Latest News updated August 2024
Northern Island Outreach Service:
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Health & Family Services
Sees Its Dream Come True!
The Comox Bay Care Society recently celebrated a major milestone in its journey towards an updated, new vehicle. After 15 years of dedicated service and countless cherished memories, our original outreach van was passed on to a deserving new home, where it will continue its mission of helping those in need—meeting them where they are.
The transition wasn't easy, requiring many hours to empty the van’s inventory, peel off branding decals, and give it a thorough cleaning—thank you, Meagan, for your hard work! Darlene Linden then took charge of ensuring a smooth transfer of registration, licensing, and paperwork, culminating in the new owners driving off into the sunset.
We are grateful for the many years of service the van provided to our community and are excited to see it continue its journey under the care of Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Health & Family Services. May it have many more years of fine service ahead!
First Picture: Handing over the keys
Second Picture: The van driving away to its new home
Introducing the New Care-A-Van: Continuing Our Commitment to Community Health
For over 15 years, our Care-A-Van has been a beacon of hope and support in our community. Inspired by our founder and visionary leader, Helen Boyd, RN, and made possible through the generosity of Barry Willis, owner of SunWest RV, this specially modified vehicle has provided essential medical and social support to thousands in need. Operating three nights a week, rain or shine, snow or holiday, it has been a lifeline for many.
However, after 35 years on the road, the vehicle is showing its age. Two years ago the Board of Directors began to succession plan by setting aside funding for a newer vehicle, as "Without a Care-A-Van, we have no outreach". With our savings and the generosity of the late Ruby Wilson we were now in a position to search for a replacement.
Today, we are thrilled to unveil our new Care-A-Van. This state-of-the-art vehicle is a 2020 Ford E450 V10 gas chassis on an ALP Adventurer, 26 feet long with 51,000 km. Designed to meet our growing needs, it offers lower maintenance, enhanced safety, and robust capabilities, ensuring many more years of service to our community.
Features and Specifications:
● Interior Layout: Converted Class C motorhome with a side entrance, welcoming chair, dinette for nurse's records, and an examination room with ample storage.
● Comfort and Convenience: Slide-out for additional space, dash and roof air conditioning, generator, solar panel, power inverter, and deep cycle battery.
● Practical Additions: Massive curbside access door, retractable electric awning, and a light bar for winter evening stops.
● Modifications: Rear bedroom converted to an examination table and nurse's station, portable hand wash station, and extensive storage replacing traditional washroom facilities.
Our new Care-A-Van is equipped with the latest safety features and creature comforts, and its rugged strength ensures reliable service for years to come. The entire team of dedicated volunteers including drivers, nurses, cleaners and stocking supply personnel are most excited to see this new vehicle in operation.
In the spirit of giving back, our original Care-A-Van will be gifted to the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nations in Port Hardy where it will serve several Indigenous communities in a similar outreach capacity. We are heartened to know that it will continue to bring essential services to those in need.
This new chapter is a testament to Comox Bay Care Society’s enduring vision and our desire for ultimate sustainability of the program. Without the unwavering support of our Board of Directors, Coordinator, and our dedicated volunteers, this hallmark achievement would not have been realized. It must be said that it also required ongoing compassion and generosity of donations from our community.
A special thank you to Comox United Church for providing a home for the Care-A-Van and its operations since October 2022.
With this investment in a new vehicle, we are confident that our mission of "Healthcare on the Move" will thrive for many years to come.
For further information on volunteering or donating please visit our website at CVCareavan.ca