groups, and community-service teams. Support/family represents those who are supporting others on program e.g. caregivers, family. Other describes people who sought us out for a primary reason not otherwise reflected here and where their reason represented 1% or less of the total. Examples include ADHD, rare illnesses, and elder support.

Youth (13-18) 33%

The Power of Progressive Programs Through our programming, we strive to offer something for everyone. From spending a few hours getting to know us at a Have A Go Day, to spending two and a half years with a tight-knit group of peers through our Wilderness School program, we offer a broad range of possibilities.

It is undeniable though, that there is something particularly magical about the impact of our progressive programs – the ongoing programming opportunities that allow participants to engage with a consistent group of peers. These include Wilderness School, and the Fern, Salal, and Fawn Lily programs, which support neurodiversity and focus on nature skills, social skills, and creating a safe, supportive environment where youth can be themselves, and be celebrated for that.

Our foundational Wilderness School program brings youth together for day activities, seasonal weekend trips, and multi-day spring and summer excursions through some of the most beautiful areas of Vancouver Island.

Often, we associate backcountry travel with physical prowess, but we sometimes overlook the significance of internal reflection, interpersonal communication, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Our progressive programs focus on a range of social and technical skills, including:

Social/ Emotional Skills Communication

At the outset of the expedition, participants often wonder, "Can I really do this?"

By the end, they know, "I can."

Technical Backcountry Skills Camping

Self-Care

Leave No Trace Principles

Teamwork Risk Management Hiking Endurance

Bioluminescence Paddle

Strathcona Hike

Backpacking

The Wilderness School program represents the soul of what we really do – it establishes community. It offers a place where participants feel like they can be themselves, that there are other people like them.

– Mike Milner, Wilderness School Program Facilitator

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Elly’s Story

I feel grateful that [my child] has continued to participate with the Wilderness School because I know she is spending time outside, learning how to navigate social interactions in a supported environment, and getting a break from both technology and her regular stresses.

– Parent of Wilderness School Participant

Elly’s story with Power To Be began at 13 years old as a neighbour of now Co-CEO Jason Cole, who encouraged her to apply to become a participant in Power To Be’s Wilderness School.

After graduating from Wilderness School, Elly pursued paramedic school and firefighter training, and continues to serve as a firefighter to this day.

“Unless you experience it, it’s hard to describe how good programs like this are. It’s incredible to think about the opportunities that exist with Power To Be.”

Elly is now entering her final year of her Bachelor of Social Work program. During her program, she spent 4 months working at Power To Be as a practicum student.

Of her time at Power To Be, she says, “I can say truthfully that I would not be in this position if it were not for the inspiration and support I received from my 10 years with Power To Be.”

Witnessing the boost in confidence in kids at the end of a program compared to the beginning is incredible. It’s experiences like this that keep reminding me of the profound impact that these programs actually have.

– Em McFarland Oliemans, Salal Program Facilitator

“Power To Be has played a major role in my life for many years, and will for the rest of my life.”

Landscaping & Restoration Employment Program

What began as a pilot project to empower eight young adults facing diverse barriers has grown into a vibrant community of learners, nurtured by the guiding principles of nature itself. At its core, our Landscaping and Restoration Employment Program is more than an employment training initiative: it’s a holistic approach to empowerment.

One of the program’s cornerstones is its alignment with the 12 Permaculture Principles, which provide a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of ecological systems. Thanks to the generous support of the CIBC Foundation and the partnership of the University of Victoria’s CanAssist Program, we’ve been able to bring this vision to life, fostering a learning environment where participants thrive both personally and professionally.

Partners CIBC Foundation University of Victoria CanAssist Program Hatchet & Seed The Compost Education Centre

Goals of the Program Satinflower Nurseries Butchart Gardens Horticulture College of the Pacific PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱

Technical Landscaping and Restoration Skills Interpersonal Skills and Social Development

Employment Readiness Self-Advocacy and Confidence

As of the time of this writing, 83% of cohort alumni have secured employment.

