The Children’s Griefmobile will accommodate the needs of children, teens and their families who are facing grief related to death and dying. The Griefmobile will be out in the community before, during & after regular office hours at Hospice House.

Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society offers a holistic approach to help newcomers. As part of their services they offer English Language classes and provide licensed Daycare where parents can leave their children whilst they attend classes in a safe and caring environment. This grant will make safety improvements to the current playground.

This zero waste program on Gabriola redistributes human food, animal grade food for local farmers and creates soil from compost. This program aligns with the community’s values of food sustainability and environmental protection. This grant will help build a sorting area for volunteers during inclement weather and a refrigeration storage area.

Crossroads Pregnancy Centre provides free compassionate support services to those facing crisis during pregnancy and/or the first few years of their baby’s life, include women fleeing domestic violence, struggling with poverty, or homelessness. This grant will help make necessary renovations of their facility to make it both safe and accessible to the hundreds of vulnerable families they serve each year.

After a three-year pilot project, the Gabriola bus system was launched in early 2016. It regularly serves more riders per capita than most bus systems in BC, including isolated seniors and those without access to transportation. This grant will help construct a GERTIE office building at the Gabriola Commons with rainwater storage, a solar-PV system and a composting toilet adjacent. Workshops and volunteering opportunities will be provided for the many islanders who are anxious to learn about these sustainable building techniques.

The Imagine VIU Campaign includes the construction of a Health and Science Centre to accommodate the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant and Chemistry programs. This grant will provide the full cost to construct a Simulation Exam Room for the Nursing program.

The Men’s Centre serves men and families facing emotional challenges and abuse, supports men in securing work, and helps dads with parenting skills. This grant will help pilot a program to support children and families through the challenges of high conflict separation and divorce.