Looking for the ‘canary in the coal mine’ – Comox Valley Record

Beaufort Watershed Stewards study insects to better understand the stream’s health

Volunteers work with a trainer from the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation to search for tiny invertebrates in streams on the east side of the Beaufort range, from Royston to Qualicum Bay.

The Beaufort Watershed Stewards (BWS) are on the lookout for a “canary in the coal mine”— only, in this case, the canary is a tiny, wiggly insect living under rocks in the streams and rivers of the Beaufort range watersheds.

The bottom-dwelling creatures, known as benthic invertebrates, are more vulnerable than fish. They can’t swim away from pollutants or poor water quality, making them excellent indicators of a stream’s health. While some of these invertebrates can adapt to deteriorating water conditions, many others simply die off. By lifting rocks, counting, and identifying these insects in different streams, trained citizen scientists can get a clear picture of the water’s health.

“The streams need a steward,” said Jill Chudleigh, of BWS. “With the growth of the region, pesticides, habitat and climate change, the water is affected — and by extension — so is everything that relies on the water in that stream. It’s important to monitor and protect it.”

The Beaufort Watershed Stewards is a group of volunteers who use an ecological and scientific approach to environmental conservation. Based on the east side of the Beaufort Range, the volunteers are dedicated to promoting the health and resilience of the watershed.

The benthic invertebrates surveying project is one of five new initiatives funded through the Comox Valley Community Foundation’s Environmental & Conservation Community Table, which convenes non-profits dedicated to environment, conservation, and climate resilience in
the Comox Valley to discuss and distribute available grant funds together across various projects.

The Beaufort Watershed Stewards’ grant made it possible to fund a Pacific Streamkeepers Federation trainer who instructed volunteers on how to properly collect and identify benthic invertebrates, and to record and interpret their findings.

The surveys take place twice a year, during different seasons, to establish a baseline invertebrate inventory in six streams. If the project proves successful, it could serve as a model for monitoring other streams in the watershed.

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS
This project is one of six Citizen Science programs led by Beaufort Watershed Steward volunteers. In addition to the benthic invertebrate survey, they monitor stream temperatures, turbidity, pH, specific conductivity and dissolved oxygen in 20 streams every two weeks.

They also measure stream flow speeds in five areas, track well water levels, and publish regular watershed health assessments.

Volunteers are involved in a tire wear toxin study with the BC Conservation Foundation. Additionally, BWS is collaborating with UVic to map aquifers on the Beaufort range’s eastern slopes.

LEARN MORE
For more information, visit Beaufort Water.

By sorting, counting and identifying the insects (below), citizen scientists can better understand the stream’s health.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Drawing the circle wider – Comox Valley Record

Weird Church tackles barriers to food security, arts, and accessibility

Rev. Ingrid Brown outside Weird Church’s 24-Hour Food Shed, which started during 2020 to ensure those who needed food in Cumberland could find it. The Food Shed is one of three projects designed to improve accessibility to community activities, events, and services.[/caption]

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

In Cumberland, Weird Church, officially known as the United Church of Canada – Pacific Mountain Region, has been a gathering place built on a foundation of love, justice, and community service since its inception in 2018. So, when an opportunity arose to improve food security, accessibility, and arts programming, Rev. Ingrid Brown knew it was a perfect fit.

“We’re all about being accessible and creating a place of belonging where everyone is welcome,” said Brown. “These upgrades will impact so many partners and groups in Cumberland, especially in supporting arts programming, food security, and accessibility for all.”
Three major projects are now underway thanks to recent funding: much needed upgrades to the 24-hour food shed and shelving, renovations to the accessible ramp, and permanent black stage curtains.

SUPPORT FOR THE FOOD SHED
First up is the Church’s food shed, where aging, wobbly shelves are being replaced after five years of constant use.

The food shed began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when school closures left many families without access to breakfast and lunch programs. Working with the Cumberland Community Schools Society and the Village of Cumberland through the Cumberland Food Share program, Brown and volunteers decided to set up outdoor shelves stocked with essential staples.

“We wanted to make sure there was food available for anyone who needed it,” said Brown. “It’s about neighbours helping neighbours in the best possible way.”

