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An update about our holiday appeal

As you are no doubt aware, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers declared a nationwide strike on Friday, November 15, bringing mail delivery to a halt across the country. We...
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National Child Day: Reflecting on our commitment to children’s rights to health care

Today is National Child Day. A day to acknowledge the importance of children’s rights and our country’s commitment to upholding them. This day stems from the United Nations Convention on...
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How an adaptive bike from Bear Essentials changed Roland’s life

From the moment he was born, Roland was a happy and joyful boy, always laughing and squealing with delight. However, his parents, Aubrey and Jeremy, began to notice differences as...
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Now and then: How Bear Essentials helped this Parksville family

A few years ago, we introduced you to Heather, Wyatt, and Kason from Parksville. Living on Vancouver Island with her two sons, Heather’s experienced both the highs and lows that...
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Jax’s journey: a year of growth

Last year, we introduced you to Jax, a middle-schooler facing challenges associated with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia, and autism spectrum disorder. Now 13, he lives in Sidney with his devoted...
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What it means to put the health of Island kids first

For nearly 100 years, we’ve been supporting the health of Island kids. And in that time, our organization has been known by different names. Our programs have evolved to support...
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How Bear Essentials helped this dancer hear her melody

In the heart of Victoria, 11-year-old Abi isn’t just a middle schooler and competitive dancer; she’s a young girl grappling with an unexpected adversary — hearing loss. Her journey began...
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Then and now: How Bear Essentials is improving Jackson’s life

Jackson, called “Jax” by his family and friends, has an infectious laugh and an amazing “go with the flow” attitude.  A happy twelve-year old, Jax lives with his parents Tracey...
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Meet Island kid Talia: How this Comox Valley family receives critical support from Jeneece Place and Bear Essentials

Talia is described by her mom, Kelsey, as a happy and kind-hearted girl who loves My Little Pony and the Disney movie Moana. Talia turns ten this month and since...
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How your support helps Island kids like Cohen

Island kid Cohen is a bright light who is always excited to start the day. At 11 years old, he loves engaging with other kids through sports and physical activity,...
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Meet Elysia and her mom Rocio: How Jeneece Place and Bear Essentials have helped this Qualicum family

We’re all too familiar with the COVID virus, and you’ve heard of the Norwalk virus and the chicken pox virus, but have you heard of Cytomegalovirus (CMV)? It’s a common...
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How Q̓ʷalayu House provided a safe place for this Port Hardy expectant mom travelling to deliver her first baby

When Port Hardy resident Angie was expecting her first little one, she was a bundle of different emotions. And when her midwife told her that she needed to leave her...