We all know the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ but our House Managers understand it at their core. They see this phrase brought to life each...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/house-managers.png490735chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2025-03-11 09:28:432025-03-19 09:54:45A conversation with our House Managers
For Penny and Roger Gosselin, giving back has always been a way of life. Retired educators and dedicated monthly donors to both Jeneece Place and Q̓ʷalayu House, they are among...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Gosselin-1.png245368chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2025-02-19 09:40:392025-02-19 13:56:39Why we give: The Gosselins’ story
Dahlia is a spirited three-year-old who loves typical toddler things – dinosaurs, colouring, and playing in her toy kitchen. However, her entrance into the world was far from ordinary. Born...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Bryan-and-Dahlia1.png245368chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2025-02-13 13:51:422025-02-19 09:53:16“A lot less stress and a lot more time to visit my kid”: The essence of Jeneece Place
Partnerships with health care professionals across the Island are integral to the success of our Homes away from home program. It’s often how families first learn about it. That’s why...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Ocean-grove.png490735chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-12-16 09:09:372025-01-24 09:53:52How Ocean Grove Midwifery and Q̓ʷalayu House team up to support North Island families
Since his birth in March 2023, Bellamy, with his infectious smile and bright blue eyes, has been a great source of joy for his family. It’s what’s helped them through...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nikki-Bellami.png490735chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-12-12 09:00:352025-01-24 09:53:52Finding strength at Jeneece Place: A mother’s journey
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...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/JesseHollandPhoto_240620_027.jpg10671600chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-10-21 10:01:442025-01-24 09:53:53How an adaptive bike from Bear Essentials changed Roland’s life
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...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Keno-family-2024.png490735chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-08-27 10:36:132025-01-24 09:53:53Now and then: How Bear Essentials helped this Parksville family
When Q̓ʷalayu House first opened its doors in the summer of 2021, its goal was clear: to provide a safe and welcoming space for families from outside Campbell River, allowing...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mary-Ann-and-Kirsten-scaled.jpg20552560chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-08-22 11:34:592025-01-24 09:53:53Celebrating three years of Q̓ʷalayu House
At our Homes away from home, we’ve seen how food can bring comfort to families in the tougher moments. And we love it when guests share their favourite recipes with...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/banana-cake.png490735chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-07-04 11:06:572025-01-24 09:53:53The story behind the banana cake
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...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Jax-at-home.png490735chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-06-04 08:43:032025-01-24 09:53:54Jax’s journey: a year of growth
At 90 years young, Patrick, also known as Pat, embodies a legacy of compassion in his Campbell River community. In addition to a 30-year career as a brewer, Pat served...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_1810-scaled-e1717020357208.jpg11711920chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-05-23 14:27:462025-01-24 09:53:54Why I give: Pat’s legacy of compassion
To celebrate Leave a Legacy Month this May, we’re introducing our new Major Gifts and Legacy Giving Officer, Amgad Zaky. Like you, Amgad is deeply passionate about the health of...
https://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/unnamed.jpg12001600chf_adminhttps://islandkidsfirst.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/chf-logo-white.svgchf_admin2024-04-30 12:57:382025-01-24 09:53:54Meet our team: How fatherhood brought Amgad closer to our mission