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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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  |   Stories / The archives

A culture of compassion

In a retirement community nestled in the West Shore, a remarkable woman named Beth resides, embodying a life rich in gratitude ...
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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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  |   Donor spotlight / Stories

How giving forward changes lives: Margaret’s gift to future generations

Margaret Smith lived on a quiet street in Cordova Bay, in a house with views of the lush, green Cordova Bay Golf Course on one ...
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  |   Stories

How this volunteer-turned-employee appreciates the value of a simple act

It all starts somewhere. A friend of a friend, a colleague, a family member – someone tells you about an opportunity and you ju...
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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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  |   Stories / The archives

How a shift in the philosophy of care helped transform the lives of children and their families

This story is part of a series that celebrates the legacy of the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, paying tribute t...
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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...
A beige and brown house sits behind a green lawn.
  |   Stories / Updates

Jeneece Place: A decade of compassionate care for Island families

January 21, 2022, marked 10 years to the day since we opened the doors of Jeneece Place and began welcoming families of childre...
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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...