Business View - July 2015 43
The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) has a long and
remarkable history, proudly serving the evolution of
health and wellness in Canada since 1897. After two
World Wars, the Great Depression, and decades of
declining funding and growing needs, this vital, not-
for-profit organization looks forward to the future with
expanded, innovative services and a broad focus on
education and prevention.
Given the country’s aging population and the prefer-
ence of Canadians to “age at home”, VON Canada
has developed a vision for home and community care,
titled Health Starts at Home. The vision reflects a rich
and intimate knowledge of the sector, and the health
and social needs of Canadians of all ages from coast
to coast. Following publication of the corporation’s An-
nual Report for 2013-14, Jo-Anne Poirier, President
and CEO of VON Canada, speaks candidly about re-
cent changes, challenges, and the VON’s optimistic
outlook for the next five years.
“We view it as a journey,” Poirier explains. “Looking
to refresh the brand, and talk about our unique value
proposition at VON. We are the largest not-for-profit in
Canada that provides a lot of wraparound services in
both home care and community support. The govern-
ments in different provinces are realizing that we have
tremendous value in helping people stay at home.”
Meeting Regional Challenges
This “full basket of home care” includes not only clini-
cal services, but also congregate services that reduce
social isolation and help clients stay healthy through
AT A GLANCE
WHO:
VON Canada (Victorian Order of Nurses)
WHAT:
Canada’s largest national, not-for-profit,
charitable home and community care organiza-
tion
WHERE:
52sites in10provinces acrossCanada
WEBSITE
:
HEALTHCARE
