FINAL-SOS Spring Newsletter-Impact 2025

SOS Community Impact Spring 2025

Finding hope in a worrying world

The start of 2025 has been sobering, to say the least. With each passing day, the headlines from south of the border grow more unsettling, and the constant stream of negativity from our 24/7 news cycle leaves little room for respite. It’s a shared struggle to stay hopeful amidst such challenges.

Like many of you, I’ve grappled with feelings of helplessness. In the past, when I felt this way, I channeled my energy into building my business. I could pick up the phone to call a client or dive into writing proposals, and that gave me a sense of control. But now, in this chapter of retirement, I find myself searching for a new outlet.

If you’ve felt that same lack of control, I’d like to suggest an outlet I’ve

found both meaningful and cathartic: If we cannot change the world, perhaps we can focus on changing our community.

As supporters of SOS, you know two things to be true. First, the need for our services has never been greater. Second, our ability to meet these needs is being tested as external pressures ripple through our Oceanside community. Those who were already vulnerable are facing even more significant challenges, and our capacity to support them depends heavily on the generosity and dedication of our neighbours.

This is where you come in. By volunteering your time and talents, you have the power to make a tangible difference.

SOS celebrated International Women’s Day at the Qualicum Beach Inn as the honoured charity for this year’s Super Women Saturday event. Hosted by Qualicum Beach Café, Qualicum Beach Inn, Nanoose Bay Café, and Deez Bar and Grill, the event raised $5,600 for SOS programs that help local women.

“Each year with our Women’s Day events, we choose to support a local Vancouver Island organization whose contributions are directed to women, children, and their families in the Oceanside area,” said Kaitlyn Brennan, Qualicum Beach Café Mar-

keting and Communications Manager. “It was such an easy decision to support SOS this year as we know that the proceeds raised will impact so many local women and families.”

The conference room at Qualicum Beach Inn buzzed with laughter and conversation as over 100 women gathered to enjoy an evening of drinks, canapés, wine tasting, a silent auction, and exciting prizes.

All proceeds from the event support SOS programs for women, including Child, Youth & Family Programs, Emergency Assistance & Advocacy, Personal Growth Groups, Counsel-

Every hour you spend supporting SOS or other local organizations strengthens the fabric of our community and lifts those who need help the most.

In uncertain times, small, meaningful actions can provide clarity and purpose. Together, let’s work to turn helplessness into hopefulness and make our community a brighter place in a worrying world.

— Paul Ruffell, SOS Board Chair

Super Women Saturday raises funds for SOS

SOS Community Services Centre 245 Hirst Ave. W., Parksville www.sosd69.com | 250.248.2093 sos@sosd69.com |

ling Referral and Meals on Wheels.

SOS Executive Director Susanna Newton said, “Strong women create strong communities, so we are thrilled that the money raised from this event will support District 69 women and their children through our programming.”

SOS announces program updates SOS has been responding to local residents’ needs for 57 years.

Programs are regularly reviewed and evaluated to ensure the organization is making the biggest impact possible. This means focusing energy and resources on the programs and services that can make the biggest difference with the resources available.

To that end, SOS announced in March that it would end its tenancy at Qualicum Commons and centralize Child, Youth & Family programs back to the Parksville location.

Several factors contributed to this decision, including the uncertain future of the Qualicum Commons facility, ongoing building issues, along with operational costs. All programs that were previously offered at Qualicum Commons are now available at the Parksville lo-

cation, ensuring continued access to these vital services.

Similarly, after careful consideration, SOS made the decision to transition away from the Seniors Connecting Program.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said SOS Executive Director Susanna Newton. “We remain deeply committed to supporting seniors through our essential programs, including Oceanside Better at Home, Seniors Advocacy Services, Meals On Wheels, and Medical Appointment Transportation Service. These critical services will continue to provide vital support to our seniors.”

Newton said the Board of Directors had to make these strategic shifts in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of SOS services, maximize the impact for

socially and economically disadvantaged residents and avoid duplication of services.

SOS was started by community members, and continues to rely on community support.

The dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors are the heart and soul of SOS. While change can be difficult, SOS is optimistic about the future.

For more information or to get involved as a volunteer or donor, visit www.sosd69.com.

Learning Series events spread knowledge SOS began offering free Learning Series events as a gift to the community in 2022. For each seminar, experts and panelists are invited to the SOS Community Services Centre to discuss a variety of topics that interest local residents.

These free sessions provide valuable knowledge, resources, and opportunities for growth, empowerment, and insight.

The events also aim to help residents better support themselves and those around them, ultimately fostering a stronger, more resilient community.

Some of the Learning Series events have focused on cultivating resiliency, planning for final years,

Gary Anaka, Brain-Based Learning Facilitator, reveals ways to keep the brain healthy during an SOS Learning Series event called Aging with Purpose and Grace.

understanding and supporting the brain, and strategic giving, among others.

