Stories

Transforming lives begins with something as simple as a friendly smile and a non-judgmental ear.

That’s why Our Place believes in offering a hand up rather than a hand out. The lives that have been transformed because of the love, support and friendship that radiates within our building is incredible. See a few of our stories below, plus more stories can be found on our Donor Impact and Gratitude pages.

December 12, 2023

Devon’s Story

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December 12, 2023

It only takes one hour a week to give Devon a reason to keep on fighting. It’s during those precious 60 minutes that she gets to…

October 25, 2023

Bruce’s Story

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October 25, 2023

Housing changed everything for Bruce. Not only did it get him off the streets, but it gave him the courage to change his life. Born…

June 15, 2023

Normand’s Story

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June 15, 2023

Normand — known on the streets of Victoria as The Poet — is a man who feels immensely. His thoughts come to him in poetry, the…

February 7, 2023

Thomas’s Story

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February 7, 2023

Thomas has never had trouble excelling at anything he puts his mind to, but he has struggled in the past to find true purpose. That…

January 26, 2023

Maree’s Story

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January 26, 2023

While Maree is a beacon of sunshine as a volunteer in Our Place’s computer lab, it’s her grit and determination that make her story…

June 20, 2022

Dustin’s Story

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June 20, 2022

When he was six years old, Dustin’s mom remarried and his new step-dad adopted him. It was a new beginning for his family, but unfortunately…

December 9, 2021

Jordan’s Story

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December 9, 2021

The perfect gift is unique to each individual, but the greatest gift of all can be the strength to save your own life. “I am the…

October 18, 2021

Max’s Story

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October 18, 2021

If there is one thing Max has learned in his young life, it’s that recovery takes time. It is not as simple as flicking a switch…

July 8, 2021

Mitchell’s Story

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July 8, 2021

As a young boy growing up in Shawnigan Lake, Mitchell loved sports. In fact, after first donning skates at the age of two, he became…

May 21, 2021

Beverly & Andrew’s Volunteer Story

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May 21, 2021

What do you do at the end of a long, hard week of running your own home-based business? If you are Beverly and Andrew, you spend every…

May 21, 2021

Janet’s Volunteer Story

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May 21, 2021

“I’ve been a volunteer with Our Place for several years,” says Janet who enjoys helping out at reception and in both kitchens.…

May 5, 2021

Tim’s Story

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May 5, 2021

Tim Dafoe never thought he could have a new start, nor if he was even worth it. Between the ages of 10 and 21, Tim spent 9 years…