NEWS
Discover the latest news from SOMA, our clients, relevant industries and beyond.
Construction surplus gets new home through Habitat for Humanity store
Light House is helping give surplus construction materials a second life, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to keep valuable resources out of landfills and in use.
'Packed in': Vancouver farmers market vendors want more space, long-term infrastructure
Vancouver’s farmers markets are growing in popularity, but vendors and organizers say limited space and a lack of long-term infrastructure are making it increasingly difficult to meet demand.
Vancouver Farmers Markets is calling for greater support and investment to help markets grow alongside the communities they serve.
Pitching in: ‘Rodeo Queen’ helps raise money for BC Children’s Hospital
When Charlee Thomas was seven years old, she started developing calcinosis, a buildup of calcium deposits in her skin and muscles.
Her family doctor wasn’t too concerned at first, but it wasn’t long before Ms. Thomas’s condition worsened to the point where she could no longer ride horses, which was one of her passions. Just before her 11th birthday, she and her family headed to Vancouver from their home in Keremeos, B.C., south of Penticton, for further testing at the BC Children’s Hospital.
The startups reimagining Canada’s approach to wildfires
The oppressive sepia skies above North American cities this summer are all too familiar to Canadians who have grown unwillingly accustomed to intensifying wildfire seasons.
The hot, dry conditions forecast for BC could see another challenging week amid an already devastating season.
Vancouver Farmers Market calls for long-term permits, city planning
Market sales grew from $10M to $18M over five years.
Vancouver Farmers Market is calling on the City of Vancouver to move away from annual event permits and recognize the organization as long-term civic infrastructure.
The organizer says the current system creates uncertainty despite rapid growth in demand for local food.
VGH aims to speed up cancer diagnosis in B.C. with new technology
A new, innovative machine has been implemented in the pathology laboratory at the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to take over routine, non-complex tasks previously handled by technologists.
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation Dream Lottery 2026 Launch
The 2026 BCCHF Dream Lottery has launched!
5 Reasons Why PR Is Essential for Business Growth
Every company has a story, but not every company knows how to tell it.
PR takes what you do and creates compelling ways to tells an audience why it matters. Public Relations isn't just about crisis management or press releases; it’s about strategically shaping your narrative, establishing authority in your industry, and building meaningful connections with the people who matter most.
What you might not realize about Vancouver farmers markets
Vancouver farmers markets are a joy to visit on a nice sunny day, basking in the sights of the fresh produce and rubbing shoulders with fellow Vancouverites, and maybe grabbing a treat from a local food truck.
However, there’s a lesser-known reality for farmers markets that many don’t know about, particularly here in Vancouver.
2026 Summer Ambassador Program Wraps Up
What an incredible journey! SOMA is thrilled to share that the 2026 Interchange Recycling Summer Ambassador Program has officially wrapped up.
We want to extend a huge thank you to our phenomenal Interchange Recycling ambassadors. Their dedication to the program was apparent throughout the entire duration of the tour. From long road trips to overnight stays, they travelled to reach as many communities as possible.
Keeping Flexible Plastics Out of Landfills
Did you know that Recycle BC recycles more than 90% of the plastics they collect, and 99% of that is reprocessed and turned into new products right here in BC? The more we recycle, the more we keep these materials in circulation right here in BC.
SOMA Is Proud to Be a Silver Sponsor of Rezolution Summit
SOMA is thrilled to announce that we are Silver Sponsors for the Rezolution Summit: Season 2 - Profit With Purpose: How B Corp Certification Builds Enterprise Value.” This incredible event brings together Indigenous entrepreneurs, leaders, and change makers to dive deep into vital conversations about wealth, governance, capital, and long-term prosperity.
Summer Ambassador Program Update - Interchange Recycling 2026
Our 2026 Summer Ambassador Program for Interchange Recycling has been flying by! Since the beginning of June, our incredible ambassadors have been travelling across British Columbia, visiting local communities and events to educate the public on how to safely and properly recycle products accepted through Interchange Recycling’s collection and recycling program.
Canada Day parade in North Vancouver is back with a new twist
A group of volunteers is throwing a ‘stationary parade’ at Civic Plaza July 1, aiming to harness the excitement into one location. If you can’t bring the parade to the people, at least you can bring the people to the parade. Yes, it’s time to warm up your bagpipes and get your batons twirling, as the Canada Day parade is coming back to North Vancouver. Sort of.
SOMA Benefit Report 2025
2025 was a year of growth, momentum, and impact. As a proudly B Corp Certified agency, we continued to partner with organizations that are tackling some of society’s most important challenges, from advancing recycling and the circular economy, to supporting climate innovation, health and wellness, and technology that improves lives.
NESI receives federal and provincial funding to scale cleaner lithium refining and strengthen battery supply chains
Nesi has received $5.6 million in funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. This funding supports NESI's goal to build the electrochemical infrastructure needed for cleaner lithium refining and more resilient battery supply chains. The investment will also bolster domestic critical minerals processing and reduce reliance on legacy refining hubs.
SOMA Wins Silver and Bronze CPRS Awards
SOMA has won the 2026 CPRS National Awards of Excellence - Best non-profit/NGO Campaign - Small Budget (under $25,000) - Bronze Award and the 2026 CPRS Vancouver PRestige Awards - Best Media Relations Campaign - (under $50,000) Silver Award. Both awards have been won for SOMA’s work with Light House Construction Plastics Initiative.
Xa Xa Témexw Swáyel / Sacred Earth Day bilingual concert connecting Indigenous language, culture and environmental stewardship
Hundreds of Abbotsford students from Barrowtown Elementary, Dormick Park Elementary, and Ten-Broeck Elementary, celebrated Stó:lō culture through the performance of bilingual songs on June 10th 2026. These students preformed along side members of Éy St’élmexw St’elt’ílém / Good Medicine Songs (GMS) and The Wilds Band.
SOMA wins CPRS Award of Excellence: Agency Team of the Year - Small
We are beyond thrilled to announce that SOMA has won the Silver Award for Agency Team of the Year - Small at the 2026 CPRS Awards of Excellence. This award is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our incredible team, whose passion and commitment continue to drive exceptional results for our clients.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation - Chemo Robots
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) is now the first in Canada to use robots designed to help prepare chemotherapy treatments. These $3 million robots were funded by the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation’s Greater Than Cancer campaign and will reduce the time staff spend preparing medications and lower the risk of exposure to hazardous drugs.