Pruning!

Planting Seeds

Greenhouse Days

Guided by two Power To Be professionals - Kallie, a compassionate leader in pursuit of a Masters in Counselling with a passion for nature-based healing, and Erin, a Certified Red Seal Horticulturist with a knack for nurturing botanical wonders - the program has flourished. Together, they’ve cultivated a space where participants can root themselves in knowledge, grow in confidence, and bloom into their fullest potential.

Cohort members also learned the importance of the diversity that is present in both nature and themselves, and learned how to respect native plants and Indigenous peoples.

Our cohort has travelled deep into the intricacies of landscaping, honing their skills in planting techniques, tool usage, and plant identification. Yet, it’s been the intangible growth - the newfound sense of belonging, the blossoming of confidence, the nurturing of community - that truly defines this program’s success.

This is the first place where I have felt that I truly belong and am accepted for who I am.

– Landscaping and Restoration Employment Program Cohort Member

Kallie

Erin

Did You Know?

Vancouver Island has some of the tallest and oldest spruce & cedars in the world, with some over 1,000 years old. (discovervancouverisland.com)

Gardeni ng!

Our Volunteers Power To Be is honoured to have an immense support system devoted to our mission and programs. In 2023, volunteers helped facilitate our programs and maintain our beautiful 78-acre Prospect Lake Site in valuable and diverse ways: keeping our existing trails in shape, building new trails, renovating the playspace, and building the pavilion—all of which are key to our program development and expansion. Our board members also volunteered countless hours of their time to leadership and to our mission, vision, and values.

Having the opportunity to be outdoors surrounded by others makes me feel less lonely.

– Volunteer survey, 2023

With your people, at your site, I feel safe.

– Volunteer survey, 2023

It is this collaboration between staff, volunteers, and community partners that makes what we do possible and aids in our commitment to being responsible stewards to this land. We are deeply grateful and appreciative for their commitment and enthusiasm for our shared dedication to inclusion, accessibility, environmental stewardship, and mental health and wellness.

102 Volunteers 3,215 Hours Infinite Appreciation Our Board Members Rahul Ray | Simon Bruce-Lockhart | Navdeep Gill | Lauren McNeil Adam McLean | Andrea Carey | Alyssa Hindle | James Heth | Paul Corns

2023 VOLUNTEERS Gary S Lindsay W Anna Mae S Debbie C Jay S Owen M Elyse R Shylayne D Moira B Leonhard B Anna B 07Laura W Wendy M Hailey F

Talia S Nicole G John Z Annelise M Lauren W Heidi W Pamela G Ginny K Jonathan F Iris H Lynn A Elly C Justin B Elan F

Josée M Heather M Adam S Milene B Erin D Saurabh R Gabrielle K Alexander T Megan W Tyler T D’Arcy M Danielle G Lacy B Erin H

Laura O Alex J Diane T Kimberleigh D Nate D Jackie G Ben M Jenna B Brandee D Katy W Mariana M Ute K Sarah H Stevie F

Janice M Dee-Ann M Abigail I Michelle W Jonathan W Erin M Tim C Tania F Dan O Renate C Naomi F Savannah M Don K Allison G

Monique G George V Greg C Liz B Tamra F Neil C Trent S Steve A Nicole B Luke A Jasmin B Hayley C Yasuko C Stephan D

Allison F Anya F Chris F Italo F Cindy G Matteo G Francis K Michael R Alex Y

Staff Training

As life never stops teaching, our team never stops learning. Throughout 2023, our staff immersed themselves in trainings, workshops, and better practices to learn new and refreshed tactics in order to allow us to see beyond our limits and explore what’s possible. We honour our responsibility to continually improve on our roles here at Power To Be.

