RBC Foundation Awards $200,000 to Support Accessibility in Building Together Project

This contribution marks the largest donation made by the Royal Bank of Canada on the Sunshine Coast and will be instrumental in funding the accessibility components of the project as part of the 50 Women for SCCSS Capital Campaign.

The Building Together Project is a transformative six-story development that will soon break ground in downtown Sechelt, on land owned by SCCSS. Once completed, this ambitious project will offer 35 safe, affordable, and inclusive housing units for women and women with children. The project will also house a community hub on the first two floors, bringing together SCCSS’s key programs including crisis response, housing support, and advocacy services. Among the many programs to be housed in this new space are the Food Programs, Bellies and Babies, Keeping People Housed, Better at Home, and Youth and Counselling Services.

The RBC Foundation’s generous contribution of $200,000 will specifically support the installation of essential accessibility features throughout the building. These features are critical to ensuring that the facility is welcoming and fully functional for people of all abilities. With a thoughtful design and a focus on community, the Building Together Project aims to revitalize the neighborhood, creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment for everyone who lives and works in the area.

This partnership between the RBC Foundation and SCCSS, made possible through the 50 Women for SCCSS Capital Campaign, reflects a shared dedication to building a stronger and more inclusive community on the Sunshine Coast. Martin Thibodeau, Regional President, BC RBC, emphasized the significance of this contribution, saying:

“At RBC, we believe that creating inclusive experiences can help strengthen our local communities. By incorporating a variety of accessibility components, the Building Together project will help foster inclusion by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in and benefit from the programs and services offered at Sunshine Coast Community Services. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project for many years to come.”

Catherine Leach, Executive Director of SCCSS, expressed gratitude for this support, noting:

“We are incredibly grateful to the RBC Foundation for their commitment to accessibility and for their contribution to the Building Together Project. This contribution will have a huge impact on the accessibility features available in the building, supporting more of our community to feel included and welcomed.”

For more information about the 50 Women for SCCSS Capital Campaign and the Building Together Project, please contact Ginny Hasselfield, Capital Campaign Manager, at 604-813-6409 or email 50women@sccss.ca.