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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 Down Syndrome, her respite kids, and her two sons...
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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. The last thing she was expecting...
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Tim Hortons annual Smile Cookie Week raises more than $39,000 for Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island’s home away from home, Jeneece Place

Victorians have a sweet tooth and a generous heart. It’s a winning combination for Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, which today received a $39,474 donation from Greater Victoria Tim...
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How the Lisa Huus Bursary is helping this BC student become an advocate for those with complex needs

In speaking with university student Ella, her determination and passion for making an impact become immediately clear. At only 17 years old, Ella is simultaneously enrolled in university courses at...
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How Bear Essentials supports the mobility and independence of Island kid Payton

Island mom Shannon has big hopes and dreams for her eldest daughter, Payton. The outgoing and energetic four-year-old loves swimming, gymnastics, and playing with the animals on her family’s farm....
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Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island opens Q̓ʷalayu House

After years of preparation, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island CEO, Veronica Carroll, cut the ribbon to officially open Q̓ʷalayu House, its brand-new home away from home in Campbell River....
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When pigs fly radiothon nets over $62,000 for Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island’s Q̓ ʷalayu House

Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island set its When pigs fly radiothon fundraising goal at $50,000, but the Campbell River community didn’t stop there. The 12- hour radiothon, hosted by...
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Meet Marco: How this BC student channeled his complex health challenges into his career purpose

For Lisa Huus Bursary recipient Marco Dixon, artistic expression is a way of life. Brought up by a fashion designer and a musician, Marco’s parents taught him to use his...
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Meet Lucas: How Bear Essentials is a lifeline for families of Island kids with complex needs

Island kid Lucas is a happy little guy. Like many other five-year-olds, he loves learning at school, playing with his brother, and swimming. While in many ways Lucas is just...
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Meet Island kid Emmett: Why this Salt Spring Island family gives back to Jeneece Place

For fifth-generation Salt Spring Island resident, Becky and her husband Dane, fishing is a way of life. And after their middle son, Emmett, recently celebrated his fifth birthday, donating wild-caught...
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A conversation with Manda Roddick: Using complex health challenges as a catalyst for social change

In speaking with PhD candidate Manda Roddick, her resilience and passion for making an impact become immediately clear. In addition to pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of Victoria,...
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How Jeneece Place was a lighthouse in a storm for this Okanagan family

When Summerland residents Mark and Erin were expecting their first child in 2012, they never would have predicted that their son would be born across the province. However, when Erin’s...