A few of the certifications and programs we engaged in in 2023: Certified Lumina Spark practitioner Certified payroll practitioner Updated swim tests & water sports training Anti-racism training with Chanelle Tye Presentations on reconciliation and elder

Our Goals Gain perspective and further our understanding Strengthen our commitment to inclusion Stay connected and in line with industry best practices Connect with each other and the world Never stop learning

practices with local knowledge keepers and elders MANDT trainings on reducing workplace violence Emergency safety training International Women’s Day workshops on effective communication in leadership Jumpstart training on inclusion and anti-bullying Neurodiversity training Brené Brown’s Dare To Lead book club Inclusive leadership training

At Dare To Lead...I learned to embrace vulnerability, tackle tough conversations, and grow from setbacks to lead bravely and authentically in a culture where people feel safe and respected.

- Jasmine Parr, Community Engagement Specialist

Did You Know?

Being surrounded by trees can help energize us, thanks to the aroma compound (terpene) pinene, which is found mainly in pine trees. (hellobc.com)

Our 25th Anniversary In September, Power To Be marked its 25th anniversary with two incredible events filled with laughter, music, and a sense of community spirit.

On September 8th, we hosted an outdoor soirée at Prospect Lake. Picture twinkling lights, delicious food, and heartwarming conversations under the open sky as we came together to raise funds in support of our mission. The generosity of our attendees was truly inspiring, with over $200,000 pledged to Power To Be's important work.

On September 9th, the same spot was filled with activity as we welcomed our community for a day of adaptive sports, music, art, and more. We even had a special ceremony of gratitude, where we reflected on the past and shared our hopes for the future. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to contribute to a time capsule, a symbol of our journey over the past 25 years.

Items added to the capsule will be preserved and revealed 25 years from now, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of Power To Be. We’ll see you in 25 years when we open it!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers and community partners who made the day truly successful. Special recognition goes to the Capital Regional District, Swim Drink Fish, JB Williams, Bicycle Pizza, and Sarah Jim for their invaluable support.

Video Recap

Speaking of Sarah Jim, we are overjoyed to welcome her stunning mural to our Prospect Lake home. Her beautiful artwork, inspired by the values of connection, respect, inclusivity, and balance, is a testament to the rich tapestry of our community.

It's a tribute to the traditional lands of the W̱ SÁNEĆ peoples, which we are honoured to call home.

People & Culture Arts and Crafts

Sarah Jim, artist at work. See the finished mural on the back cover!

We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with our community, and look forward to many more years of empowering adventures together.

Prospect Lake feels like home.

– Participant

!

Fresh Pizza

Hand Painting !

Did You Know?

The sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness and relaxation. (hellobc.com)

Hands of Friendship

When we invited the Capital Regional District, our long-time inclusion partners, to host an activity booth at our 25th anniversary, Leslie McGarry [CRD Regional Parks Cultural Programmer] suggested a powerful idea. Anniversary attendees pressed their hands into paint and onto fabric that would be transformed into a button blanket. Button blankets have been used in ceremonial practices of coastal First Nations since the early days of the fur trade. Over several months, Leslie hand-stitched

this blanket as a gift to celebrate our partnership and anniversary. Blue, green, & white paint symbolize ocean, lakes, forests, & peace, and Leslie incorporated buttons from her family that have been gathered over the past 25 years. The handprints represent gratitude from Power To Be’s community, with two hands at the top representing the territories of the lək̓ ʷəŋən and WSÁNEC Peoples. The blanket will be featured at our Prospect Lake site.

EPIC Learning Victoria

Partnerships & Research Power To Be employs excellent facilitators that bring knowledge, energy, and a wealth of intangible skills that allow students to push beyond their comfort zones to connect with the outdoors.

- Community Group Champion

Swim Drink Fish The power of community is felt energetically at Power To Be. Alongside our staff, volunteers, and board team, we work with service and referral partners at our Victoria and Vancouver locations, as well as local site partners and community groups to create meaningful and long-lasting connections with those who share our passion about getting everyone into nature. Our team is vast and mighty!

