'Metro Vancouver charity pleas for revived provincial financial support': Charity in Metro Vancouver urges renewed financial aid from the province.
In Metro Vancouver, the Gaia Community Care and Wellness Society, a charity that supports vulnerable Chinese seniors living independently, is currently facing a funding gap. The charity's provincial funding of $350,000, which accounted for about 40% of its budget, ended in March 2025 [1].
Since the funding ended, Gaia has been actively rallying and advocating for the provincial government to restore this critical funding to continue its operations. A rally was held in August 2025 outside the provincial cabinet offices, supported by Gaia's executive director Percy Wong and B.C. Conservative MLAs, calling on the NDP government to renew and expand the funding [1][4].
The importance of Gaia's services, especially given projections that B.C. will need nearly 16,000 new long-term care beds by 2036 due to aging demographics, was emphasized by the MLAs [1]. The charity helps seniors remain at home, reducing the need for long-term care homes.
Housing Minister Christine Boyle acknowledged the importance of Gaia's culturally and linguistically appropriate services for low-income Chinese seniors. However, she did not provide a timeline or commitment for future support [1]. Boyle stated that B.C. is facing significant fiscal pressures, but is committed to ensuring every dollar spent has the greatest impact on the lives of British Columbians [1].
The funding provided to Gaia by the province was part of a one-time pilot project in 2023 and 2024 [1]. Teresa Wat, B.C. Conservative MLA for Richmond-Brighouse, stated that the message is for the NDP government to restore the funding [1]. Brennan Day, B.C. Conservative MLA for Courtenay-Comox, added that it's critically important that the program is restored and expanded [1].
Gaia's services include housekeeping, counselling, and group classes such as fall safety lessons. The charity is largely volunteer-driven, with costs covering staffing and room rentals [1].
As of August 2025, Gaia continues to advocate for renewed provincial support to sustain its services for vulnerable seniors in Metro Vancouver [1][4].
[1] Vancouver Sun, "Gaia Community Care and Wellness Society urges provincial government to restore funding", August 2025, www.vancouversun.com [4] CBC News, "Gaia Community Care and Wellness Society holds rally to seek renewed funding", August 2025, www.cbc.ca
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