Huka Bikes
The Domes family initiated a fundraiser with Universal Access Qualicum Beach (UAQB) for the purchase of two specially adapted bicycles for use within the Oceanside community. Mike & Naomi Domes and their family of 4 children cycled through 6 countries in Europe to raise awareness of people who have different abilities and the same need to be active and out in the community. With contributions from Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, QCEWS and a few local charities, they raised $10,000. The Huka Duet tandem bike was purchased and arrived. The debut outing was at Qualicum Beach Elementary School with the Principal and a Grade 7 student in May 2018. Fundraising continued and a second bike, Huka Orion arrived in 2019.
Mike & Naomi work as physiotherapists serving seniors and children in local long term care homes and schools in SD69. Their passion is to keep people active regardless of their ability and regularly take residents and students out into the community.
Musical Mentors
QCEWS was pleased to support the Musical Mentors program. Musical Mentors was a not-for-profit community program that partnered children ages 5 to 12 with volunteer student musicians from Kwalikum and Ballenas Secondary Schools for free one-to-one music lessons in voice and musical instruments. With QCEWS assistance, the Musical Mentors secured funding from the RDN District 69 Recreation Grant program in the amount of $1,250 for the purchase of instruments that can be loaned to students, as well as sheet music and instruction books. The Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association (ACRA) continues to be a willing and much-appreciated source of additional instruments.
Early Learning
Early Learning & Childcare Council in Oceanside Needs Assessment Survey. One of our QCEWS families, active in youth soccer, were keen to adopt a European idea of children and families kicking the ball around together in the local park. Family Soccer was created to encourage children and their parents or guardians to get out, have fun and play together. Lots of local families and kids from surrounding area joined in on Friday nights, including mums, dads, sisters and brothers who had never kicked a soccer ball before! ELCCO shared and supported the application process for BC Provincial funding-“Child Care Needs Assessment.” Currently the group supports the ongoing data collection informing immediate and long-term decision making of childcare services and infrastructure development. This is a collaborative project with the communities of Lantzville, Nanaimo, and surrounding Regional Districts.
Survey
Qualicum Beach Discovering Community Survey. The survey was an initiative of the newly formed Qualicum Community Education and Wellness (QCEWS) Society, a grassroots organization of citizens that supports lifelong learning and wellness to complement other services in Qualicum Beach. The topics were suggested through consultations with seniors, high school students and members of QCEWS. The purpose of the survey was to gather information to guide the future activities of QCEWS and to provide the foundation for community action. The participation of the community helped to identify ways in which the community could be enhanced. The responses to the survey were analyzed and compiled in a report that were shared with the community.
Cinema
Multi Use Cinema Project. It all starts with an idea! QCEWS welcomed the idea of a multi use cinema when approached by one of the group in the early stages. Bill Preston worked closely with group members, sharing ideas, arranging meetings and making connections with key decision makers and stakeholders who could get this proposal to the next level. Once established, with clear direction and vision the cinema(https://qbcinema.org) Multi-Use Cinema Project group took off and are on their way to achieving their goal.
Rootbags
350 students from Oceanside elementary schools have had their hands in the dirt and have learned a little bit more about growing and eating fresh, nutritious, safe, local food. Root Bags are simple compostable bags filled with soil and a seedling. The child waters and cares of the growing plant at home which can then become part of a family meal. QCEWS has been able to deliver this program thanks to financial contributions from the RDN District 69 Recreation Program and from the Coombs Farmers’ Institute, as well as donations of veggie seedlings from Laura and Rob Jackson (Whiskey Creek Nursery) and from Cindy and Lorne MacCallum (Nour-ish Farm).
Family Soccer
While family soccer has not restarted since Covid struck we have had great turnouts with participants agreeing it’s a whole lot of fun! Family members and complete strangers simply show up to play. The purpose is to encourage casual sporting and to build intergenerational relationships. Its simple and easy to organize. Children who have never played soccer before or who would otherwise not have the opportunity to play are now joining in.
