Second annual Community Foundation of Lethbridge Vital Signs report released

Community Foundation of Lethbridge

The second annual Vital Signs report was released by the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta yesterday. This annual check-up combines statistics, local stories and relevant facts to provide a snapshot of the livability and well-being of our communities. This is done by focusing on five issue areas, including: Getting Started, Healthy Communities, Standard of Living, Belonging and Leadership, and Arts and Culture. 

"Vital Signs will help us all gain insight into the issues facing our communities in the southwest," says George Hall, Community Foundation Executive Director. "It takes many organizations and generous people to ensure that we all have the opportunity to thrive. The knowledge gained through Vital Signs will help the Community Foundation and our donors assist charities in the most impactful way possible." 

The information within Vital Signs can be useful for both individuals and organizations. For individuals, it may help you find a connection to your community, be a resource when choosing where to make charitable donations, or simply increase the knowledge you have about where you live. For organizations it may identify a gap in services that your organization could fill. 

Southwestern Alberta Vital Signs 2014 Highlights:

• 2,337 families in Lethbridge and County report having incomes less than $30,000/year and 1,269 have an annual income of less than $20,000.
• 3 out of 10 children in the southwestern Alberta region are experiencing difficulty
• or great difficulty in the area of Communication and General Knowledge.
• Immigrants and refugees from 61 countries of origin who speak more than 43 different languages live in Lethbridge.
• 2,300 people in 2013 were employed in museums, galleries, music, theatre and events related to arts and culture in the south economic region of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
• The total population of southwestern Alberta is expected to increase by 32% between 2012 and 2041.
• Collectively, the 55 plus age groups will grow by 73%, 55-64 age group by 35%, 65-74 age group by 65%, 75-84 by 139%, 85 and older by 173%

26 Local Vital Signs reports issued

Vital Signs is part of a nation-wide initiative conducted by community foundations across Canada and measures quality of life in specific geographic areas. Yesterday 26 Vital Signs reports were released across Canada. A full list of this year's participants and their local reports can be found at www.vitalsignscanada.ca.

About the Community Foundation: It's right there in our name. Community. Building stronger and more vibrant southwestern Alberta communities is the motivation behind our work at the Community Foundation. Since April 18, 1966 we have funded over $7.7 million in grants throughout our region. These grants support the charities that are working hard to make your community a great place to live.