Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley has been presented with a plaque from Vibrant Abbotsford, a local poverty reduction initiative, in recognition of becoming a living wage employer.
Employers are certified by the Living Wage for Families Campaign when they pay all direct and third-party contracted staff a living wage.
The living wage is the amount a family of four, with two parents working full time, needs to earn to meet their expenses. The living wage in the Fraser Valley is $16.28 per hour.
Deanna Ogle, the campaign organizer with the Living Wage for Families Campaign, said many living wage employers across the province are non-profits.
“This demonstrates the strong commitment and contribution of non-profit organizations to the economic health of local communities,” she said.
There are now 65 certified Living Wage employers throughout B.C. covering more than 12,000 direct employees and countless contracted staff.
Ogle said living wage is important for families to be able to meet basic needs, create safe home environments for themselves and their children, maintain decent standards of living and participate as equal members of society.
Benefits extend to employers through higher employee loyalty and productivity, as well as decreased turnover and training and hiring costs, she said.
Local businesses interested in learning more about living wage and the certification process can contact Shakira Miracle at 604-751-4222 or info@vibrantabbotsford.ca.