Latest in News
We are grateful for each opportunity to share our story, and
invite you to explore some of our media coverage below.
FASHION AND BEAUTY UNITED- Ending the Stigma with Shreyanshi Vala
Our Operations Director, Shreyanshi, was named a 'Wonder Woman'
2022/11/30
PEACE ARCH NEWS- With Project LyghtNyng, youth-led BOLT Safety Society aims to end violence, harassment, abuse
Group co-founder Vedanshi Vala was given Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25 award in 2021
2022/11/08
SURREY NOW-LEADER- With Project LyghtNyng, youth-led BOLT Safety Society aims to end violence, harassment, abuse
Group co-founder Vedanshi Vala was given Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25 award in 2021
2022/11/08
NORTH DELTA REPORTER- With Project LyghtNyng, youth-led BOLT Safety Society aims to end violence, harassment, abuse
Group co-founder Vedanshi Vala was given Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25 award in 2021
2022/11/08
CLOVERDALE REPORTER- With Project LyghtNyng, youth-led BOLT Safety Society aims to end violence, harassment, abuse
Group co-founder Vedanshi Vala was given Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25 award in 2021
2022/11/08
MEGAPHONE MAGAZINE- Stopping violence, one safe space at a time
Vedanshi Vala and the youth-led Bolt Safety Society is expanding a network of refuge for those facing harassment and abuse
2022/11/04
SOUTH ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE- Education that empowers safety
BOLT Safety Society launches Project LyghtNyng
2022/11/03
RICHMOND SENTINEL- BOLT Safety Society launches Project Lyghtnyng
BOLT Safety Society has launched Project Lyghtnyng to promote safety in local communities.
2022/10/28
RICHMOND NEWS- Women's safety organization wants to flip victim-blaming narratives
BOLT’s student-led team is hosting a series of educational workshops aimed at decreasing violence and abuse and increasing access to resources
2022/10/28
TAKINGITGLOBAL: Incorporating as a Non-Profit in Canada
Our Executive Director, Vedanshi, was interviewed by TakingItGlobal and #RisingYouth for their Community Impact Skillshare Series about the process of incorporating as a non-profit in Canada.
2022/10/18
RICHMOND SENTINEL- Richmond businesses encouraged to support Safe Hubs program
There are 17 locations participating in the Safe Hubs program so far, but organizers want more businesses to become part of the network.
2022/09/20
MEDIUM- Fostering A Sense of Safety and Community through the Safe Buddies Program
Q&A’s with Faaiz Walji
2022/07/22
RICHMOND SENTINEL- Envisioning a safer Richmond—and beyond
The BOLT Safety Society team is aiming to end violence, harassment, and abuse.
2022/05/09
RICHMOND NEWS- 2 Richmond nominees for YWCA Women of Distinction Awards
Since 1984, the YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Awards have honoured individuals and organizations for their contributions to the well-being and future of the community
2022/03/08
VGH AND UBC HOSPITAL FOUNDATION- Women of Distinction: Vedanshi Vala
Vedanshi Vala is a Young Women of Distinction nominee for the 39th annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, with the winners to be announced on May 26, 2022. These awards recognize an outstanding woman or business operating in the Lower Mainland. Vedanshi is nominated alongside Dr. Elizabeth Bryce and Dr. Jacqueline Saw.
2022/03/08
FASHION NETWORK- L’Oréal Paris Canada names 2022 Women of Worth Honourees
L'Oréal Paris Canada announced on Tuesday the recipients of its annual Women of Worth philanthropic initiative, recognizing the outstanding achievements of non-profit Canadian leaders.
2022/02/23
DRISHTI MAGAZINE- Youth Leadership in a Time of Crisis
Read our team profile in Drishti Magazine!
2021/11/10
FASHION AND BEAUTY UNITED- Creating Change Through Empowerment with Vedanshi Vala
Executive Director Vedanshi Vala was featured as a 'Wonder Woman' for her work with BOLT Safety Society.
2021/09/22
MING PAO DAILY NEWS- 有你伴我行 安全回家路
涉及仇恨及歧視的傷害個案近期增加,連那段回家的路也變得不安全。
若有人陪伴這一程,該有多好?
大溫一群年輕人聽見了你的心聲,
發起一項名為「Safe Buddies」(安全伙伴)的計劃,
內容不複雜,就是讓義工陪有需要的人士,安全返家。
2021/05/02
CBC NEWS- Youth volunteers launch safe walking program after recent stalking, racist incidents
The Safe Buddies Program matches volunteers with people who don't feel safe walking alone
2021/04/13
CBC RADIO- Safe Buddies
BOLT Safety Society Co-founder and Executive Director Vedanshi Vala on BOLT's new "Safe Buddies" walking program for women and non-binary people who don't feel safe walking alone.
