Bear Essentials is a family support program that assists with the costs of health-related travel and equipment for Island kids.
The program is designed for families that struggle to afford the associated costs or that have barriers limiting their ability to access health care or equipment for their child.
Bear Essentials is a referral-only program. A health care professional familiar with a child’s needs and family circumstances must complete the online application on their behalf, with the consent of the applicant’s parent or primary guardian.
Learn more here about how we work to ensure Bear Essentials reduces these barriers to improve health outcomes for children, youth, and their families across Vancouver Island and the surrounding islands.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Bear Essentials, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Age: 0 to 19 years old (prenatal up to 20th birthday)
- Location: Live on Vancouver Island or the surrounding islands
- Health status: Have a medical condition, health challenge, or disability confirmed by a health care professional
- Financial need: Require financial support to cover the cost of the item(s) in the application
- Funding limit: Have not exceeded the lifetime Bear Essentials maximum of $12,500
Review the full program guidelines for eligibility and learn how to apply. The appendix includes a printable consent form.
Ready to apply?
Referring professionals complete the application on behalf of a child or youth in need.
Contact us
To stay connected with our Program Navigators throughout the application process or for more information about the Bear Essentials program, please contact:
Cheryl Jordan, Senior Program Navigator
- Email: bearessentials@islandkidsfirst.com
- Telephone: 250 940 4948
- Toll-free: +1 833 751 0874
Island kids need you
Thank you for supporting the Bear Essentials program.
250 940 4950
345 Wale Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6X2
With gratitude we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu cha nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw first peoples of Vancouver Island and surrounding islands.