November 5th Chamber of Commerce Lunch event will showcase the findings of Abbotsford Community Foundation’s ‘Vital Signs Report’, alongside a panel conversation with local leaders on key indicators of well-being in community and food security.
NEWS RELEASE
(ABBOTSFORD, B.C.) October 18th, 2024 - New data assessing quality of life and opportunities for the City of Abbotsford will be announced at the Chamber’s Leaders Lunch on November 5th.
Once every two years, the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) publishes their “Vital Signs” Report. Vital Signs is a national program led by community foundations and coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada that aims to inspire civic engagement and provide focus for public debate in our communities and around the world.
Vital Signs reports are used by residents, business, community organizations, universities and colleges, and government leaders to take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact.
“This year’s Vital Signs Report will continue to share data on key indicators of well-being in community such as community belonging, housing and homelessness, public safety, and work and economy. For the first time, we’ve chosen to spotlight food security since Abbotsford is considered the ‘Bread Basket of BC’ and yet still has citizens who go hungry. We expect this year’s report to be a valuable tool for the City, local organizations and the broader community,” said Areni Kelleppan, Executive Director, Abbotsford Community Foundation
“We’re proud to partner with the Community Foundation on this event as the indicators are valuable as businesses and community members make decisions that further shape our City,” said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “Given Abbotsford’s strong agricultural base on so many local businesses, this year’s theme of food security resonates deeply with Chamber members.”
The November 5th event will take place at the Clarion Hotel in Abbotsford from 11:30-1:30 featuring a moderated panel of local experts:
Dr. Lenore Newman, Director, Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley, and Canada Research Chair in Food and Agriculture Innovation
Rebecca Thuro, Manager of Food Security at Archway Community Services
Colin Watson, Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department
Quick Facts about the Vital Signs Report:
- Over 500 responses received from this year’s survey
- Abbotsford’s growth continues to outpace BC’s population growth
- Incidence of chronic disease continues to be slightly higher in Fraser Valley East compared to the rest of BC
- Of those surveyed, 40% of Abbotsford residents feel crime has increased
Associated Links:
Register to attend the November 5th Event
###
About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has served the business community of Abbotsford with an attitude of vibrant engagement and proactive non-partisan advocacy for over 110 years. With over 700 members, it is the largest Chamber in the Fraser Valley, located in the 5th largest city in the province. The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
About the Abbotsford Community Foundation:
Since its inception in 1979, Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has invested more than $20 million into our community. From student awards, to community and agricultural grants, to ad hoc funding supports to meet the greatest needs in community, ACF is here for Abbotsford. For more information on how you can support ACF's work and to read their 2023 Annual Report, please visit their website at www.abbotsfordcf.org
Media contact:
Nathalie Darwin
Communications Manager
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
hello@abbotsfordchamber.com
604-859-9651 x 301
Areni Kelleppan,
Executive Director
Abbotsford Community Foundation
areniK@abbotsfordcf.org