Central & Northern Vancouver Island

Our School’s Out programs ensure vulnerable school-aged children in British Columbia have access to safe spaces where they can get the mental wellness and developmental support they need during the critical hours between 3 pm to 6 pm.

Supporting over 200 children and youth to access barrier-free programming that provides educational, cultural, and physical activities in Central and Northern Vancouver Island, Powell River, and the Sunshine Coast.

In 2024, communities across BC collected more than 500,000 menstrual products and raised more than $56,00 as part of the Period Promise campaign to help those who struggle to purchase products, break stigma, and raise the profile of the issue in our community. Some of the local agencies that received product donations from past Period Promise campaigns include the Forward House Community Society, Wisteria Community Association, Sage Haven, North Island Metis Association, Cowichan Green Community Foundation, and Ladysmith Family & Friends.

By facilitating the Transportation Assistance Program in Cowichan. Over 5,000 transit tickets were given out to our vulnerable neighbours to help provide access to food, medical, and counselling appointments, employment supports, children or senior services, and justice.

In Nanaimo, Cowichan, and Duncan, including Indigenous and urban communities, the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy is investing $3.7 million in 2024 into homelessness services across the region. Funding is guided by two Community Advisory Boards comprising community members and leaders.

Some of the funded local agencies include Cowichan Women Against Violence, Malahat Nation, Hiiye’ye Lelum House of Friendship, Cowichan Housing Association, 7-10 Club, Island Crisis Care Society, Nanaimo Family Life Association, and Snuneymuxw First Nation.