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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 and compassion. Her story is one of a deep...
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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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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 side and the ocean on...
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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 jump on it. That’s exactly what happened...
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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 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 to the origins of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver...
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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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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 children receiving medical treatment in Victoria. Since its...
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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...
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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 neurological condition that makes life that much more...
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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 expecting was to meet their baby girl that same...