[The poster of a nonprofit organization. Photo Credit to Mark An]

On June 12, 2025, students at an Abbotsford school were given the opportunity to participate in a special project focused on nonprofit organizations, resulting in meaningful community impact and substantial donations for local causes.

As part of the assignment, students were asked to choose any nonprofit organization and deliver a presentation to help others understand and become more aware of the organization.

One group presented on Better Life Canada, a nonprofit organization that supports people who have been incarcerated.

The group conducted research and found that among 4 million Canadians, approximately 10 percent of the population have a criminal record.

Better Life Canada reaches out to these individuals by providing supportive services through faith-based communities that offer guidance and mentorship support.

According to the Better Life Canada website, “Better Life integration and support is a non-profit organization that serves individuals who are incarcerated or recently released in Victoria, the Fraser Valley, and the Metro Vancouver area.”

“We seek to bring together volunteer spiritual caregivers and spiritual care-recipients into mentorship based on the individuals’ desire to connect with the faith community as part of their reintegration plan.”

The organization provides reintegration programs to support individuals who were formerly incarcerated. 

These programs include mentorship and counseling services through faith-based communities, as well as opportunities to serve as caregivers. 

The students also examined the current financial situation of Better Life Canada.

For years, Better Life Canada ran a successful reintegration project in British Columbia and the Yukon area, helping more than 100 individuals each month.

However, their main funding, which had been provided by Correctional Service Canada, was transferred to a private corporation based in Florida.

This transfer put Better Life Canada in a difficult situation. 

They had to lay off their key staff members and now rely mostly on volunteers to continue their work.

Following the presentations, a local foundation offered to donate funds  after hearing the nine presentations that were delivered by different student groups.

While most of the groups earned $500 donations, the Better Life Canada group was awarded a $1000 donation, double the average amount.

Thanks to their efforts, the students successfully delivered their presentation and achieved the best possible result, demonstrating their strong presentation skills to their peers.

One male student mentioned, “We were successful because we used our class time wisely to avoid falling behind, and also carefully read the instructions that our teacher provided.”

Multiple students said that this was a meaningful project where they had the chance to express their ideas to others and also learn from one another.

As part of their research, students contacted local non-profits via email and asked questions such as what motivated them to start the organization, and what they hope to accomplish in the future.

As a result, students not only improved their communication skills, but also helped spread awareness of nonprofit organizations that play important roles in today's society.

The success of this project demonstrates the deep potential for even greater impact in the future.

With the support and involvement of others, more awareness can be brought to important causes like Better Life Canada.

It is clear that young generations are not only the leaders of the future but are already shaping communities today, leading others toward a better world for all.