After Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday people are urged to join the movement of giving back. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving and unity. This is a time when companies and individuals join together and rally for great causes in our community.
Some of the charities I proudly support all year round are:
100+ Women Who Care:
100+ Women Who Care was started in 2006 and with approximately 500 Chapters across North America they are all able to contribute and give back to their communities. The idea is simple: any member can nominate a charity in the community; the need has to be immediate and the money has to remain local. Ballots are chosen randomly and the winning charity is contributed to by the members. A fabulous community incentive!
Children’s Miracle Network:
Children’s Miracle Network raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. Donations stay local to fund treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and research. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
Comox Valley Hospice Society:
The Comox Valley Hospice Society became a registered not for profit organization in 1983. Formed by a group of dedicated community volunteers the Society now serves hundreds of people each year with a small staff and dozens of volunteers. The hope is that those who are living with a life threatening illness or dying in our community will experience dignity and peace; their caregivers will receive the help they need; and they and their families and friends will be supported in their grief. The society provides education, care and support when you are healthy, when your care needs change and when a death occurs.
Courtenay Little Theatre:
Courtenay Little Theatre mounts three main productions per season. As a reasonably successful theatre company, they are able to help young people in the Comox Valley who want to consider theatre as their post-secondary field of study. Each year, CLT offers bursaries to two high school graduates entering theatre studies, or sometimes other disciplines in the arts. They also provide costumes, props, set pieces [furniture, decorations etc] to companies across the Valley and beyond.
Other Notable Charities in the Comox Valley include:
Comox Valley Child Development association:
The Comox Valley Child Development association supports children, youth and adults with diverse abilities and their families. All services are family centered – this means that they recognize that you know your child best and play the most important role in their life.
Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society:
The Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society is dedicated to providing a unique combination of equine related therapy and recreation for children and adults with diverse abilities. In addition to the Comox Valley, their programs serve Vancouver Island communities from Fanny Bay to Port Hardy, including 3 outlying islands accessible only by ferry.
Comox Valley Transition Society
Comox Valley Transition Society supports women, children and families in the Comox, Cumberland Courtenay areas and beyond who are experiencing or fleeing abuse, overcoming trauma, working toward/through recovery, and those who are unsheltered and/or struggling through poverty. They support and empower women to make the best decisions for themselves, their children and their families.
Y.A.N.A. Fund Society
You Are Not Alone (YANA) is a local non-profit society that provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel outside the community for medical treatment for a child under 19 or for a pregnant mother. YANA continues to ensure that families in the Comox Valley are not alone when dealing with medical issues for their children and believes that when a child is ill the whole family requires care. YANA also maintains four fully furnished apartments within walking distance of Children’s Hospital and assists with finding and funding accommodation in alternate treatment destinations.