Courage. Compassion. Service. Sacrifice.

Our emergency responders live these values every day serving on the frontlines saving lives and keeping communities safe, particularly during the  COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters.

The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is proud to deliver education and training for current and future public safety heroes in B.C. and beyond. For more than 40 years, JIBC has provided hands-on training simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, letting students learn and practice vital skills as they prepare for their public safety roles. The JIBC Foundation has inspired giving from generous supporters who have contributed to JIBC's mission. 

This year, we need your help to deliVR new worlds of learning to our students. As technology changes, new ways of learning are rapidly evolving to make emergency responder training more effective, easier to access and safer for students. They can also reduce the environmental impact of vital training. Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality, mixed reality, and 360 video involve expensive equipment to develop. Additional gear is also needed to use these "immersive simulation-based learning" environments that have the power to teach students critical skills and enhance their learning experience.

Fire investigators, for example, have historically practiced how to discover the cause of a fire by examining purpose-built, intentionally burned structures filled with furniture, fabrics, and fixtures. This exposes students to harmful chemicals. "Utilizing a digital learning environment like VR or 360 videos allows students to gain this experience in a much healthier way," according to Nathan Walker, a JIBC instructor and Acting Assistant Fire Chief for the District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services. " It also reduces our impact on the environment by not burning and disposing of unnecessary materials."

Eric McConaghy, a Regional Training Coordinator for JIBC's Primary Care Paramedic program, notes that VR training simulations provide audio and visual elements that are more difficult to experience with traditional simulations, which enable students to make clinical decisions based on these sensory clues rather than the instructor's description. "The more we can incorporate this into our education, the better the transition will be to the real-world setting," Eric explains. "As the program and profession evolve, I see a major need for more advanced VR in paramedic training that will help students increase their resiliency and be able to work through their training while keeping mental health in mind."

Help us help our current and future public safety heroes fulfil their mission to help others in times of urgent need. Please support our Giving Tuesday campaign to raise funds for equipment and resources to prepare our students - your emergency responders - to make a difference on the frontlines in our communities. 

Here's your chance to be a hero!  

How can YOU help?

Donate - Double your impact! Donations will be matched to a total of $10,000.

Share - Your power is in more than what you can give, but in who you inspire as well.