NBers Challenged to take on Small Acts to help Overcome Poverty

A two-week awareness campaign launched yesterday, Small Acts, Big Impact, is challenging New Brunswickers to choose a small but meaningful act of volunteerism to help overcome poverty in the province. The campaign, led by the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, is intended to bring awareness and action to the issue in a positive and meaningful way.

When faced with some of the province’s current challenges many New Brunswickers feel like they cannot make a difference. By presenting examples of small, powerful actions that can make a collective impact, the campaign is intended to inspire a wider range of people to help overcome poverty, while also learning about the challenges those in poverty face every day.

“Everyone in our province deserves to live in dignity, security and good health,” said Monique Richard, co-chair of the corporation’s board of directors. “By targeting specific challenges, including literacy, food security and transportation, I strongly believe that we can reduce poverty in our communities.”

By visiting smallacts.ca participants can choose their own small act ranging from reading to a child, joining a food box program or volunteering for a rideshare program. They can also find contact information for organizations in their region looking for help, volunteers or donations. Participants are encouraged to take photos of their acts and share them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and challenge friends, families and social networks to do the same. Although the campaign is scheduled to run until December 4th, New Brunswickers will be able to contribute to smallacts.ca on an ongoing basis.

“Poverty reduction is a collective responsibility,” said minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation Ed Doherty. “I am convinced that engaging New Brunswickers from all sectors to participate in this positive campaign will result in a tangible contribution to the promotion of economic and social inclusion.”

Over the past five years, there have been major initiatives led by the 12 Community Inclusion Networks, which are regional groups dedicated to grassroots economic and social inclusion. The networks have led more than 250 projects supported by almost $2.5 million, with more than 45,000 participating. Communities across the province are rallying, and for every $1 invested by the corporation, they have contributed nearly $3.40.

“A rising tide really does lift all boats,” said Roger Martin, co-chair of the corporations’ board of directors. “When we support New Brunswickers who are struggling, we improve the well-being of everyone in our communities. By giving everyone in our province equal opportunities to succeed, we are actually building a more sustainable and resilient society.”