Feedback from the events has been very positive, and follow-up surveys have helped shape the events and al-

lowed residents to suggest new topics for future sessions. To stay up to date on future Learning Series and other SOS events, visit the SOS website to sign up for the E-newsletter or to check the Events section.

SOS Podcast on location at SOS Thrift Shop At SOS Thrift Shop, volunteers don’t just sort donations — they build connections and strengthen the community. Their stories took centre stage on a recent episode of the SOS - We Are Community podcast when Host and Communications Manager Lissa Alexander spoke with volunteers Bruce, Janet, Ray and Marge.

“I’ve had a pretty darn good life, and I’m retired now, so I want to give back and this is one way of doing it,” said Bruce Nelms.

Bruce volunteers at SOS Thrift Shop one day a week stocking shelves. He appreciates the connections he’s made through volunteering.

“There’s no drama and no friction, it’s all very easygoing. People are courteous and fun to be with,” said Bruce. “And the money we raise helps so many people.”

Ray and Janet Kasten, a married couple, said volunteering at SOS Thrift Shop gives them a sense of connection.

Ray tests electronics and Janet prices and prepares jewellery. They have fun with the group of volunteers in the sorting room who keep things light by

Top photo, Lissa interviews Volunteer Bruce at SOS Thrift Shop. Bottom left photo, Volunteers Ray and Janet. Bottom right, Volunteer Marge and Lissa.

singing, laughing, and sharing stories.

“Everyone is so friendly, so happy, so lovely,” said Janet. “It’s really fun!”

Since 1968, SOS has been a volunteer-supported organization, with the majority of funding coming from SOS Thrift Shop sales. The Thrift Shop is the area that requires the highest number of volunteers.

Marge Snook, who has volunteered at SOS Thrift Shop since 2017, enjoys getting to know regular customers,

and connecting with seniors in her role as a cashier. She said she’s even had the pleasure of watching children grow during their regular visits to the Thrift Shop over the years.

New volunteers receive excellent training and support from staff, Marge added. “Why wouldn’t you volunteer?” she asked, smiling.

Watch this and other SOS Podcast episodes through the SOS website or at youtube.com/@SOSD69

SOS Income Tax program provides peace of mind During tax season, the SOS Community Services Centre bustles with activity as people arrive, with paperwork in hand, for the SOS Income Tax Program. The program helps low-income individuals, seniors, and families file basic tax returns, ensuring they get the support and benefits they’re entitled to.

John O’Brien, an Income Tax Volunteer and retired Certified Public Accountant, shared that filing a tax return is the only way to claim

various federal and provincial tax credits, improving access to government benefits.

“When you file, credits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the GST/HST credit, and provincial credits like the BC Renter’s Tax Credit can provide substantial financial relief,” John said. “By not filing your return, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars in benefits!”

The SOS Income Tax Program works in conjunction with the Can-

SOS Income Tax Program Volunteer John O’Brien files taxes for a resident.

ada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. To make an Income Tax appointment, call SOS: 250.248.2093 ext. 0.

Help keep our residents connected to SOS At SOS, we know the importance of keeping people connected. Without socialization, children, youth, families, adults and seniors can suffer from both physical and emotional health conditions throughout their lives.

That’s why SOS programs are such a life-line for many residents in our community. They connect people of all ages and backgrounds to one another. And communities that are connected are better together.

Here’s the challenge. Not every resident has access to a car or transportation so they can’t easily access supports provided by SOS. Busy families often have difficulty arranging for children and youth to get to SOS afterschool programs that can enrich their lives and connect them with new friends. Our Grocery Shopping Service through the Oceanside Better at Home program not only provides transportation to and from the local grocery stores, it provides an opportunity for social interaction.

For many years, SOS has provided our own bus as transportation to pick up residents so they could participate in our programs. But this old bus has run its course and we need your help. We’ve been able to acquire funding for a little more than half the costs needed for a new bus, but we still need to raise additional funds to cover the remaining expenses. We have set a goal of raising

$200,000 to keep our residents connected through the SOS Connecting Community Campaign. Please support this campaign with whatever amount is meaningful to you through the reply form below, through our website or call 250.248.2093. Thank you, your support matters!

SOS CONNECTING COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN DONATION REPLY FORM

YES! I want to help keep people connected in my community. Here is my donation of:

 $75 o $500

o $100 o $1,000

o $250 $

City/Town Prov

 Cheque (Please make cheque payable to Society of Organized Services.)  VISA  MasterCard Card #

Expiry date Signature

Name

Address

Payment Options:

Phone Postal Code

Phone: 250.248.2093 Fax: 250.248.8433 Email: sos@sosd69.com www.sosd69.com

/

CVV code

Email

We value our donors’ privacy and do not share our lists. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 or more.

Please mail your completed reply form to: Society of Organized Services 245 Hirst Ave. W., PO Box 898 Parksville, BC V9P 2G9

For more information about our privacy policies or questions about making a donation, please call 250.248.2093 ext. 251. | Charitable registration # 107021537RR0001