WhoWeAre
District69 Society ofOrganized Services (SOS) isavolunteer-based, non-profitcharity meetingthe needs andenrichingthelivesof District69 residents since 1968.
OUR MISSION: To improvecommunitythrough programming and provideasafetynet forSchool District69residents.
OURVISION: Asupportedandinclusivecommunity.
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Board ofDirectors
Messages from the Board Chair and the Executive Director ,,, " Society of Organi�ed
SOS ThriftShop
Fundraising Program Information and Statistics
SOS Podcastand Community Collaborations
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16 17
Volunteering - Givingand receivingwith SOS
Financial Information
Condensed Financial Statements TwoWays to Care. One Missionto Share
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SOS StaffTeams Services
19 CurrentHighlight-Drivinga Stronger Community
20 SOS Biz forGood Partners
Messagefroillthe BoardChair
Ithasbeenanotherexcitingandeventfulyearat SOSandwe havebeen working diligentlyon a planto continuemeetingtheneedsofourcommunity. The Society's Strategic Plan identifies three essential pillars necessary to fulfill our constitutional mission and continue serving residents inneed. Developedcollaborativelyby the BoardofDirectors,thisplan reflectsthediverseskills,experience,andperspectivesofour BoardMembersworkingtogethertohelpguide SOSintothefutureoverthenextfiveyears. First, maintaining a strong financial foundation remains critical to sustaining our programs and meeting increasing service demands. Through prudent stewardship, communitypartnerships, fundraising efforts, and donor support, SOS continues to work toward long-term financialstabilitywhile respondingto evolvingcommunityneeds.
BoardofDirectors
Second, our dedicatedemployees and volunteers are the heart of our organization. Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment enable us to provide quality services with dignityand respect. Recruiting,supporting,and retainingastrongworkforceremainsapriority. Finally, we recognize that while we cannot eliminate poverty or vulnerability entirely, we canprovideprogramsand services thatmakea meaningful and measurable difference in people's lives. By focusing our resources on initiativesthatcreatethegreatestimpact,SOSstrives to support individuals and families in building stabllity, resilience, and hope for the future. If you arenot alreadyconnected to SOS, consider joiningourcaringcommunity.~AndreaManson
MessagefromtheExecutiveDirector
At SOS, we continually strive to maximize our impact with the resources available to us, guided bythe needsofourresidents In March 2025, we made the difficul decision to move programming out of Qualicum Commons and centralizeservices back at the Parksville CommunityServices Centre, strengthening ourabilitytodeliversustainable,high-qualityprograms. Our commitment to Qualicum families remains strong. Through our partnership with St. Stephen's United Church and the Qualicum Bay Lions Club, we continue to provide programming in Qualicurn and Qualicwn Bay, while also transporting students from Qualicum schools to Parksville to ensure access.
We are also evolving to meet changing community needs, including introducing a social prescribing program for seniorsthisyear to support health and connection.
Thanks to thesuccess ofour Connecting Communitycampaign,ourBizforGoodpartners,and aBCGamingGrant,wealsopurchasedanewbus in March 2026, ensuring access to our services. As always, we couldn't do this important work without ourvolunteers, donors, and supporters. Thankyouforhelpingusbuildahealth½sustainablecommunityforeveryone.~SusannaNewton
AndreaManson Chair
Andyoperatedaprivate nursingbusinessfor30years. Shebelievesintheimportance ofvolunteerism.
BruceAnderson Secretary-Treasurer
Brucespent40yearsworki.ng asaCharteredAccountant Hebelievesthatcommunity involvementisessential.
BrendaCharles Director
Brendaworkedinthehealth carefieldfortheYukon governmentandhomecare programsfor27years
Mike Cochrane Director
Mikeworksinhomerenovation andmaintenance.Hisaunt, EdithChamberlayne,wasa fm1dingmemberofSOS.
BonnieWallis Director
Bonniehasanaccounting officeinParksville.Shehas enjoyedvolunt eringwith severallocalorganizations.
Andrewlane Vice Chair
Andrewworkedasamanager inHumanResourcesandSkills DevelopmentCanadaforthe federalgovernment
YvetteBattistolo
Director
Yvetteenjoyeda30+ yearcareerlnthe professionaland financial servicessectors.
