January 2024 Newsletter

Best Wishes to all our Members for a Happy and Healthy 2024

As the world around us is in considerable turmoil, we are thankful for a community where people really do care for one another. The days leading up to the Holidays were hectic for our Executive Director and her staff coordinating our community's initiatives to assist the needy and bring people together. Thanks to the Christmas Bureau, 250 individuals received holiday supports, 82 of whom were children.

The Commons kitchen was filled with the smells of goodies for distribution to those in need. Island children have benefited from your gifts of toys and hampers which have gone out to families in need.  Opportunities were created for Gabriolans to sit together in friendship. The Christmas Day Spirit Feast at the Community Hall was its usual success with 226 Gabriolans tucking in. So, all-in-all a normal Holiday season for PHC!

Now on to 2024

We will be using our two recently acquired vehicles to make it easier for Gabriolans to get to the medical clinic – and those in need of health services not available on Gabriola to get to Nanaimo for medical appointments etc. And a second refrigerated van to transport fresh food to our food-bank and for getting food to hungry Islanders.

Travel Getaway Raffle

Why not take advantage of our Travel Getaway raffle which will run until June 25th. The prizes come with ferry tickets, seaplane trips and more. Tickets are 1 for $10 or 3 for $25 until June 25th and can be purchased at Gabriola Farmers Market on Saturdays during regular market hours or from our office at 675 North Road.

Seniors’ Monthly Lunch

If you are one of Gabriola’s seniors, you might enjoy stopping by for our Seniors’ Monthly Lunch on January 25th at the Rollo Centre (10:30 – 12:30). The food is delicious. You will make new friends and listen to guest speakers.

Health and Wellness Fair

And, while not a January event, you may wish to make a note of the Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for February 10th at the Community Hall. More on this next month.

New Board Member

Finally, we would like to welcome a new board member – Dawn Fulton. You may know of Dawn from her days as Manager of the Museum. Or from her cakes/baking, catering and cooking classes. She has taught English in Korea and China, as well as for VIU and the Vancouver Island Multicultural Society.  She enjoys Gabriola not least because she can be close to her parents and grandchildren. All in all, a very welcome addition to our Board of Directors!

With warmest regards – and thanks for your support.

Your friends at PHC 

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With respectful acknowledgement, PHC extends our gratitude to the Snuneymuxw Nation              on whose land we live, work and play.