Victoria Health Co-operative is a group of individuals, passionate about well-being for ourselves and our community. We bring together wellness practitioner members from many disciplines and members to benefit from their treatments. We organize and support wellness programs for members and the wider community. Our Board of Directors is diverse and manages the activities of the VHC as our organization is primarily volunteer-run.

When we first developed our vision of a community of well-being we recognized the equality of all participants, and the need for all to both benefit from and contribute to the well-being of all. We recognized that being guided by the Definition, Values and Principles set out by the International Co-operative Alliance would help us to achieve our objectives.

Equality.

Based on the co-op values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity we recognize the ability and responsibility of all to work for the well-being of all.

Sustainability.

Co-ops, when properly structured and operating according to the co-op definition, values and principles, are twice as durable as any other form of incorporation including public companies, partnerships and societies.

Cost effectiveness.

As a co-op, our aim is to cover our costs and achieve a small surplus to re-invest in the provision of services. We also aim for a work environment that is supportive and enjoyable for volunteers, and for staff and for practitioners, who work within the Co-op as independent contracts.

Community Control.

We believe that communities are best equipped to identify their priorities and that the co-op structure is ideal for providing the services most needed by individuals and groups in each area.

Network support.

We are linked to, and supported by, a network of wellness, social services and health co-ops across and beyond Canada.