LorneClarkson Director
Lorneworked inthe FireService,andlaterowned/ operatedatrailersalesand rentalcompany.
PaulSingh Director
Paulisapsychotherapist with 30years'experiencein counselling,leadership,and localcommunityservice.
DavidWende Director
Davidworkedasalawyer focusedonprofessional conductandliabilityissues forCPAsandEngineers.
SOSThriftShop
Greatfinds. Betterplanet. Strongercommunity
SOSTHRIFTSHOPSNAPSHOT
•63%ofSOSprogramsarefundedbySOSThriftShop
•82activevolunteers
•40staffmembers
•515householddonationpickupscompleted
HIGHLIGHTS
DisplayingClothingbysizeratherthancolourwasabigaccomplishmentthisyear. Sizingeveryitemrequiresatremendousteameffortandhasreceivedoverwhelmingly positivefeedbackfromcustomersmakingshoppingeasierandmoreenjoyable.
TheThriftShophostedanumberoffunCommunityEvents,includingtwo #SOST opevents,thateachwelcomedmorethan100youth.Wealso celebrated22yearsatourcurrentlocationwithaCustomerAppreciationSale, andheldanothersuccessfulThriftmasSaleinDecember.
OURCOMMITMENT
SOS Fundraising
SOS Community Connectorreadyto hitthe road!
TheSOSConnectingCommunity Campaign,raisingfundsforournew SOSbus,broughtinnearly$150,000, complementingBCGamings$117,292 CapitalGrantandsurpassingexpectations!
Aheartfeltthankyoutotheindividuals,
ThenewbusarrivedonMarch24and wasbeautifullytransformedintothe "CommunityConnector,"complete withstrikingsignageandgraphics. AfestiveCommunityConnectorBus businesses,and communitygroups whosegenerosity andspirit turnedthis visionintoa vibrantreality.
SupportingCommunity:Everypurchase, donationandvolunteerhourhelpssupport SOSprogramsandservicesacrossOceanside.
SupportingSustainability:Withthrifting ontherise,shoppersareembracingsecondhandgoodstosavemoney,reducewasteand supportamoresustainablefuture.
FOR�UR FAMILl[S (�31!15k1t•liiMH®iWd-W
Webelievethatchildrengrowbestwhen theyfeelsafe,youththrivewhentheyfeel connected,andfamiliesmoveforwardwhen theyknowtheyhavesupport.In2026,our majorcampaign,ForOur amilies,israising fundstoensurethatourChild,YouthandFamily Programsremainopen, accessibleandvibrant.
COMINGUP:ExtendedSummer�hoppingHours
SOSThriftShopopenuntil5:30p.m. everyTuesday!
SOS Caring for CommunityatChristmas
November2025
EartyJanuary2026
SOS Program Donations
Totalfundsraised:$295,392 Enabledlocalchildrenand youthtofindsomething specialunderthe ChristmastreeFamilies �'- andindividualsreceived grocerystoregiftcards atChristmasandbeyond.
ApriJ2025-March2026
Totalfundsraised: $621,822 Generaldonations forallSOSPrograms.
TheinauguralSOSFore OurCommunityGolf Tournamenttook placeonJune6,see page19fordetails.Together,wearehelping familiesthrive. Launchtook placein June2026, celebrating thisexciting milestone withbus sponsors.
Program Information
Children,Youth&Families
April 2025 -March 2026
Time in Comfort for Tots & Caregivers (TICTAC)
Awelcomingandsupportiveenvironmentforearlylearnerstoplay andgrowemotionallyand socially,while parentsandcaregivers takeamuch-neededbreak.Adultsalsoaccess communityresources. "TICTACsingle-handedlysavedme.Iwaspostpartum, hadjustmovedto theislandwithalmostno support. Mymentalhealthhasimproved, Iamabetterparentandmyson andInowhavelifelongfriends."
Total participants: 543
Kids Movement: Play, Express & Grow
Engaging activities promoteconfidence, growth andlearningwhile staffand volunteers provide mentorshipin a supportiveenvironment. Transportation is provided from District 69 elementaryschools. "Whenfriendsaskmetojoin in activities, ithelpsmeunderstand that someonewantstohangoutwith meandmyweirdself"
Total participants: 84
Family Night
Thisprogramstrengthensfamilybondsandcommunityconnectionsby providingdinner,organizingactivities,andtakingcareofthecleanup. Itallows fmiliestoconnectwitheachotherandbuildamore resilient community. "FamilyNightactivitiesarevery well thoughtoutand planned, andthe outingsarealwaysso muchftmforthe kids.''
