Mid Island Co-op in the Community
Mid Island Co-op in the Community
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We are so grateful that Mid Island Co-op can support our communities through local non-profit and charitable organizations. These partnerships are at the very heart of what we do and help make a tremendous difference improving the lives of individuals and families in the Vancouver Island region.
Here are some of our latest contributions:
BGC Central Vancouver Island (BGCCVI): The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt — Each year, BGCCVI holds an interactive scavenger hunt to inspire locals and visitors to get out and explore the Nanaimo region. The Great BGC Scavenger Hunt helps raise funds for the many programs and services BGC offers year-round, including infant and toddler care, youth programming, and parental resources. We’re proud to be a part of BGCCVI’s mission as they continue to offer support for children and families throughout Central Vancouver Island.
Lake Cowichan Community Garden: Irrigation Improvements — With food insecurity becoming a growing concern for many, the Lake Cowichan Community Garden is working to provide fresh, accessible produce for residents. We’re happy to support the garden with funding to repair their current irrigation system and continue offering a much-needed space for the region.
Nanaimo Art Gallery: School Programs — The Nanaimo Art Gallery is working to make art more accessible for elementary and high school students, and we’re proud to support their mission. Through their Schools Program, the gallery connects artists with students from across the central Vancouver Island area. Expert-led sessions cover a multitude of media, including pottery, dance, printmaking, and more for youth of all ages.
Errington Fire Department: Wildfire Fighting Equipment — With record wildfire seasons across British Columbia in recent years, the Errington Volunteer Fire Department is making it their mission to be prepared. The team specifically saw a need for protective equipment to be able to fight wildfires safely. We’re thankful for the Errington Fire Department as they continue to keep communities safe.
Campbell River Search and Rescue: Rescue Equipment — We’re proud to lend a helping hand to Campbell River SAR (CRSAR) as they continue to save lives in northern communities on Vancouver Island. The team, made up entirely of volunteers, responds to upwards of 400 calls per year to assist stranded, lost, or injured parties. We’re thrilled that our contribution to CRSAR will provide new rescue equipment to help keep outdoor adventurers in our communities even safer.
Errington Farmers' Market Society: Errington Farmers' Market — Farmers' markets bring out the best in local artisans, makers, and producers, and Errington’s market is a shining example of just that. Community-driven and led by a team of committed volunteers, the Errington Farmers' Market Society helps organize and run the season’s events. We’re proud to support the Society as they head into another busy market season!
Nanaimo Child Development Centre: Silly Boat Regatta — We’re proud to be a Bronze Sponsor for the 2025 Silly Boat Regatta! The annual boat building and race is one of Nanaimo’s most anticipated events, with fundraising efforts supporting the Nanaimo Child Development Centre (NCDC). The organization focuses on healthy developmental opportunities for all children, and we are thrilled to be able to champion their cause through this year’s event.
Coombs Hillier Firefighters: 60th Anniversary Celebration — The Coombs-Hillier firefighters are hosting a celebration to commemorate 60 years of dedicated service. Tackling structure fires, vehicle collisions, road rescues, and other emergencies, the Coombs-Hillier firefighters play a pivotal role in keeping these communities safe.
Arrowview Elementary School PAC: Gaga Ball Pit — When a sport sweeps through a school as quickly as Gaga Ball at Arrowview Elementary School, it’s only fair that students have access to the proper equipment. We’re excited to be a part of the Arrowview PAC’s mission to build a Gaga Ball pit to be used by students of all ages and abilities. Working to make sports exciting and inclusive helps our communities stay healthy and happy, and that’s something we’re proud to promote!
Gabriola Arts Council: Cultivate Arts Festival — Music, theatre, and performing arts take center stage at the Cultivate Arts Festival, and this year we are proud to offer our support to help make this year’s event a success! Celebrating its 7th year, the Cultivate Festival brings together talented performers over two fun-filled days in a series of performances and roving acts.
Gabriola Lions Club: Concert on the Green — With over 50 years of dedicated service on Gabriola Island, we’re proud to support the Gabriola Lions Club as they host this year’s Concert on the Green. The annual event is a staple in the community and is the island’s largest event of the year. Held at the Gabriola Golf Club, this family-friendly event includes two tribute bands, a silent auction, kids zone, and raffles.
Town of Qualicum Beach: Beach Day — Each year, the town of Qualicum Beach hosts Beach Day to celebrate the nature wonder of their beaches. The environmentally-focused event features games and activities, entertainment, and live music along Qualicum Beach's picturesque waterfront.
Nanaimo Minor Softball Association (NMSA): NMSA Jamboree — For their second annual Jamboree, the Nanaimo Minor Softball Association put together a wonderful event in Pioneer Park to welcome players and their families and friends for a day of fun and community.
Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT): Coffee for the Coast — As part of our Earth Day celebration, we partnered with NALT to help champion their environmental education, preservation, and conservation efforts around the Mid Island area. NALT has spent over 30 years advocating for the species and spaces of Vancouver Island in the hopes of preserving their natural beauty for years to come.
Departure Bay Elementary School: Playground Redevelopment Project – An initiative to redevelop the existing play facility into an inclusive, eco-focused adventure playground. The goal is to create a safe, modern play space that meets the recreational needs of students and wider community, encouraging outdoor exercise and socialization.