Today, with the support of the Cumberland Legion, Cumberland Rotary, and the Comox Valley Food Bank, the program has expanded significantly. The 24-hour food shed has seen usage rise by more than 300 per cent since its early days, with hundreds of pounds of food moving through it every month.

“People come by all the time — kids filling their backpacks after school, people stopping by at two or three in the morning,” Brown said. “I don’t even know exactly how much food goes through anymore — it happens all the time.”

IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY RAMP
Weird Church is also overhauling its 35-year-old side access ramp, which had settled unevenly over time. Some boards were also unsafe due to water damage. The improved ramp will provide safer, easier access for people using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. The improvements mean Weird Church becomes more available to all participants and provides another accessible location in Cumberland for community events.

SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTS
Inside, Weird Church is adding permanent black stage curtains, made by a Cumberland resident, with fabric kept out of the landfill with the closing of a major Vancouver
fabric store. The curtains will improve lighting and sound for local theatre groups and musicians, eliminating the need to rent equipment and allowing more of the group’s limited budgets to go directly toward performances.

The changes – though small – help them remove barriers, support neighbours, and open the door to belonging for anyone who walks through their doors.

For more information, visit Weird Church

Rev. Ingrid Brown outside Weird Church’s 24-Hour Food Shed, which started during 2020 to ensure those who needed food in Cumberland could find it. The Food Shed is one of three projects designed to improve accessibility to community activities, events, and services.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Supporting healing after trauma – Comox Valley Record

Rescue dogs bring new life to people living with complex trauma

At Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) Canada, life-changing healing begins one paw at a time.

The Comox Valley–based non-profit pairs dogs with people living with complex trauma, including veterans, first responders, RCMP officers, and civilians.

Most of the dogs come from rescue shelters, and each is matched to specific client’s physical and psychological needs.

Unlike traditional service dog programs, where dogs are pre-trained, clients and their dogs learn side by side. They build trust and healing together twice a week over 48 weeks in Fanny Bay. When they are done, the dog is ready for a Service Dog Assessment and BC Guide Dog certification.

To ensure there are no barriers to healing, the training — and the dogs — are provided completely free, with Operation Freedom Paws relying solely on charitable donations from community organizations to aid their support.

“We’re the only charity in Canada that trains both dogs and humans without charging for either,” said Barb Ashmead, the volunteer-run organization’s founder and executive director. “All we ask is a commitment to attend training twice a week and give it a try.”

Most clients are referred to Operation Freedom Paws through word of mouth, psychologists, and community organizations.

To meet growing needs, Ashmead is searching for an on-site mental health counsellor with experience in trauma counselling to help with intake interviews and provide ongoing support to clients. The Community Foundation grant will help fund the position.

“Thanks to the generosity of groups like the Comox Valley Community Foundation, OFP Canada continues to help people rebuild their lives after trauma,” she said.

The organization’s approach is backed by research, including a 2018 Purdue University study showing that PTSD service dogs significantly improve mental health, work attendance, and social functioning for veterans.

In just five years, Operation Freedom Paws has seen 61 service teams become certified, with 46 coming from the Comox Valley. Clients also travel from across Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and beyond to attend training. Along with families and friends, the organization’s reach now touches an estimated 1,650 people on Vancouver Island, including 1,400 in the Comox Valley alone.

Ashmead knows the results are both personal and far reaching.

She recalls one client struggling with severe PTSD and anxiety so overwhelming he was afraid to leave his home. After working with Operation Freedom Paws, he and his dog now go everywhere together, living a fuller, more connected life.

“They got their lives back,” said Ashmead. “They can laugh again.”

The experience is, by all accounts, life-changing.  And for Ashmead – the greatest experience of her life. “Watching a team bond and save each others’ lives is phenomenal and an incredible life changing experience.”

From a community perspective, she knows families, friends, and entire communities benefit when people are able to return to work, finish school, and engage in healthy social activities.

For more information about Operation Freedom Paws Canada, visit ofpcanada.org.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Happiness is a day at the lake – Comox Valley Record

Camp Sunshine creates access to outdoor adventures for adults with diverse abilities

Camp Sunshine participants build confidence, try new things, and connect over activities that others might take for granted during a highly anticipated day camp each summer.

Each summer for the past three years, young adults with diverse abilities gather for a unique experience that blends outdoor adventure with empowerment and inclusion.

