JBCP: Fueled by the community

When the opportunity to participate in the charity pledge program in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon and have people raise money for the James Bay Community Project (JBCP) presented itself, staff outreach worker Noriko Oka quickly joined the organization's marathon team, the James Bay Community Project Runners.

Although initially brought forward by another staffer, who is an avid marathoner herself, Noriko quickly embraced the idea. When asked about her motives for participating on the James Bay Community Project Runners, Noriko explains, "JBCP is such a unique organization. We're very grassroots. I wanted to be part of something that would benefit the amazing community, including volunteers, donors or clients, who are part of the JBCP family."

No stranger to nonprofit organizations, Noriko has worked with a variety of diverse populations, but the JBCP's vision of a healthy, inclusive community resonates with her. Her outreach work for the past two years at JBCP has helped to nourish that commitment. A large part of Noriko's work goes into ensuring that dedicated volunteers are available to support low income seniors or adults with a disability to live independently in their own home. She says, "I love that the James Bay Community Project is volunteer fueled. All of our programs run off that fuel." Some of the roles run by volunteer fuel include Assisted Medical Drives, Friendly Visiting, Downsizing & De-cluttering, Gardening, Walking, Reading and Writing, Shopping and Errands, and Dog Walking.

Noriko, encouraged by the dedication of these volunteers and knowing that JBCP could not exist if not for community funding, joined  the James Bay Community Project Runners. "We (JBCP) need money," is how she plainly states it. "Every day I experience people helping others at the James Bay Community Project. Now the marathon is something I can do to help."

If you would like to join the James Bay Community Project Runners or support Noriko in her fundraising efforts, visit our website at . Pledges made to the James Bay Community Project Runners are tax deductible.

The James Bay Community Project seeks to improve community, family and individual health through a variety of programs and services for all ages. To learn more, visit our website at .

"Building Healthy Community Together"