Total participants: 237
Program Information
Children,Youth&Families
April 2025- March2026
School NightOut
Asafe spaceforyouthingrades 7-8 toexpress themselves, go on outings, andconnectwith peersthrough games, music,andcreativearts. Staffand volunteersprovidementorship, fosteringa funand supportiveenvironment "Ilovecoming to theSOSbecauseIget to hang out with myfriendsand thefoodis awesome."
Total participants: 80
Youth Open Space
Afunand welcomingspacewhere teensingrades9-12 canconnectwith friends, enjoydeliciousfood,playmusic,andgetcreative withartandcrafts. Supportivestaffprovideguidanceand makesureeveryonehasagreattime. "WhatIlovemostaboutthisprogram isgetting to tryactivitiesIwouldnotget tonormally. Plus, thefoodisgreat, andIgetto meetnewfriendsmyage."
Total participants: 119
GradWear
Supportinglocal graduates tolookand feel theirbest forgraduation ceremonieswithoutthehigh costs.The program providesnew and gentlyused outfits, shoes, andaccessoriesfor$10.
"This isan amazingprogram; the volunteersareextremelyhelpful andmade mefeelso comfortable. Thecostisamazing as well. Itwill makemypromperfectbecauseofthisprogram."
Total participants: 40
ProgramInformation
Children,Youth&Families
April2025 - March2026
Tutoring Program
Thisprogramoffersprofessional,one-on-oneassistanceinMathandEnglish forstudentsingrades6-12,for$5persession.Studentsimprovetheir skillsinasupportiveenvironmentwhileenjoyinglightsnacks. �afamilywearethrilledtoseetheconfidencebuiltin threeofourkidswithSOS Tutoring, helpingthemfeelmorepreparedandreadyfortheirclassesatschool."
Totalparticipants:66
Caring for Community atChristmas
Providesspecialgiftstolocalchildrenandyouthinlow-incomefamilies. Adultsreceivegrocerystoregiftcards.Christmasstockingsareassembledby localNewcomers'ClubsanddeliveredbySOSvolunteerstoisolatedseniors. "Withouttheprogrammykidswouldn'tgetmuch during Christmas.Ithelpsease thefinancialburden oftheholidaysandensureswehavea magicalChristmas."
Adultsassisted:1,1561Childrenandyouthwhoreceivedgifts:928
Stockingsdeliveredtoseniors:59
Recreation Assistance for Children & Youth
Lowincomefamiliesreceivefundstohelpregisterchildrenandyouthin recreationalactivitiesandsummercampsthattheywouldotherwisebeunable toafford.Theprogramalsoassistswithapplyingforprovincialsportsgrants. "Thisissooo helpful!!!IneverwouldhaveappliedbecauseIdidn't thinkIqualified. Wow!Feelingsogratefulforthishelp."
Children&youthassisted:79Activitiesfunded:166
ProgramInformation Adults&Seniors
April 2025 -March 2026
Counselling Referral
Providesreferralsforshort-termcounsellingforlow-incomeindividuals, andcouples.Professionalcounsellorshelpresidentsworkthrough challengesanddevelopstrategiestocope,improvingtheirqualityoflife. "Thisprogram isone ofthe reasonsIwas able to remaingroundedandcalm. Iwouldnothave been able tosurvive ifitwerenotforcounsellingsupport."
ClientsServed:92Clientreferrals:416
PartiallyfundedbytheGovernmentofBC.
EmergencyAssistance &Advocacy
Provideshelpincasesofhardshipwithessentialslikefood,medicine, clothingandhouseholditems.Advocacyassistancehelpsresidents overcomefinancialobstacles,andpromotesself-sufficiency. "Thankyouso muchforyourhelp. Idon'tknowhow Iwouldlive withoutSOS. Itshouldbe modeledallovertheworld."
