The most important action you can take is to personally understand and reflect on poverty issues. Below are some resources and videos to get you started:

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Poverty 101: Looking for Answers - An informative resource to promote understanding and reflection about poverty issues developed by St. John's poverty reduction team.

Beyond Hunger - Every day, one in eight Canadians struggles to put good food on the table for themselves and their families. Learn more about food insecurity in Canada.

BC Child Poverty Report Card - developed by First Call, the BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition.

Make the Month - An impactful tool developed by the United Way to understand the impact of the choices people make each month when their income is inadequate. Simply choose any city to work through scenarios. 

Women and Poverty in Canada Fact Sheet - from the Canadian Women's Foundation

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Provincial Poverty Reduction Efforts: TogetherBC Provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy + What we Heard About Poverty in BC 

Federal Poverty Reduction Efforts: Opportunity for All - Read Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy

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Course language, viewer discretion advised.

FIND LOCAL SERVICES AND RESOURCES:

Several local organizations in the Ladysmith and Stz'uminus area assist those in our community with services such as the Food Bank and supports for youth, parents and seniors:

Stz'uminus First Nation

Mental health support services:

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KUU-US Crisis Line Society: 24/7 provincial Aboriginal crisis line

Toll-free 1-800-588-8717

250-723-4050 Adults and Elders

250-723-2040 Children and Youth

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Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 

1‑888‑494‑3888 24/7 support.

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Tsow Tun Le Lum: 1-888-403-3123 to access counselling and cultural supports.

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First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Benefit: 250-924-6125 (Oyster Bay Office)

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Metis Supports: Emergency Shelter Toll Free: 1-800-940-1150 | Office: 604-557-5851, Mental Health Support and Youth Mental Health (mentalhealth@mnbc.ca)

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