2021/04/12
CTV NEWS- Recent racist, stalking incidents inspire 'buddy' system for people who don't feel safe walking alone
VANCOUVER -- A non-profit organization led by Vancouver youth launched a new program over the weekend to ensure people feel safe in their communities.
2021/04/12
CTV News- 'Safe Buddies' launched after recent incidents
A non-profit organization led by Vancouver youth has launched a new program to ensure people feel safe in their communities.
2021/04/10
CBC- Youthful safety group offers walking buddies to people afraid to go home alone
Vedanshi Vala explains how Safe Buddies works
2021/04/10
OMNI TELEVISION- 義工組織 協助保護長者婦女的安全
Volunteer organization helps protect the safety of elderly women
2021/04/09
RICHMOND NEWS- Richmondite launches 'safe buddies' program
Program aims to help those who feel unsafe walking home alone
2021/04/09
Safe Buddies: Youth work to keep seniors and women in their communities safe
BOLT Safety Society is a youth-led federal not-for-profit, working to improve safety in communities and increase support for survivors.
2021/04/06
THE UBYSSEY- ‘Significant strides’: Students reflect on what it means to feel safe following Women's History Month
"I find that having a really great support network is really important."
2021/04/06
GLOBAL NEWS BC- Program launched to address Metro Vancouver safety concerns
Vedanshi Vala, Co-Founder and Executive Director of BOLT Safety Society, shares details of their ‘Safe Buddies’ program that will see volunteers escorting women and seniors home.
2021/04/03
THE LYNDA STEELE SHOW- Safe Buddies
"If you're walking alone, things have been disconcerting lately."
2021/04/02
THE INDO-CANADIAN VOICE- Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 Awards
SURREY’S Top 25 under 25 Award Winners have been selected by the Surrey Board of Trade.
2021/04/01
SURREY NOW-LEADER- Meet Surrey’s ‘Top 25 Under 25’ for 2021
Celebration will take place digitally for second year in a row
2021/04/01
CANADIAN IMMIGRANT- Heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic: 2021 Immigrant Women of Inspiration
Heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic: 2021 Immigrant Women of Inspiration
2021/04/01
CANADIAN IMMIGRANT- Technology for Safer Communities
Inspiration can happen anywhere. Vedanshi Vala found hers while commuting on public transit.
2021/03/31
BURNABY NOW- Metro Vancouver youth launch 'Safe Buddies' in response to anti-Asian hate crimes
The BOLT Safety Society is launching its Safe Buddies program to keep seniors and women safe when walking back to their homes.
2021/03/30
VANCOUVER IS AWESOME- Metro Vancouver youth launch 'Safe Buddies' in response to anti-Asian hate crimes
The BOLT Safety Society is launching its Safe Buddies program to keep seniors and women safe when walking back to their homes.
2021/03/30
NEW WESTMINSTER RECORD- Metro Vancouver youth launch 'Safe Buddies' in response to anti-Asian hate crimes
The BOLT Safety Society is launching its Safe Buddies program to keep seniors and women safe when walking back to their homes.
2021/03/30
TRICITY NEWS- Metro Vancouver youth launch 'Safe Buddies' in response to anti-Asian hate crimes
The BOLT Safety Society is launching its Safe Buddies program to keep seniors and women safe when walking back to their homes.
2021/03/30
THE QUIET WARRIOR SHOW
EP#170 STUDENTS FOR SAFETY with Vedanshi Vala and Ravi Nichols
2021/01/21
SING TAO DAILY- 2020 Outstanding Young Ambassadors Awards
VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation: 2020 Outstanding Young Ambassadors Award for Leadership
2020/12/25
DRISHTI MEDIA GROUP: YOUNG BOSSES PODCAST
Season 2 Episode 1 | Special Guest Host: Tom Dutta ft. Vedanshi Vala
2020/09/28
THE UBYSSEY- Second-year student Vedanshi Vala fights domestic violence, one Safe Hub at a time
Second-year science student Vedanshi Vala established the Safe Hubs network.
2020/09/12
SOUTH ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE- The Silent Pandemic
Youth create a network of safe spaces for domestic abuse survivors
2020/09/07
RICHMOND NEWS- Richmond student launches platform to help domestic abuse victims
Vedanshi Vala, co-founder and executive director of “Safe Hubs,” at the BOLT Safety Society.
2020/08/31
THE HARPREET SINGH SHOW- BOLT Safety Society on Safe Hubs Initiative
Live with The Harpreet Singh Show
2020/08/27
NEWS 1130- UBC students set to launch app to help women stay safe
Students concerned about women's safety are launching an app that connects a user to a chosen group of "safe buddies." The app also features an experts hub where counsellors, martial artists and others share their insights and safety tips.
2019/11/30
RICHMOND NEWS- Richmond student launching personal safety app
Vedanshi Vala, co-creator of Bolt, an app designed for personal safety.
2019/11/29