Gabriola Agricultural Co-operative: Building a Thriving Co-op Movement Together – Kicking off the International Year of the Co-operative, this event on Sunday February 2, unites local cooperatives to share insights, foster collaboration and celebrate our collective efforts to strengthen our communities.
Ladysmith and District Marine Rescue Society: Marine Rescue Vessel Refit – The highly trained all volunteer crew responds to emergencies in the community 24 hours a day and 365 days per year. Their 10-year-old marine rescue vessel is slated for a major re-fit so that it can help continue to deliver emergency services and save lives on the water.
Hub City Cycles Co-operative: Motorized E-Bike Stands – Due to the growing demand for more sustainable and affordable transportation, two new motorized bicycle stands are being funded for the shop. Hub City Cycles is a non-profit, community co-operative shop in downtown Nanaimo providing education and service to all manner of cyclists, many of whom use bicycles as their main transportation.
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute: Brant Wildlife Festival – Celebrating the return of the Black Brant geese as they stage on Vancouver Island beaches, midway between their wintering areas in Mexico and their nesting grounds in Alaska. The upcoming festival will take place from April 4 -7, 2025. The festival will be packed with events including nature tours, guest speakers, bird identification sessions, and more. This event aims to connect community with the spectacular migratory return of Brant geese to raise awareness for the biological diversity within the region, highlight the importance of protecting critical habitat and minimizing disturbance to wildlife.
Take a Hike Foundation: Cowichan and Nanaimo Youth Programs – Since 2020, Mid Island Co-op has partnered with Take a Hike Foundation to help support youth experiencing vulnerabilities in the Nanaimo and Cowichan programs. This contribution enables more than 40 young people each year to reach new heights – academically, emotionally, physically, and socially – empowering them to change the trajectory of their lives and find success, however they define it. Together, we can help youth get outside and learn on the land, while building resilience and developing life skills that will last a lifetime.
Qualicum Beach Multi-Use Cinema Society: Mobile Storage Trailer – A volunteer-run charity that provides pop-up community cinema events on a non-profit basis. Qualicum Beach Cinema shows an evening film and kids' matinee every month September-May at a very low cost and host other free outdoor screenings for the community.
Campbell River Salmon Foundation: 2025 Fundraising Dinner & Auction – Annual dinner and fundraising auction at the Campbell River Community Center on March 8, 2025. The event helps to support organizations like the Sayward Fish & Game association, with funding for salmon hatchery equipment and large contributions for a new roof on their salmon hatchery building.
Island Crisis Care Society: Route Sponsors for the 2025 Coldest Night of the Year – An annual event that helps to bring awareness and raise money to help those who are experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness. Across Canada and the US, people will come together on February 22 and participate in a 2 km or 5 km walk to briefly experience what many must endure daily.
Lions Club of Parksville: Free Family Skate – A free skate for those of all ages from September 2024 through March 2025. This event is held on Sundays from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, at the Oceanside Place Arena in Parksville and includes ice rental, free loaner skates, loaner helmets and learn-to-skate aids.
Nanaimo Community Gardens Society: Food Equipment and Tool Lending Library – A contribution to their Tool Lending Library program will be launched at the Beban Learning Gardens in Nanaimo. The project will help with the availability of essential tools and equipment needed to increase food security in the Central Vancouver Island area.
Special Olympics BC: Campbell River Athlete Sponsor – Helping to celebrate inclusion in sports and create more opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Watch for our Vancouver Island athletes as they travel to Prince George for the Summer 2025 Provincial Games.
Salt Spring Elementary School PAC: Inclusive Playground Project – Transforming the existing playground, with a modern play structure that welcomes children of every ability. The Board of Education of School District No. 64, in collaboration with the Salt Spring Elementary School PAC, anticipate the new playground open in Fall 2025, welcoming students back to school with a significantly improved play area.
Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society: Music and Festivals in the Park – A community event to celebrate music, visual, literary, and performing arts of all cultures in Chemainus, Crofton & the surrounding region. This event is hosted at Waterwheel Park and runs from May through the end of August 2025.
Hardy Bay Senior Citizens Society: Seniors Holiday Party – Annual Christmas dinner and festive celebration to bring seniors together for the holidays on December 8. This effort helps to support the health and well-being of the senior population of the North Island and make sure no senior falls through the cracks.
Sayward Elementary School PAC: Hot Lunch Program – Each week on Thursdays during the school year, parents and volunteers shop for groceries and cook healthy hot lunches for the students. Mid Island Co-op is proud to sponsor this offering and continue to support the program for another year through our Food Market in Sayward.
Ladysmith Family and Friends Society: Winter Family Celebration – The 21st annual event held on December 7, is a gathering of LaFF families to celebrate the holiday season and community connections. Santa is set to attend and there will be food and treats for all, along with crafts and take-home bags for family members.
Gabriola Players Community Theatre: 2024/2025 Production Sponsor – Gabriola Island’s primary theatre group invites highly inclusive participation from the community. Supporting the arts aims to bring a wide assortment of people together through performances, acting/improv training, play writing workshops and stage-managing classes.
