With the help of United Way, Clayton Heights is working to change its bad rap.

The charitable organization has been working in the neighbourhood to support initiatives that foster B次元官网网址渓ocal loveB次元官网网址� since October 2018 when representatives hosted a community-building event, and brainstormed different projects that could help change the conversation from negative to positive.

According to the United Way, although Clayton Heights was built as an intentional, B次元官网网址渋nterconnectedB次元官网网址� community, many residents feel isolated or disconnected from their neighbours.

Since that meeting nearly a year ago, the organization has provided grants to local projects that bring people together, including block parties and the creation of little libraries.

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Now, a new website has been launched as part of the program B次元官网网址� .

According to Randy Grixti, assistant director of information technology for United Way Lower Mainland, town hall participants spoke about how they wanted a place where they could connect with community, and what was happening in their neighbourhood, in a positive way.

B次元官网网址淭hey wanted to be able to see whatB次元官网网址檚 happening, attend events and volunteer,B次元官网网址� said Grixti.

Of course, there are Clayton-specific groups on social media platforms such as Facebook. But B次元官网网址減eople are super sick of the Facebook negativity,B次元官网网址� explained Maggie Karpilovsky, manager of strategic initiatives and evaluation for United Way Lower Mainland.

Umbrella Squared Design Group owner Kristy Hill designed the website for the project.

B次元官网网址淲e talked about how we wanted a positive place where people could read positive stories, interact in a positive manner and connect and grow together in a positive way,B次元官网网址� said Hill.

ClaytonB次元官网网址檚 negative reputation was discussed at the October 2018 town hall. Residents talked about how their neighbourhood was known for crime, for parking issues, and overcrowding.

But that reputation didnB次元官网网址檛 accurately reflect day-to-day life in Clayton, according to attendees who spoke about how their personal experience of the neighbourhood B次元官网网址渄idnB次元官网网址檛 mirror that,B次元官网网址� said Karpilovsky.

The website will be a way to B次元官网网址渟hift the conversationB次元官网网址� in Clayton to one that is more positive, and to one that reflects it more accurately, she said.

Creating connections within the community, fostering a sense of identity and belonging, and encouraging local pride, will all be focuses of the new website.

The site will be curated by a team of volunteers B次元官网网址� if youB次元官网网址檙e tech savvy, and want to help out, you can find out more at claytonheightscommunity.com.

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The United Way supported the siteB次元官网网址檚 set up and financed its design. Now that it exists, it will belong to the Clayton community.

B次元官网网址淭he idea is very much by residents, for residents,B次元官网网址� said Karpilovsky. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not somebody external thatB次元官网网址檚 trying to advertise their events. ItB次元官网网址檚 very much something that is organic B次元官网网址� people taking ownership of co-creating the things they want to see in their community, and having a supportive network to be able to respond to that.B次元官网网址�

Clayton is encouraged to get involved with the site. Locals can submit good news stories, photos, find volunteer opportunities, and read about upcoming events in the neighbourhood.

The site will also host information about ClaytonB次元官网网址檚 Little Libraries, a United Way-funded project that has brought 14 B次元官网网址渢ake a book, return a bookB次元官网网址� exchanges to the neighbourhood.

For more, visit the site at claytonheightscommunity.com.

editor@cloverdalereporter.com
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