Site Partners

64

Service Partners

33

Community Groups

Power To Be is proud to work together with each and every one of our groups and partners, such as:

Canucks Autism Network Habitat Acquisition Trust Capital Regional District (CRD) BC Parks, BC Parks Foundation BC Children’s Hospital CanAssist at UVic Human Nature Counselling

Rocky Point Bird Observatory

Rocky Point Bird Observatory Power To Be is proud to partner with RPBO, a registered charitable organization that seeks to influence and inform conservation and ecological management practises of migratory birds in western North America through monitoring, scientific research, and public education.

“We are thrilled to partner with Power To Be...We appreciate having this valuable opportunity to talk to people of all ages about birds and their importance in the ecosystem.”

- Jannaca Chick, RPBO

Swim Drink Fish Power To Be is honoured to be partnering with Swim Drink Fish, a Canadian charity organization dedicated to monitoring, restoring, and protecting local waters. Our Prospect Lake site is a new Water Monitoring Hub where Swim Drink Fish can conduct their water quality monitoring program.

“Both of our organizations share the mission of belonging...This is the way forward in creating a more inclusive, just, and healthy world, where people and nature thrive together” - Mark Mattson, Swim Drink Fish President

EPIC LEARNING EPIC Learning Victoria is a nonprofit organization offering a blended online learning program, operating part-time here at our Prospect Lake site.

I think it’s very, very impactful...

They’re learning a lot of resilience, and have the space to be creative and to grow, and develop deeper relationships with the land. It’s so beautiful to see the connection they form with nature.

- Jamie, EPIC Learning Victoria

Did You Know?

Over 100 species feed on wild salmon, including orcas, grizzlies, and eagles. The bears bring the fish into the forest before eating to protect their catch from other bears, and the leftover salmon turns into fertilizer for the trees and plants (bcwf.bc.ca)

Our 2023 Firsts

Did You Know?

Of all the Canadian provinces and territories, BC has the richest diversity of vascular plants, mosses, mammals, butterflies, and breeding birds. (naturetrust.bc.ca)

First non-profit leader to win the Roy Group’s MacGregor Cup for Excellence in Leadership: Jason Cole

First Capital Region Commercial Building Award, in the category of Green and Sustainability

First time launching canoes at Tsartlip with the W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School

First time that staff and participants provided feedback on the BC Parks Foundation EDI Guidelines

First time Vancouver’s Have a Go Day had an attendance of 75 people: highest attendance yet

First program for female and/or queer youth: Fawn Lilies

First Documentary!

Everyone Belongs in Nature: Building a Home for Power To Be

Watch It Here!

First full year operating out of our new buildings

Financials Our Financials We are proud to lead with responsible financial decisions, which are crucial for the quality of our programs and our impact in our community. We are so grateful to everyone who continues to invest in our journey of removing barriers to nature and fostering inclusive spaces of learning, exploration, and adventure.

Distribution of Expenses For every

$1 raised...

Program Support 65%

$3.24

Donor Engagement 27%

is returned to our core mission.

Core Mission Operations 8%

Sources of Revenue Government Contributions 1% Program Fees 2%

Foundations 63%

Individual Giving 2% Interest Income 3.5% Corporations 7.5%

Donor Engagement Activities 21%

Revenue: $3,834,768

In-Kind Support: $156,929

Thank You We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to our supporters, with a special thank you for the donation made in honour of Ted and Loretta Rogers. The impact created in our community would not be possible without your kind and generous contributions.

The Blidner Family Foundation

We are so grateful to share and celebrate natural spaces with our community, which allows us the opportunity to deepen our intentions towards reconciliation, land stewardship, and inclusion. Thank you to everyone who participates, volunteers, or supports Power To Be's programs.

Learn more and donate today!

Thank you for being a part of our adventure.

powertobe.ca 250.385.2363 | info@powertobe.ca

Charity #: 861269959RR0001