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  |   Island kids / Stories / The archives

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 dif...
A girl in a sweater stands on the beach in front of the ocean.
  |   Island kids / Stories

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 wit...
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  |   Island kids / Stories

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 t...
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  |   Island kids / Stories

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. Ta...
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  |   Island kids / Stories

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 t...
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  |   Island kids / Stories

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 hear...
Vancouver Island mom and baby on a beach
  |   Island kids / Stories

How Qwalayu 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...
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  |   Island kids / News / Stories

How your support helps Island kids like Nathan

Nathan is a funny and friendly ten-year-old who loves building Lego and playing with his cousins. He also lives with a rare neu...
Bear Essentials - Island Kids First - Bruhwiler Family
  |   Island kids / Stories

How Bear Essentials and Jeneece Place helped this Tofino family

When Tofino couple Francis and Hanne made the journey to Nanaimo for a routine midwife appointment, the last thing they were ex...
Jodie Bittner and Island kid outside
  |   Island kids

Meet Jodie: A mom explains why Jeneece Place is vital for Island families

When Island mom Jodie’s water broke only 25 weeks into her second pregnancy, she knew something was very wrong. After rushing t...
Island kids health - mother and her sons on a beach on Vancouver Island
  |   Island kids / Stories

How Bear Essentials supports the emotional wellbeing of these Island brothers with complex needs

For any new parent, adjusting to the role of parenthood can be challenging. Between helping care for her three brothers with Do...
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  |   Island kids / Stories

Island kids like Nathan need your help this holiday season

In the midst of her second healthy pregnancy, Island mom Laura was caught off guard when she went into labour at only 34 weeks....