Known as Camp Sunshine, the day camp offers participants the chance to experience kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, geocaching, tent building, and more over five days. Each activity is tailored to be accessible for individuals with diverse abilities.

The camp is part of Project Inclusion, a program run by the Comox Valley Child Development Association. Its goal is to help young adults with diverse abilities build confidence, learn new skills, and foster meaningful connections.

Project Inclusion supports about 30 participants year-round as they work toward shared goals, including operating a spice business, cooking, hosting events, maintaining a garden, and even presenting at the annual Growing Together Conference for Childhood Educators in the Comox Valley.

“There is so much pride in everything that they do,” said Cindy Xavier, the association’s executive director.
Camp Sunshine takes those efforts outdoors, offering new experiences, challenges and opportunities.

“Good friends and great memories— that’s what Camp Sunshine is all about,” said Wendy Hawksworth, the program’s team lead. “Happiness is summer at the lake, where everyone is included, and everyone leaves with new friends and a sense of belonging.”

Participants play an active role in planning camp activities, giving them a strong sense of ownership and pride.

“It doesn’t matter if they have a spotter or a navigator to get on the water—it’s about finding a way to build confidence and a sense of freedom through an experience many others take for granted,” Xavier said.

She emphasized that the camp wouldn’t be possible without community support — especially with increased participation and rising transportation costs.

“When the group heard we received funding for this year’s camp, they erupted in cheers,” Xavier said. “It allows them to try new activities, conquer fears, and enjoy outdoor adventures that are out of reach.”

Without this support, many participants would miss out on these enriching experiences. The barriers to accessible outdoor activities too often lead to isolation — but Camp Sunshine provides a joyful, inclusive environment where individuals grow, connect, and thrive.

“We are deeply grateful to all of the volunteers, staff, and donors who recognize the immense value of Camp Sunshine,” Xavier said. “From all of us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

For more information visit Project Inclusion.

Camp Sunshine participants build confidence, try new things, and connect over activities that others might take for granted during a highly anticipated day camp each summer.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Comox Valley Food Bank expands cold storage – Comox Valley Record

New shipping container combats hunger with improved ability to save fresh food

As food insecurity continues to rise in the Comox Valley, the Comox Valley Food Bank Society is taking steps to meet the growing demand.

With more than 4,000 monthly visits from individuals and families in need—and 7,800 registered users—the Society is expanding its capacity to safely store perishable foods with the installation of a new refrigerated container.

The Food Bank has doubled its cold storage space by installing a 20-foot refrigerated shipping container at its McPhee Avenue location. This vital upgrade immediately increased food rescue capacity adding 2,000 pounds of nutritious food every month. It enhances the Food Bank’s ability to save, distribute, and serve its direct clients and a network of 25 community partners and food bank affiliates who face similar challenges. The partners include a home delivery project, local schools, soup kitchens, and more.

“This project is about more than storage—it’s about delivering dignity, nutrition, and hope to thousands of people,” said David Reynolds, executive director of the Comox Valley Food Bank. “Refrigeration is the heart of our food rescue program, and this expansion couldn’t come at a more critical time.”

Food rescue accounts for nearly 80 per cent of the fresh food distributed by the Food Bank, much of which includes perishable items like fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and meat alternatives.

Each week, drivers pick up food from farms, grocery stores, and vendors. Volunteers and kitchen staff freeze what they can and make 500 to 600 meals a week turning some of the diverted food into soups, chillis and prepared food. But with only 200 square feet of cold storage, the organization has been operating at capacity—limiting its ability to accept and store rescued food.

“Fresh food allows people to make more healthy choices – rather than just shelf stable items which are also important,” said Reynolds. “Without increased fresh food storage, so much food in the Comox Valley would go to waste.”

The new unit is plug-and-play ready, fully secure, and capable of functioning as either a refrigerator or freezer.

Beyond preventing thousands of pounds of nutritious food from ending up in landfills, the expanded storage will help prepare for an anticipated 30 per cent increase in new users in the next fiscal year.

“With 110 new clients signing up each month, we’re facing a perfect storm of inflation, poverty, and rising food insecurity,” Reynolds said. “This project allows us to respond with efficiency and compassion, ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.”

