How BCLC is building community through connection
Sports, recreation and giving back have a way of bringing communities closer. Explore how BCLC helps create the moments for people to come together, all across the province.
Creating experiences that bring us together
In Kamloops, a free Skate and Connect Night in partnership with United Way BC brought together old friends and new, for an evening of connection and fun. Discover how we help create welcoming experiences where people can spend time together, without barriers.
Partnering with people who care
We've teamed up with Canucks Sports and Entertainment to host Community Connect: Nourish the Neighbourhood, an annual event at Rogers Arena where employee volunteers join together to connect with and provide nourishing meals to over 1,000 members of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside community.
Celebrating everyday connectors
Coaches, volunteers and sports fans are the community champions making B.C. brighter, every day. We are proud to celebrate those who make a difference in our communities through the BCLC Community Heroes Program, in collaboration with the Vancouver Canucks, Abbotsford Canucks, and BC Lions.
"For over 40 years, BCLC has been bringing people together through shared moments of entertainment and connection. We’re proud of the role we play in supporting community initiatives, events and experiences that bring people together – making our communities stronger."
– Lara Gerrits, Director, Social Purpose, Partnerships and Engagement
Bringing communities together
From shared meals to new ways to meet neighbours, explore how BCLC is bringing communities near you closer together.
Why human connection matters to us
We believe that when people feel more connected to each other and their communities, everyone benefits. It's why giving back to the community is at the heart of everything we do.
Find your next way to connect
Little actions, repeated across millions of people, build connection and change our communities for the better. Swipe to get inspired.
Three ways shared activities build connection
What are third places? Giving us somewhere to return
Beyond home and work, we all need a place where we can simply show up: a community centre, the local ice rink, baseball field, or a grass spot at the park with a view. Coming back to the same space is often where belonging begins. These everyday spaces between home and work – third places – can be seen as community anchors that help us find connection, build relationships and improve our overall well-being.
Building friendship from fandom
Friendship is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways we experience connection. Whether you're cheering in the stands with fellow fans or just the regular at pickup soccer, showing up alongside the same people again and again is how real friendships take shape.
Turning strangers into teammates
Something happens when we work towards a common goal. From sorting donations to setting up for a volunteer-run game day, shared purpose brings people closer, one task at a time. Acts like volunteering, fundraising, and giving back create bridges between people that can grow into friendships, build support networks, and even create safer neighbourhoods.
$30
billion
Your play helps power B.C.
Since 1985, profits from play have gone back into helping communities thrive. Learn how funds generated from gambling have helped support your community.
Belonging makes us part of something bigger
Discover more stories and every day ways to build human connection across the province.
