Casey Fletcher’s husband Jim was one of the founding members of BC Social Venture Partners. Despite the open invitation to get involved herself, however, she was initially quite hesitant. "I wasn’t sure what I’d have to offer.”

A great deal, as it turned out, once Kathleen Speakman (former Executive Director of BC SVP) persuaded her to bring her experience to the KidSafe team. A small group of Partners – Judy Gale, Tom Porteous, Brenda Rajani, and Casey – formed the KidSafe Circle of Friends, along with some KidSafe board members and a few other individuals.

Casey has found the experience rewarding and energizing. “Our group is made up of men and women with a wide range of skills, balancing families, careers, and other interests, and we combine as a group successfully to raise money and awareness for KidSafe.”

Their efforts have paid off many times over. Working together with the KidSafe board, they have raised funds not only to replace the SVP funds (leading to financial sustainability for the organization), but also expanded programmming by adding another KidSafe site, allowing them to serve many more children at risk in Vancouver's East side.

“We learned from each other, we were able to help people who really needed it, and we have became friends in the process. It’s been wonderful.”