To learn more about the Comox Valley Food Bank and how you can help, visit comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Hornby Island Housing Society improves senior housing – Comox Valley Record

High-efficiency heat pumps add comfort and affordability to Elder Village

Sharon Milstein, one of the seniors who live in the Elder Village, walks with JoAnn Harrison, president of the Hornby Island Housing Society.

The Hornby Island Housing Society is ensuring local seniors have affordable homes by replacing outdated propane heating systems with high-efficiency heat pumps.

Two of the 11 units at The Elder Village Hornby Island’s senior housing complex were previously heated by a propane-based system. The original system, installed in 1997, was decommissioned this spring and replaced with individual electric heat pumps.

“This transition is about more than just improved energy efficiency — it’s about security, sustainability, and affordability for our seniors,” said JoAnn Harrison, president of the Hornby Island Housing Society. “Heat pumps also have the highest impact on our residents—who pay for their own heat.”

The benefits are wide-reaching. The new heat pumps are expected to significantly lower heating bills — offering vital savings for seniors on fixed incomes. The units also provide air conditioning, which is increasingly essential as climate change brings hotter summers.

“The tenants are thrilled,” Harrison said. “The heat pumps have increased their comfort and lowered their annual costs.”

The Elder Village is home to 11 seniors and plays a valuable role in a community with very few affordable year-round rentals.

The Society currently has what Harrison describes as a “dauntingly long” waitlist of seniors seeking accommodation, many of whom face mobility challenges and require accessible, single-level homes like those offered at the Village.

Though other housing options occasionally become available, few on Hornby are truly suitable for seniors. Many homes rely on wood heat, lack proper plumbing or cooking facilities, or are simply unaffordable.

The Village offers the opposite: well- maintained, fully equipped homes with electric heating, running water, and garbage and recycling pickup — all on beautifully landscaped grounds designed for aging in place.

A 2022 Community First study conducted by the Housing Society confirmed the growing shortage of affordable rentals on the island — especially for seniors, which made up more than 44 per cent of the population in 2021, according to Statistics Canada.

“In a small community like ours, every rental unit matters,” said Harrison.

“This upgrade isn’t just a renovation — it’s a lifeline. It ensures our seniors can continue to live safely and affordably — without having to leave the island they call home.”

For more information, visit Hornby Island Housing Society.

One of the 11 rental units on the Elder Village.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

After-school programs strengthen community – Comox Valley Record

Lake Trail Community Education Society builds neighbourhood connections

Lake Trail Community Education Society builds neighbourhood connections Lake Trail Community Education Society staff and volunteers help Cookie Club and Sewing Club members in two of many youth-driven after school activities.

In a quiet corner of West Courtenay, something exceptional is happening after the final school bell rings.

At Lake Trail Community School, classrooms and gardens come alive, filled with intergenerational laughter, learning, and the warmth of community — thanks to the Lake Trail Community Education Society.

For Roderick, a full-time working father and widower, these after-school programs have made all the difference. His daughter and son have been welcomed by staff for years, even before one of them was old enough to officially attend.

What began as a convenient after-school option three or four days a week has become a vital source of support for dozens of local families.

“It’s more than just fun activities,” Roderick said. “It’s about learning life skills—gardening, cooking, crafting, teamwork, compassion. Sometimes a little hard work and helping someone else is what really builds a stronger community.”

That community spirit is exactly what the Education Society was built to nurture. As a charitable organization based out of Lake Trail Community School, it has transformed after-hours hallways into a vibrant hub of connection. From free youth programming and a thriving community garden to drop-in nights, cooking classes, and a salad bar that serves hundreds of students each week, the society makes its programs accessible— financially and physically.

Founded nearly 15 years ago by a group of community members, it is now an essential part of life in West Courtenay. Its work addresses food insecurity, mental wellness, and inclusion, guided by one central belief: everyone deserves to feel they belong.

Last year, the Society offered 23 free after-school programs and expanded its reach with a mobile food pantry, community drop-in nights and workshops, and supports for young people, including marginalized youth. Most of the programs are free or low-cost, driven by community interest and need.

“We’re really guided by what the community wants,” said Anna Rambow, the Society’s executive director. “Sometimes students come to us and say they want to learn to sew or make stop motion animation. Other times, it’s a community member who has the time and energy to offer a skill, and we find out if students are interested.

“We help the community support each other,” said Rambow. “It’s beautiful to watch families come together to build relationships with one another, even beyond our programs. We are just the framework for connection. Our goal is to keep offering spaces where people feel connected, supported, and valued.”

