The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
— Mohandas Gandhi

At Time + Space we are committed to serving our community. In the process, we have developed friendships, discovered shared passions and learned new skills.  Our team serve on committees and boards and we are honoured to be able to contribute in many ways to the incredible organizations that make this a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Following are some of the causes/organizations that we feel passionately about.

Phoenix Youth (www.phoenixyouth.ca)

Phoenix believes in long term solutions and in giving young people the skills and confidence they need to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.  This is accomplished through a range of programs and services that help youth transition from a place of need, to a place of healthy independence.

Phoenix provides many innovative programs – from safe and comfortable shelter, to supportive counseling and employment coaching.  Through support and participation in its programs, Phoenix Youth achieve amazing successes each and every day.

Time + Space has been involved with Phoenix Youth for over 20 years.  Recently, we have made a multi-year financial commitment to the Phoenix organization in support of their parenting program.

Donna Alteen currently serves as Vice Chair of the Phoenix Youth Board of Directors.

United Way (www.unitedwayhalifax.ca)

Since 1925, United Way in the Halifax Region has been committed to our community.  It was originally named the Community Chest and although the name changed over the years, the original mission to work with the community and support people has virtually remained the same.

As part of Time + Space’s involvement with the United Way organization, Jason Jordan volunteers as a “GenNext Ambassador”.   Along with engaging the under-40 demographic, the GenNext Initiative’s goal is to serve as a reminder that generosity and commitment are not abstract concepts, and that giving back to our community has a direct and measurable impact on the people of our community.

Time + Space, under Jason’s direction, participates in an annual fundraising event (in conjunction with A&W) called “Drive for 500” – the largest A&W cruise night in Canada.  Our team proudly staffs the event (Spin to Win, face painting, 50/50), our suppliers support the event by donating prize items, and our fundraising efforts for the United Way steadily increase each year.

Feed Nova Scotia (Chair-a-tea) (www.feednovascotia.ca/chairatea)

Feed Nova Scotia is a charitable organization that helps feed hungry people by collecting and distributing food to more than 150 member agency food banks and meal programs, while at the same time striving to eliminate chronic hunger and poverty through research, awareness and support programs. Each year, Feed NS organizes their annual fundraising event Chair-a-Tea, which features an online and live auction followed by dinner. The event raises approximately $100,000 annually.

As with any fundraising event, it is essential to have awareness and media support so that more people know about the charity, the event and how they can help in their own way.  The Time + Space team works with our media partners in the community to raise awareness for this important fundraiser.   Leena Thampan serves on the Chair-a-Tea committee.

AGNS Young Patrons’ Circle (http://agnsyoungpatrons.ca)

If there is one thing that runs rampant throughout our organization, it is our love of art and culture. So much so that one of our very own, Bessy Nikolaou, has dedicated her time and love of the arts to help bring the AGNS Young Patrons’ Circle to life.

The Circle supports the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in its desire to engage young people (20s to 40s) in all facets of arts and culture, particularly Canadian and Atlantic Canadian contemporary art.  It is a member-based organization dedicated to creating intimate encounters with the visual arts and artists working throughout Atlantic Canada.

Whether you’re a patron of the arts, a young professional,  an urbanite, a debater, a budding art collector or someone with an itch to learn more about art and the art community – the Circle hopes to provide an environment for all to share in their passion for the arts.

Funds raised through memberships will endow an annual purchase fund for contemporary Canadian works for the permanent collection, creating an enduring legacy for members of the Circle at the Gallery.

Bessy Nikolaou currently serves as Chair of the AGNS Young Patrons’ Circle.

Laing House (www.lainghouse.org)

It’s hard enough being a young adult today.  Imagine trying to succeed with a mental illness.  Laing House exists to empower Atlantic Canadian youth living with mental illness to continue on their path to recovery.  Their model is innovative, youth-driven and community-based.

Helping these youth embrace their unique gifts and find their way in a caring and supportive environment, Laing House provides access to peer support, education, employment, independent living, and socio-recreational programs tailored to their needs.

Meg Vis sits on the Communications Committee of Laing House.

Tour for the Cure (www.tourforthecure.ca)

In 2009, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) in Atlantic Canada embarked on a breakthrough education campaign, the Tour for the Cure.   Over the past two years, the bus travelled 33,000 kilometres, made 321 stops in 241 cities, towns and villages across the region.  More than 18,000 visitors were welcomed aboard the Tour for the Cure bus to learn about breast health, breast cancer screening, and early detection through interactive displays and consultation.

Time + Space, led by Angie Reid, developed an awareness strategy for The Tour through advertising, public service announcements and other promotional activities.  In total, our Atlantic Canadian media partners rose to the occasion, donating in excess of $660,000 in media time and space towards the education of Atlantic Canadians of the advances in screening technologies and treatments.

2011 Canada Games (www.canadagames2011.ca)

Halifax will be hosting the 2011 Canada Winter Games from February 11-27, 2011.  This will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in Nova Scotia which will bring athletes, coaches, officials, VIPs, media and volunteers, family and friends from all over the country.  There will be 20 sports in total, 21 if you include pin trading!

The Canada Games go beyond just sporting events. This event will highlight arts & culture and feature talented artists and artisans from across Canada.

When the Games are over the Canada Games legacy of volunteerism and  community pride will live on.  Also, the many improvements to facilities all over HRM will be enjoyed for years to come.

Not only is Time + Space a sponsor of the 2011 Canada Games but many Time + Spacer’s are very passionate about athletics and community pride.  Ellen MacKinnon, Jen Donaldson, Justin Hirtle and Jason Jordan are all Canada Games Volunteers!  What will you bring?

In the hood

For over 15 years, Time + Space has called Agricola Street our home.  We are invested in our community and try to support local North End based community programs and organizations wherever we can.  After all, that’s just what good neighbors do.

Ward 5 (www.ward5.org)

Ward 5 Neighborhood Centre is a non-profit organization, located on Russell Street in Halifax, providing community programs for over 30 years. In an average year the Centre prepares and serves more than 18,000 hot meals to children and seniors.

Ward 5 operates St. Mark’s Food Bank, which distributes approximately 40 tons of food to as many as 4,000 people (almost half being children).  Ward 5 also provides a wide range of programs for children and seniors such as pre and after school children’s care, seniors’ dances and Christmas Baskets for the needy, to name a few.

Donna Alteen is a former member of the Ward 5 Board and Time + Space continues to support the important work of this organization.

Africville Lakers Basketball Program

The program started in 2000 with 12 children from the North End Community and has now grown to two separate teams who play against their peers in the Halifax Minor Basketball League.  The children learn teamwork skills, good self-esteem and how to interact with their peers.

We proudly sponsor the Africville Lakers Basketball Program annually.