WHAT’S NEW

As summer arrives, we gather with family and friends in parks, at festivals, concerts and sporting events. While Vancouver welcomes visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup we also celebrate our diverse communities of culture, art and interests. Aunt Leah’s deeply appreciates our community’s shared purpose – one that makes meaningful change possible for those affected by the child welfare system.

In this newsletter, we celebrate the successes of our She Thrives Campaign, look back on Child and Youth in Care Week, recognize the achievements of one of our inspiring award recipients, and share a housing update from Aunt Leah’s Properties. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

She Thrives

Thanks to your generosity, advocacy, and engagement the campaign raised $29,830, exceeded its fundraising goal and unlocked  the full $25,000 matching gift offered by Anne  in support of our Thresholds program for vulnerable women at risk of losing custody of their children. 

Just as importantly, the campaign raised awareness about the realities facing young women leaving government care, especially those who are pregnant or parenting.

Thank you to the 39 people who donated, all of you who shared a story, attended an event, learned more about the issues, or helped spread the word. She Thrives created opportunities to listen to lived experiences, deepen understanding, and strengthen support for young women and families in our community.

 

 

Each year, BC Child & Youth in Care Week celebrates the strengths, talents, and achievements of young people in and from care. It is an opportunity to recognize success and highlight the many contributions youth make to their communities.

At Aunt Leah’s, we celebrated by hosting our Annual Youth Awards ceremony and an outing for youth to Central City Fun Park.  

The Youth Awards event brought participants, staff, donors, and volunteers together to recognize young people who demonstrate resilience, leadership, kindness, determination, and a commitment to their goals.

This year, we were proud to recognize five outstanding award recipients:

• Jeremy Wright Award: Amarissa Jackson
• Champion Award: Lin Ksor
• Rona Award: Ashley Bezanson
• Leah Award: Samantha Siu
• Leadership Award: Jade Ryan

Congratulations to this year’s recipients.

Below, we are pleased to share the story of Ashley, our Rona Award recipient.

Ashley, Rona Award recipient

As a former youth in care and a single mother to a six-year-old daughter, Ashley has shown incredible resilience while building a future that works for both of them.

Finding a career path that offered both financial stability and the flexibility required for solo parenting was a key challenge. Through the Employ to Empower Business Skills Training Program, Ashley discovered a pathway to self-employment that allows her to support her family while remaining present in her daughter’s life.

Through this journey, Ashley turned her passion for holistic wellness into Green Fairy Apothecary, a small business offering handmade soaps, bath bombs, and bath soaks.

Ashley has created a path where she does not have to choose between providing for her child and being present in her life. Her determination and clear vision for her future continue to shape a life grounded in stability, purpose, and care for both herself and her daughter. 

We extend our congratulations to Ashley on receiving the 2026 Rona Award and on the path she continues to create with her daughter.