TD Bank Group (TD) launches the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, a new scholarship program tailored specifically for students from the Indigenous community, managed by AFOA Canada. TD understands the unique challenges and systemic barriers we face as Indigenous Peoples. Which is why we have worked closely with TD to customize a scholarship program focused on the needs of students from the Indigenous community. 

"It's important that students from Indigenous communities have equitable access to education. The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples aims to help provide students from Indigenous communities with the financial freedom and stability to explore the benefit of a post-secondary education and work education. I am thrilled to see this program launch and look forward to continuing our relationship with AFOA Canada." – Doris Bear, Vice President, Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group 

The scholarship program will provide 25 successful applicants with $15k annually (with a maximum of $60k across 4 years) to be put towards tuition costs and living expenses for the duration of their studies. Additionally, recipients will be offered an internship opportunity with TD to gain valuable work experience aligned to their career aspirations. Internship opportunities will be available for students throughout their time as a recipient. 

“The new TD Scholarship program will be transformational in the lives of the Indigenous students” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “It will set them up for success in achieving their academic goals and chosen career path” 

Scholarships are available for First Nations, Métis and Inuit who are members / citizens of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community. You must be a permanent resident of Canada and have applied for or are currently enrolled in a full-time, minimum 2-year program with an approved post-secondary institution in Canada. 

Applications will open Friday, November 18, 2022, at 4:30pm ET, and must be submitted by no later than January 16, 2023, at 5:00pm ET. For complete information about the program, please visit: www.afoa.ca/td. 

Background: 

AFOA Canada 

AFOA Canada, founded in 1999, strives towards their mandate to help Indigenous Peoples better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing management, finance and 

governance practices and skills. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management—We are Building a Community of Professionals. 

TD Bank Group 

At TD, we recognize there is more work to be done on our collective journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Supporting community initiatives that promote a connection to the land, enhance financial education, and foster a sense of belonging is important. We believe society is stronger when we work together and that we can help be a catalyst for dialogue to bring people, communities, and cultures together. 

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Access Local Mental Health & Substance use Services with a Single Phone Number

Interior Health has made it easier for people to find the community mental health and substance use supports they need with the expansion of an easy-to-remember phone number: 310-MHSU (6478).

“Reaching out for help with mental health and substance use issues can be an intimidating process. Add to that the challenge of not knowing who to contact or where to go for help and it can feel difficult and stressful, and that is the last thing we want. So we’ve made that process easier with the new 310-MHSU number that connects callers directly to the closest mental health and substance use centre in their community,” says Mental Health and Substance Use Network Director, Debi Morris.

The 310-MHSU phone service offers a connection to community-based mental health and substance use services. Calls to 310-MHSU will be automatically routed to the nearest community MHSU centre, where staff will determine the caller’s needs and connect them to the appropriate service.

“There is absolutely no shame in reaching out. Whether a person is experiencing moderate to severe mental health concerns, or if you are worried about your drinking or other substance use, help is available. These are treatable conditions. It starts with one phone call,” says Debi.

It’s important to know that 310-MHSU does not replace existing phone numbers for community, acute or emergency services, or for the Interior Crisis Line (1-888-353-2273). If you are in crisis and need immediate help call 911.

Improving access to mental health and substance use services is a key priority for Interior Health. The phone line was developed in response to feedback from clients and the public, to make it simpler for people to be connected to community supports. It is available to anyone who wishes to connect to MHSU services, including social services and health-care providers.

The number launched in the South Okanagan on September 8, 2020, prior to expanding Interior Health-wide on January 12, 2021.

For mental health services for those under age 19, visit B.C. Child and Youth Mental Health for a full range of resources.

For more information about MHSU services in Interior Health, please visit www.interiorhealth.ca.

Interior Health is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and providing a wide range of quality health-care services to more than 801,000 people living across B.C.’s vast interior. For more information, visit www.interiorhealth.ca, follow us on Twitter @Interior_Health, Instagram @interiorhealthbc or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/interiorhealth.

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7 Reasons Why Local Connections Is A Great Way To Reach Your Business Goals

Every business operates with the same basic principles. While you might differentiate in product or strategy, all businesses need to be constantly evolving, adapting, and growing to meet your customers’ needs. In everything you do, you want your business to reach your audience, to expand your clientele, and to grow your customer base. Sponsoring a Local Connections article on this website can help you do just that and here’s why:

1. Provides An In-depth Educational Opportunity

Your message can include many more details in comparison to a banner ad or a radio spot. Each of these options provides significant benefit to your advertising strategy, and Local Connections is a great complement to them. The article is where you can expand on the message of your ads, broaden your scope and dive into the details while creating a new link to your community. Without time or space constraints, this is your opportunity to fully educate your audience.

2. Establishes Trust With Your Audience

This format isn’t an overt advertisement. Instead it encourages a connection with your audience. While your business will be featured prominently, the content is not directly about you. Instead, it’s all about your audience. As such, the content is very benefits-rich. By focussing on the benefit to the reader and helping solve a problem they have, it builds trust between your business and the reader. In this way, when they’re in need of the type of service your business provides, they’ll be coming to you because trust is a powerful influencer. It’s also an indirect, subtle selling point that you can’t just advertise. Trust is something you have to create.

3. Enhances Digital Brand Awareness

Local Connections provides a platform for your business to showcase itself online. In an increasingly digital world it’s important to have a digital presence. From social media to websites to sponsored content, it keeps a business’ brand current and relevant. Your content on Local Connections will live online permanently under your brand. This is an opportunity that is different from all other forms of marketing. Because the cost of a digital article is one of the few options not based on duration, the value of your Local Connections article will continue to build over time as it is a permanent part of our website.

4. Supported With Radio Spots

Not only do you get a permanent branded article on our website, but you’ll also receive on-air spots to drive traffic to it. The radio spots keep your company’s brand fresh and top of mind while also getting listeners to go online to the article where they are again interacting with your brand. Best of all, you get to decide how much frequency you want for your radio spots, based on your budget.

5. Supported With Social Media Posts

In addition to the aforementioned Radio Spots, you will also get supplemental social media engagement from our stations so your brand will reach our entire online community as well. Each week for four weeks, you’ll receive one social media post driving traffic to your article. Taken collectively, the Local Connections article, radio spots, and social posts provide a comprehensive marketing package that reaches different audiences in different ways while consistently putting your brand in front of listeners and viewers.

6. Allows For A Visual Showcase

While radio is known as the “theatre of the mind,” physically putting your brand in front of our listeners’ eyes provides an entirely new and different opportunity to connect with them. A digital article can contain images, logos, videos, and more – all optional media assets that you can share. A balance of text and visuals allows your brand to not just tell its story, but to show it in a simple, concise, and attractive way that is engaging to your audience.

7. Provides Measurable Results

Using analytic tools, we’re able to see and track digital traffic. We can monitor how many visitors come to our site and how much time they spend on it, all of which translates into value for you. The time that is spent on our site proves that our audience is taking the time to read your article which means they are learning about you and your brand on Local Connections.

Local Connections is exactly that: your connection to your local community. If you’re ready to accomplish your business goals contact us today to get started on your Local Connections article. We’re excited to help you reach your audience and grow your clientele in a new and innovative way.

Start Your Local Connections, Contact Us Today »

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