Word to Volunteers
The NCS Client Services Committee has been busy throughout the spring and summer, in some ways busier than usual. Their creativity in finding ways to keep clients and themselves safe is much appreciated by clients and the board!
For our other volunteers, it has been quite different as all of the usual spring and summer fundraising activities have been cancelled this year due to COVID-19, including Art in the Garden, the Parksville Beach Festival / Sandcastle competition, and Cascadia BBQs.
However, NCS Vice President Cheryl Deckert notes that the NCS t-shirts are all neatly washed and ironed and ready to go for next year, if all goes well. (Well, maybe not ironed?). The Board had hoped to host a volunteer appreciation event this summer or early fall, but will have to save it for a future time.
Fundraising News
On the fundraising front, many thanks to individual donors throughout Nanoose Bay who have supported NCS especially generously this year. I would also like to reiterate our thanks to some talented local people who raised funds through various initiatives including: Dave Kasprick (Red Cod Forge and Becel Foundation), Denis Holme (deliveries from Earthman), Todd Seiresen (glass hearts), Frances Sollors (face masks) and Nanoose Quilters.
In addition, due to the efforts of NCS Funding Director Keith Thompson, Nanoose Community Services received a $14,000 grant from the Good Food Access Fund, including $4,000 that was allocated from that fund to NCS by the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation.
In July we were thrilled to receive an additional $20,000 grant from the Good Food Access Fund, this time through Community Food Centres Canada. This grant will directly support the purchase of grocery store gift cards for distribution to our clients. This will cover almost 2 ½ months worth of food card distribution!
Despite the additional challenge of COVID-19, our community has stepped up to ensure that NCS clients receive the help they most desperately need.
Please stay safe, have fun this summer and fall, and our heartfelt thanks for your continued support to Nanoose Community Services.