For Roderick, the impact is personal. “Not all families can afford extra programs, but this gives our kids a chance to grow and thrive,” he said. “There’s nothing better than strengthening your community from the inside out.”

And that’s exactly what the Lake Trail Community Education Society is doing — one connection at a time.

For more information, visit ltces.ca

Lake Trail Community Education Society builds neighbourhood connections Lake Trail Community Education Society staff and volunteers help Cookie Club and Sewing Club members in two of many youth-driven after school activities.

Browse more stories and reports. This story, and many others, are featured in Stronger Together our 2025 impact report, supporting over $1 million in community grants to 53 organizations this year.

Fighting the toxic drug crisis – Comox Valley Record

Patti Alvarado leads a group of staff and volunteers committed to saving live in the Comox Valley.

Unbroken Chain, an Indigenous-led harm reduction program at the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, supports a growing list of individuals and family members affected by the toxic drug overdose crisis.

Supports include Indigenous harm reduction education and support, naloxone training, peer support, community education, and more.

Most weeks, staff and volunteers support multiple people, having conversations through difficult days and nights, safety planning, providing support to families who have lost loved ones, advocacy in community meetings, or connecting people to healthcare and support services.

“We are trying to help people stay alive, as well as mitigate the impacts and harm of the toxic drug poisoning epidemic,” Alvarado said. “The feedback we get from participants is that we have helped save their lives. So, for us, this funding from the Comox Valley Community Foundation has been a lifesaver.”

Unbroken Chain ensures people with lived or living experience and their families and friends, have a listening ear when they need it most and receive trauma-informed and culturally safe support. The practice reduces harm and creates a judgment-free environment that facilitates and promotes empowerment, self-autonomy, and healing.

Unbroken Chain hosts awareness events and participates in community action meetings to ensure Indigenous voices and those with lived experience are a part of local solutions, a key factor to reducing stigma and harm.

The toxic drug epidemic affects the entire community.

In February, the First Nations Health Authority released information showing COVID-19 pandemic and the toxic drug public health emergency shortened the life expectancy of Indigenous people in B.C. by 7.1 years, between 2015 to 2021.

“We’re seeing illicit substance use more visibly now due to the supply of illicit substances becoming increasingly more and more toxic since the pandemic, but it’s always been there and often behind closed doors,” she said. “Dozens and dozens of people have died in our community. You are fortunate if you haven’t had a family member or loved one affected by it.”

In the last year, the Society’s events have seen an increase of families wanting to ensure they — and their children — know how to use naloxone.

Alvarado encourages the community to attend awareness events, “Being a part of the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society has been a very welcoming experience. We have a lot of circles and activities where we welcome anyone to join us.”

With additional funding, volunteers and capacity building, Alvarado hopes to expand toxic drug crisis support services locally and on the North Island.

“Unbroken Chain does have a waiting list,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’re not able to help everyone due to the limited resources and the need is great.”

To learn more about the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, follow them on social media, or call 250-338-3455.

What you can do

• Fight the stigma. Read reliable sources to understand the causes of the toxic drug poisoning epidemic.
• Talk to people. Attend events, listen to people with lived experience.
• Volunteer. Take part in training and volunteer to help people in your community.

Growing arts and artists in the Comox Valley – Comox Valley Record

The Comox Valley Community Arts Council is listening, engaging the public, and growing the arts in the Comox Valley.

The 55-year-old organization is one of the Comox Valley’s oldest non-profit groups. It is best known for promoting arts and artists across the Valley, in partnership with businesses, government, and non-profit organizations.

With a mission to champion the artistic vitality of the Comox Valley, the Council creates the Central Island Arts Guide and an annual regional studio tour, produces a directory of Comox Valley artist studios, maintains an event calendar, and provides art experiences and community engagement at events around town.

In recent years, it has also been an incubator, innovator, and community builder, thanks in part to the Comox Valley Community Foundation.

Take, for example, the A School, a professional development program exclusively for artists, made possible through vital operating grants from the Community Foundation. The program provides a community of practice for early career artists to connect, learn, and develop their skill sets, outside of the art school setting. Emerging artists can access tools and structures that allow them to grow their practice and learn how to operate as a small business, said Jennifer Casey, the Council’s executive director.

