Rotary Club of Parksville: Making a Difference

Support from Parksville Rotary enabled the purchase of a work laptop and digital desktop projector for use in fundraising presentations, in-house and external training sessions, recruitment of new volunteers, and other tasks related to the operation of this restorative justice program. 

A free weekly drop-in program for Grade 9-12 students, providing a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where young people can connect with their peers and trusted adults.  The Gradwear component of the program provides local graduates with the opportunity to purchase new or gently used grad outfits at an affordable price.

Once again, Parksville Rotarians were proud to support Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock 2026 by serving lunch to the participants during their stop in Parksville.  Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock is an annual event where police agencies and emergency service personnel cycle for 14 days on Vancouver Island, raising money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society.

In collaboration with local Moms Stop The Harm members and the Oceanside Community Action Team, the Rotary Club of Parksville donated funds towards a memorial bench installed on the boardwalk at the Parksville Community Park. This bench signifies a milestone for the Oceanside area. It unites a community in shared grief for those who lost their loved ones to the unregulated Toxic Drug Crisis as well providing a meaningful place for people to pause, reflect and remember loved ones.

Off-site activity programs for assisted living and long-term care residents had come to a complete stop with the breakdown of their bus. Funds for the repair of this vehicle allowed for the continuation of programs that brought small enjoyments while out in the Oceanside community again.

A donation in the amount of $3000 was made to support vulnerable community members by providing food, clothing, bedding, toiletries, emergency supplies, first aid and other essentials.

A donation in the amount of $2500 will assist this organization in providing “fill the gap” support for low-income families in Oceanside, including grocery gift cards and formula for babies.

A donation in the amount of $1500 was made to Errington Elementary School to enable them to expand their family Christmas Assistance Program and provide additional support to families in the New Year.

Parksville Rotary continues to support this group of young people who are changing our community through their leadership. The most recent donation made by 100 Kids For Change was to the Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue – Station 59, Deep Bay in the amount of $500.  This was matched by a $500 contribution by Parksville Rotary.

Parksville Rotary recognizes the important role of the Manna Homeless Society in providing food, survival equipment and temporary housing in hopes of eventually meeting the long term goal of permanent housing.  A donation of $6000 will be used to purchase grocery cards for those facing severe food insecurity during the cold winter months.

As part of its focus on food security, Parksville Rotary was pleased to present a cheque for $5000 to the Saturday Breakfast Club.  This is the second year of sponsorship of this program which brings together the joy of food, play, stories and song, and explores food literacy as well.

Funding for special groundcover for a component of the school playground which will make it wheelchair accessible and inclusive for all students.

The Salvation Army Soup Kitchen is increasingly impacted by rising food costs and is in need of equipment upgrades.  The Rotary Club of Parksville is committed to maintaining support for the Soup Kitchen as part of our focus on food insecurity

Parksville Rotary has an agreement with 100 Kids For Change to match their donations to worthy causes.  Their last donation was to the Hands & Hearts Food Program.  The kids raised $540, Rotary matched it, and they were able to donate $1080 to the program. 

Helping to grow food security in Parksville and Qualicum Beach through their mission to “grow, glean and distribute local fresh food, and offer garden education and inspiration”.

Funding provided for transportation support, in the form of taxi and handi-dart vouchers, for vulnerable individuals in Parksville who need access to medical and mental health services.

Parksville Rotary is pleased to provide funding to enable the purchase of a bench to be placed in the Parksville Community Park in memory of loved ones lost to the toxic drug crisis. 

Parksville Rotary is delighted to match the donations of 100 Kids For Change, a youth-run philanthropy organization with the purpose of spreading positive change in the Oceanside community.