Langley, B.C. – How do you capture life, and what does it look like?
It’s a big question, and three nursing students from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) are turning to community for answers.
Developed through a partnership between the Langley Hospice Society (LHS) and third-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students, the Capturing Life Photo Contest aims to increase community awareness around the work LHS does for local individuals and families.
Over the next two weeks, students Janice Jonathan, Tara Rahiman and Megan Salcak will collect images from community to create for LHS a visual presentation for education, advocacy and program delivery. The goal is to ultimately help visualize the values of LHS, and the work it does to ensure all individuals live with dignity and hope as they cope with the grief and bereavement that surrounds end of life.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with KPU nursing students. We’ve been so impressed both with the content and focus of their community development class, and with the incredible engagement of the students themselves. This is such a fabulous opportunity for the Langley Hospice Society to engage in conversation about who we are and what we do, and the importance of accessible palliative and bereavement care and support,” said Nancy Panchuk, executive director of the Langley Hospice Society.
Everyone is encouraged to capture and share what life means to them. Images with the most likes on Facebook are eligible to win prizes, including a one-year unlimited pass to Evolution Pilates & Yoga Studio, a gift certificate and gift basket from Rustic Roots Health Foods and a gift certificate to Nature’s Fare Markets.
While the goal of the project is to engage community and spread awareness of the programs and services that LHS offers, the students spearheading the project are taking the experience to heart.
“Working with the Langley Hospice Society has been transformational,” said Salcak, a Langley resident. “It has opened my eyes to the incredible community-based resources that exist in order to support individuals and families that are preparing for, experiencing or grieving the loss of a loved one.”
The project is just one aspect of the work the trio is doing as part of their community development class. They’ve also helped prepare and organize the LHS Children’s Garden Celebration and BBQ, and have assisted with volunteer recruitment for upcoming events and camps.
“KPU nursing students synergistically and collaboratively learn to work with key community stakeholders and resources. They learn to see themselves as ‘difference-makers’ and believe in their capacity to positively impact community. This translates into determined community advocates who approach their studies from a deeper perspective; one that transcends course work and credential achievement,” explained Connie Klimek, the nursing faculty member who teaches the community development class.
To participate in the Capturing Life Photo Contest, anyone can submit images by email to capturinglifecontest@gmail.com or on the Capturing Life Facebook page. Submissions will be accepted until July 31. For prize eligibility, participants must live in the Fraser Valley region. By submitting images, individuals consent and agree to have their images reproduced for promotion by the Langley Hospice Society and Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
Photo is available on Flickr.
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