Clientsserved:471Servicesprovided:1,676 I Showersprovided:434
Rentsubsidiesfortourismsectoremployees:56
Homeless Prevention Program
Assistswithhousingandsupportsforatargetedgroupofresidents whoarehomelessoratimmediateriskofhomelessness. Eligibleresidentsreceiverentalsubsidies. "Iwouldbesleepingin myvan with mydaughterwithouttheassistance andsupportoftheSOSandtherenthelp. Iwouldhavelostmy daughtertotheMinistrywithoutthehelpprovidedtome."
Clientssupported:187Servicesprovided:1,525
FundedbytheGovernmentofBC.
ProgramInformation
Adults&Seniors
April2025 -March2026
Income Tax
Providesassistanceforlow-income residentsto filetheir taxes atno cost. SOSvolunteersreceive CRAtrainingand filetax returnselectronicallyatSOStaxclinicsoroverthephone.
"Thisprogramhasreallyhelpedbecause Ican'taffordtopaytogetmytaxesdone."
Clientsserved: 1,268 I Taxes filed: 2,091
Partially funded by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Medical Appointment Transportation Service
Safeand friendlytransportation to and from medicalappointments by SOS Volunteers.
"Youguyshavereallygonethedistancewith methisyear. Ithasbeen ayearoftragedy,sicknessandconfusion. Despitethechallenges, Ihavemuch tobethankfulfor.SOSisabig oneofthosesomethings.''
Number ofdrives: 5151 Clients served: 102
Meals On Wheels
Helps residents maintain health andindependence bydeliveringhot, nutritious meals,three times aweek. The food is prepared at Arrowsmith Lodge anddelivered by SOS volunteers.
"Theserviceandallthevolunteerswereamazing.Myparents alwaysenjoyedthefoodandthepeoplewhodeliveredthem."
Mealsprovided: 9,172 Clientsserved: 157
ProgramInformation
Adults&Seniors
April 2025 -March 2026
Oceanside Better atHome
Supportsseniorsaged65+witharangeofnon-medicalsupportservicesto helpmaintaintheirhealthandindependence.Servicesincludefriendlyvisiting, grocerybusservice,transportationtoappointments,andlighthousekeeping, '1amsogratefulthatthisprogramwasavailabletvmeatatimewhenIreal{yneededit {2013-2026],otherwiseIwouldnothavebeenabletostayinmyhomeaslongasIdid."
Clientsserved: 2661 Services Provided: 2,748
AdministeredbySOS inpartnership with UnitedWayBritish C,olumbia andfundedbytheGovernmentofBC.
Seniors'AdvocacyServices
Assistsseniorsinfindingsupports andsolutionsthrough SOS programsand otherresources.The program provides advocacy; helps with governmentforms and providesemergencyfinancial aid forthingslike food and medicine. "Icried,Ican'tevensay howrelievedIamandhowgrateful."
Clients served:332 Services Provided: 982
PartiallyfundedbyUnitedWayBritishColumbia and the GovemmentofBC.
Legal Services Support
Residents receivefree assistancewith Wills, PowersofAttorney, and RepresentationAgreementswith an experiencedlawyer. "Thepro-bono WillandPOAserviceprovidedandthehelp fromSOSstaffwaswonderful. Thankyou."
Clients Served: 50 I Services Provided: 60
WeAre CommunityPodcast
Tune into a podcast all about SOS!
Take a closer look at the people, programs and stories behind SOS through he SOS -We Are Community Podcast. Join the Communications Team as they visit progrms such as School Night Out, GradWear and the Income axProgram.Meetvolunteers,staffand community members, and discover
how SOS is making a difference for residents across Oceanside. Scan the QR code to watch now! l!I.
fI
School Night Out
SupportingCorn.m.unityTogether
SOS collaborates witha number oforganizations forthe bettermentofourlocal residents United
GivingandReceivingwithSOS
SOS volunteers come from all walks oflife. Active Members: 1,162
Whiletheirreasons forvolunteeringvary, theyshare a commonexperience: The moretheygive to their community. the morethey receiveinreturn.
