In the realm of aviation, where the sky is the limit, Helijet has been soaring high not just in the skies but also in community service and environmental stewardship. Two aspects that truly set them apart are their meaningful partnership with Power To Be and their dedicated efforts towards environmental sustainability.

Last year, Power To Be was invited to join a Capital Regional District (CRD) engagement session to discuss their plan for creating modifications and adaptations in five of their regional parks. We are excited to be working with the parks sector to bridge the intentions and practice for inclusion and accessibility. Through partnerships we can collectively remove barriers and create lifelong connections to beautiful spaces and places.

Power To Be would like to extend a huge thank you for the amazing support that we received in the past couple of weeks for our pavilion and playspace projects, 25th anniversary events, and other exciting development of our community and spaces. We are so grateful for people who stand behind our mission and show their support in such diverse and purposeful ways.

Over the years, many people in our communities have had the chance to visit Have A Go Days – a free, open-invite, no-registration, drop-in opportunity to visit us, try out Power To Be’s programs, and meet our community partners. As we reflect on our past 25 years, now is a great time to share the story of Have A Go Days in both Victoria and Vancouver: where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’d like to go.

Tēnā Koutou, Nau Mai Koutou, Kia Ora Tātou Katoa! (A warm and generous welcome, greeting and acknowledgement to all of you reading this post) Ko Tangata Māori ahau (I am a Māori Person ‘visiting’ here on these Indigenous lands and waters of Vancouver Island)

As I reflect on the milestones in my life, 2023 holds a special place. It marks Power To Be's 25th anniversary and also 20 years since a car crash that altered the course of my existence. Little did I know that these seemingly unrelated events would intertwine and lead me to discover resilience, hope, and a renewed zest for life.

For the past 15 years, the Family Roots program has been a core program offering here at Power To Be. Through partnership with Human Nature Counselling, the 5-month program supports solo-parent families living within Greater Victoria, B.C.

Ryan Peterson advocates for inclusion and leverages his creative thinking to drive change in the area of accessibility.  Ryan, a prominent name in the BC tech industry, and his wife Monica have a passion for inclusion and accessibility.  They established the Peterson Family Foundation to champion a world where barriers are removed, creating an environment that inspires creativity and possibility. 

Power To Ski is an epic weekend of adrenaline-fueled powder skiing, fantastic food, comradery, and philanthropy deep in the Monashee mountains. The event was the brainchild of Power To Be’s founder Tim Cormode and a handful of loyal supporters over a decade ago.  Mustang Powder Lodge is the perfect place to host this spectacular experience.

In celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week we want to express a big THANK YOU to all of the incredible community members who have supported us through acts of volunteerism over Power To Be’s 25 years. The 2023 theme for National Volunteer Week is “Volunteering Weaves us Together.”

This year marks an incredible milestone for Power To Be, as we celebrate our 25^th anniversary! For 25 years, Power To Be has supported children, youth, families and adults living with barriers to discover limitless possibilities in our adaptive, inclusive nature-based programs. Throughout this time, we have seen the building of a beautiful community, including participants, volunteers, staff, partners, and donors’ intent on including everyone in the journey.

On October 4, 2022, I took a world-class helicopter sightseeing trip around Southern Vancouver Island. The helicopter tour was arranged by Tim Cormode, Founder of Power To Be and now-CEO of Power To Give. Taking in panoramic views of local Victoria landmarks, travelling over Sooke Potholes and along the Greater Victoria Water Supply area, we connected as a family, colleagues, and new friends.

At Power To Be, we want to help our participants build skills and create positive outdoor experiences by removing barriers to nature. We are proud to offer a wide variety of programs to accommodate as many of our community’s needs as possible. The Inclusive Adventures stream is designed for folks who are keen to learn and grow through outdoor adventures.

Long Beach Lodge boasts a spectacular view, incredible amenities, and warm hospitality. Located steps away from Cox Bay beach, just outside Tofino, BC, Long Beach Lodge has become a valued and generous partner of Power To Be.

Power To Be applied for the Toyota Cars For Good program back in 2021 and was thrilled to learn that we had been selected as a recipient of a brand new Toyota Highlander Hybrid alongside Manitoba Wheelchair Sport Association and People in Motion. Thank you Toyota Cars For Good for helping us increase the good that we can do in our community!

Sometimes with a collaboration, all the moving pieces fit perfectly together, to create something truly beautiful. For 2021's edition of Sandpiper's annual holiday card, Power To Be participant, Adam, created a  beautiful design that aligned with Sandpiper's vision. The card was inspired by the word 'connection', and the result was amazing.

Students from Camosun College's Hospitality Management program fundraised for Power To Be with purpose and passion. They organized an evening of luxury with a wilderness boat tour, a three-course meal and a silent auction.

Each April, a group of 36 skiers come together for a backcountry cat ski trip in support of Power To Be, based out of the Mustang Powder lodge. This epic weekend boasts big powder, amazing food, and access to an outstanding mountain landscape.

Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. In celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we would like to express immense gratitude for our dedicated community of volunteers.

Last month we partnered with Helicopters Without Borders (HWB), a grassroots charity in Vancouver, to donate paddleboards to Kitasoo First Nation. The paddleboards will be used this summer, amongst the whole community, so that everyone in the Kitasoo Nation has an opportunity to explore nature.