Community, Connection, and Courage: A Look Back at VSAC’s 2025 Annual General Meeting
Each September, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) community gathers to reflect, connect, and move forward with renewed energy and commitment. This year’s Annual General Meeting, held at the beautiful Gorge Pavilion, was a celebration of progress, people, and purpose.
We’re incredibly grateful to Little Piggy Catering for nourishing our community with their delicious food, and to Elizabeth Hood Media for capturing the warmth and connection of our team through photography. Your support helped make this gathering a welcoming and memorable experience — thank you.
Rooted in Land and Responsibility
We began the evening with a grounding and powerful territory acknowledgment by Diane Sam, reminding us that all our work takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking peoples. This acknowledgment is more than words — it reflects our ongoing commitment to decolonization and relationship-building with Indigenous communities.
A Year of Growth, Care, and Collaboration
Executive Director Samantha Loppie reflected on a year where community connection, collaboration, and wellness were at the forefront.
Thanks to the dedication of our teams and volunteers, we saw expanded programming, deeper community partnerships, and improved support for survivors. One of the year’s most exciting milestones was the purchase of Suite 300, securing a permanent space for healing, advocacy, and growth.
“We are a group that wants to change the world, and we do very well letting our youth lead the charge.”
— Joan, Accounting Manager, Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
Amidst a difficult political climate, VSAC continues to prioritize a compassionate and supportive work environment, ensuring our values of equity, care, and survivor-centeredness are not just ideals — but daily practices.
Leadership Grounded in Values
Board Co-Chairs Susie and Sara highlighted the strength of this year’s board — a cohesive and motivated group committed to strong governance, financial oversight, and visionary planning. A key highlight was the beginning of governance training with Strong Circle, an Indigenous-led consulting firm. VSAC is honoured to be their first allied organization client, as we work toward meaningful indigenization and decolonization across our governance practices.
We also welcomed several new board members who bring incredible lived experience, professional insight, and a shared passion for social justice and survivor support.
You can meet all our new board members HERE and learn more about what inspires their work with VSAC.
Celebrating Extraordinary Volunteers
One of the most moving moments of the evening was the presentation of our Galactic Gratitude Awards, given each year to two volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their advocacy, commitment, and heart.
🌟 Devon – A Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) volunteer who has taken on a new role as a Community Ambassador. Devon’s work in education and outreach has expanded VSAC’s reach and deepened our connections with marginalized communities.
🌟 Arshis – A longtime SART volunteer and now a Senior SART Volunteer, Arshis brings integrity, leadership, and a powerful voice for survivor safety and empowerment.
These awards are more than recognition — they are a celebration of impact, healing, and the transformative power of showing up for others.
To every volunteer who gives their time, compassion, and energy — thank you. Your work sustains our mission and strengthens our community every single day.
Carrying Our Mission Forward
As the evening closed and folks mingled over good food and conversation, the spirit of the AGM remained clear: we are stronger together.
From the dedicated board members guiding our future, to the volunteers and staff working on the frontlines, and the community members who stand beside us — this work is built on trust, collaboration, and deep care.
To everyone who joined us, supported the event, or contributed to our mission in ways big and small — thank you.
Let’s keep building a world where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered — together.
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