KATHIE BOCK
"Never stop learning!" said Kathie Bock Although she had no background in business or accounting, Kathie decided to take a chance helping others with their in
come taxes. More than 12 years later, she continuesto volunteereverytaxseason. "The benefits? I learn something new everytaxseason;Iassistothersincompleting theirtaxreturns; Istayconnectedwithand contribute to my community;' said Kathie. "Plus,whocanresistthechallengeofaperplexingpuzzle. And what nobler puzzle is therethanafederalincometaxfonn!"
AYASE LEVIRS
At 17 years old, Ayase spends time on his weekends volunteeringatSOSThriftShop. "Volunteering has become an important part of my routine," said Ayase. "It's not
just about helping others, but also about personal growth, building connections, and finding satisfactionindoingsomething • gful"meanm
WorkingattheThriftShophashelpedhim build confidence, customer service skills andworkplaceexperience.
CELIAWESSELMAN
Celia's love ofsewing began in childhood. GrowingupinEngland during wartime, she watched her mother and grandmother carefullyrepairandrepurposeclothing.
"I started sewing when I was seven," said Celia. "I rememberseeingmygrandmaand my mom, during the war, making all my clothes. It'salwaysinterestedme."
Today; she uses those lifelong skills to support youth through SOS's GradWear program doing alterations. For Celia, the greatest reward isn't the garment itself, but the confidence it brings. "Ifit means thedifferencebetween beingable to goto thepromwiththedressestheyloveornot, that'swhatmakesitworthwhile."
Initiativeboostsmonthlysupportamidgrowingneed
Two ways to care. Onemission to share.
A 2025 study in Social Science & � Medicine found regular volunteering
orhelpingothers can reducethe rate
SOSkickedoff2026withanimportantinitiative, Volunteer.DonateMonthly,offertngresidents whojoined ourmonthlygivingprogramorour volunteer team this yeai-;'' sai.d SOS Exe utive DirectorSusannaNewton. two waysto care, one mission to share. The goal was to encourage more residentstosupportSOSbybecoming monthly donors or volunteers. By April 2026, monthly giving had increased 6% over last fiscal year's average. Volunteer numbers also increased during the 3-month campaign
f . b 15 20'¾ SOSMonthlyCivingl"rog,;lm O COgnttiVeagmg Y. o. by 24. This comes at a time when the region continues to grow, and so does the need for SOS programs.
"We are so grateful for the support this initiativereceived.Abig thankyouto everyone
BrendaCharles,anSOSBoardmember andmonthlydonor,saidmontlygiving is a convenientwayresidents can provide steady;reliablesupportand"itfeelsgood."
JointheSOSGrateful HeartsCirclemonthly givingprogram,orfilloutavolunteerinquiry form ontheSOSwebsite, sosd69.com.
SOS StaffTeams
5years
Amanda Marrs
ThriftShopMerchandiser
LetyshaWatts
Financial Controller
TaylorOriecuia
Child&Family
Programs Coordinator
15 years
Lianna O'Brien
ThriftShopMerchandiser
20 years
Tim McArdon
ThriftShop Supervisor
DrivingaStrongerCornrnunity
Inaugural SOS GolfTournament raises money forlocal families
SOS was thrilled to host the first Fore Our Community Golf Tournament on June 6, 2026,bringingcommunity togetherforaday filled with fun andgenerosity. The event showcased an incredible spirit of community, with sponsors cheering participants onattheirholes andsupportersenjoying dinner and music while enthusiastically taking part in the silent and live auctions. Every contribution helped make the tournamentaresoundingsuccess.
ACOMMUNITYEFFORT
SOS extends heartfelt thanks to the many local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers who made the day possible, as well as to Morningstar GolfClub for hosting Thelevel of generosity on display was truly inspiring. The success ofthis tournamentdirectly supports SOS's For Our Families campaign, dedicated to keeping essential child, youth, and family programs open, accessible, and
vibrantin District
Through these programs, SOS creates safe, welcoming spaces whereyoung people build confidence, while parents and caregivers findcommunity.
Nonn'sPlumbing, HeatingandAirConditioningwas aholesponsoratthetournament. From left, ErinWilson, Carson Rush andMalcolmRushfromNorm'sPlumbing,and RileyMcEachemfromFergusonExteriors.
Topphoto,SOSResourceDevelopmentManagerSharon WelchMCsthedinnerbanquet.Bottomphotos,hole sponsorsRustedRakeBrewingandParksvillePharmasave.
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