“Initial surveys say it’s making a huge difference,” Casey said. “Artists are building skills to be able to be able to market their work in new ways, that’s a huge benefit to the community.”

Likewise, its low-cost Digital Creation Hub offers a space for artists to access the digital tools for artmaking. The equipment, software and studio reduce financial and technical barriers and gives artists a head start in marketing and promoting their work.

“You come in and somebody’s there to hold your hand and walk you through it, and you end up with a product that you can then use as an artist to elevate your practice.”

In addition, CV/Arts runs an adjudicated art show at the Comox Valley Airport that highlights regional artists, turning the terminal into a cultural space. It also runs festivals that bring art to the public streets, 30-day drawing challenges and partnerships with community organizers that bring arts programming to existing events.

New this year is the Art Wagon, a colourful trailer that CV/Arts is transforming into a mobile art centre. The aim is to provide programming that travels to schools and areas of the Valley that don’t necessarily have access to traditional art galleries. The Council launched a fundraising campaign in April to fulfill this vision and provide programming dollars to support the Art Wagon in its debut season.

While the Council has previously focused on broad services, CV/Arts is working to ensure programs “go deep” and speak to community-relevant values and conversations.

Last summer, in partnership with community groups, they presented the video installation, Go Fish, by artists Scott Smith and Nettie Wild on Hornby and Denman Island, which 2,400 people attended.

“We’re building from this momentum and applying for funds to offer an annual Arts and Land Festival that works with artists and brings those two connections together,” Casey said.

The activity is designed to be community facing, discussion provoking and engaging.

“The Arts Council is all about community. We do community engaged projects” said Casey. Our work is for the public. We think about providing access to arts and culture to everybody.”

For more information, visit Comox Valley Arts Council.

Connections program supports local families  – Comox Valley Record

Sometimes, having a place to connect and play in the neighbourhood can be a game changer for young families.

Building Connections for Valley Families (Connections) is an initiative of the Comox Valley Early Years Collaborative, a network of more than 50 individuals and groups who focus on ways to help early years families in the Valley thrive.

When early development indicators showed that much could be done to improve the early childhood developmental outcomes of children in Comox Valley, the Collaborative created Connections.

The project tackles childhood vulnerability across the Valley in a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood approach, designed to address parents’ needs to be connected and supported socially.

It currently offers organized drop-in play groups in Dove Creek and Black Creek, and a pilot group in Fanny Bay, with additional supports under development in other areas of the Valley.

“We wanted a welcoming space for families to gather, play and connect,” said Darcie Emerson, the family connector for the North Comox Valley area. “Creating a place for neighbours to meet who may never have crossed paths before is especially important for families living in rural areas. Parenting can be isolating enough and we know how valuable social connections can be for adults and children alike.”

The initiative’s first years have shown how instrumental connection points have been for creating friendships, reducing isolation, and localizing supports for rural Comox Valley families.

“I wouldn’t have met all these amazing families without having this in the area and I probably wouldn’t have developed friendships here, as it is hard to put myself out there like that, especially as a busy mom,” said one mother.

Tailored to caregiver and child interests, Connections brings in information and resources, music, art and activities, mobile library services, and guest speakers to answer questions about early years development.

Connections also hosted a Teddy Bear Picnic for the whole community last year. The upbeat event drew more than 200 parents and children who came out to enjoy the day with other families, and hopefully, spark a few friendships.

“We know how important the early years are and how important it is to provide support for families,” said Betty Tate, the leadership liaison with the Early Years Collaborative. “The more support we can provide for families now, the more we strengthen their future.”

NEXT STEPS

In 2018, the Comox Valley Early Years Collaborative found 40 per cent of Comox Valley children were considered vulnerable on the early development instrument scale, which measures the developmental health of kindergarten age children. Since the Connections project began, the Collaborative has already seen a slight reduction in childhood vulnerability.

“We know, however, that moving this population level measure is complex and we are developing other indicators to evaluate the impact of our programs more fully,” said Tate.

With ongoing support from Comox Valley Community Foundation donors, the Collaborative’s work continues with the hiring of a part-time coordinator, who will engage professionals on ways to help early years children and their families thrive in the Comox Valley.

For more information, visit the Comox Valley Early Years Collaborative.