DENTAL STORIES:

Workplace injury, early pension, no benefits. A 55-year-old man who just started on CPP pension had left his position as a heavy machine mechanic after suffering neurological damage from exposure to industrial toxins. Since then 2 of his front teeth had fallen out due to nerve damage. The first time he came to the Care-a-Van was at the food bank stop. Someone in the line told him he should talk to the nurses about the dental program. He was rather surprised to find that his pension was so low that he could barely maintain housing. After working so many years he had not expected that his dental benefits would not carry over when he left the workplace. He pursed his lips while he spoke reluctantly admitting that he was a bit embarrassed that he had not paid more attention to pension stuff, he truly thought he would work much longer and know more closer to 65. He noted he was very self conscious and felt ashamed to ask for help. He identified "I have always been the one to help people, fixing the cars of single mothers, helping people with loans for their utility bills, cutting the neighbors grass when they are away, volunteering at fundraiser, you name it." Being away from work had been a hard adjustment for him and wanted to teach or retrain at something different. He worried that even if he did, he wouldn't make it past the interview because of his smile. Care-a-van supported him with obtaining a bridge to repair the teeth. He has gone on to teaching in trades and community service.

Dental Stories:

Pain free/ working poor. A low income single, working mother of 4 children diligently brought her children in for care at Cumberland dental using the Healthy kids’ program. She was in excruciating pain and had been going to walk in clinics to get antibiotics for an abscessed tooth which she could not afford to get repaired. She saved up part of the money needed for a root canal, but could not collect enough to complete the procedure in a timely fashion. A private donor in the community provided funds to the Care-a-van specified for single working parents without dental benefit. She was able to get the work done right away. We work with community partners to support people who are homeless or low income to obtain dental services. We help people who are eligible to gain an income source through the Ministry to ensure they have access to basic annual or biannual benefits for dental service. Through generous donations from the public we have been able to provide people with access to urgent and emergent care in cases where they would otherwise not be able to obtain dental.

Cold weather has turned out focus to seeking donations of:Mens/Womens/Non-binary socks & gloves, winter clothing layers, sleeping bags & blankets. Call 250-331-1413 to coordinate pick up or drop off! Thank you!

Donations Needed

Guest User July 29, 2022

Looking for donations of: Men/Women socks and underwear all sizes. Call 250-331-1413 to coordinate pick up or drop off! Thank you!

19 Wing Nijmegen March for Comox Valley Care-A-Van

Guest User September 16, 2021

The 19 Wing Comox Nijmegen Team completed the 160 kilometers of the Four Day Marches that are typically held annually in Nijmegen, Netherlands in just 40 hours between July 20 and 22. Capt Fahim Awan of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron championed the idea to complete four consecutive 40km loops of the Comox Valley. As the 19 Wing Comox Nijmegen team lead since 2020, Capt Awan has been preparing the 19 Wing contingent of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members for the world’s largest multi-day march, logging thousands

Link to article

2020 Fundraising Goal

Guest User October 20, 2019

Going into 2020, our goal is to raise $76000 so we can stay in operation 4 afternoon/evenings per week and continue to offer a full complement of programs; responding to the changing needs of the population we serve. To do so we need your help. There are many ways to give.

Comox Valley Water Resources Program

Guest User June 16, 2018

We have initiated a new Water Resources Program on the Care-a-Van. We are now offering shower passes, laundry tickets, and drinking water.

Special thanks to Erin at The Laundry on Cliffe Ave who has helped us to make passes, donated soap and has contributed clothing and washed countless sleeping bags in their jumbo machines. And thank you Gunter at Wiseland for his contribution of Lewis Center Shower passes and drinking water.

Comox Valley Sock It to 'Em Project

Guest User October 24, 2016

It's coming around again. SOCK SALE TIME 2016. At Carderos in Courtenay,
Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 10, 11 & 12. 11:30-2:30.

Time to REMEMBER those who live on our streets and help get keep their feet warm and dry. You buy a pair of our hand-knit socks and the $ goes to buying socks for those dealing with homelessness in our community.

Update: Comox Valley Sock It To 'Em Project donated 235 pair of socks and 14 pair of long-johns to the Care A Van, Aids Vancouver Island and The Nursing Centre. Many thanks to the knitters and the public for their ongoing support.

Learn more about the project and how you can get involved here.

Care-A-Van Numbers Up

Guest User May 24, 2016

The Care-A-Van program has seen an increase in use over the last year. The Care-A-Van provides medical care for homeless individuals and has compiled its stats for the 2015 year. Spokesperson Helen Boyd says they served 197 people – an increase of about 60 from the previous year.

Care-A-Van catches those falling between the cracks

Guest User December 22, 2014

Comox Valley Record, December 22nd, 2014

Are you thinking of your end of the year donation to a good cause? Why not give locally to the Care-A-Van of the Comox Bay Care Society. For over five years, this grassroots organization has assisted over 850 distinct individuals in the Comox Valley via its mobile health-care clinic. The primary goal of the Care-A-Van is the prevention and early intervention of homelessness.

Sock It To 'Em Project

Guest User November 4, 2014

Comox Valley Echo, November 4th, 2014

Everybody likes to have warm, dry, happy feet. When you or someone on your gift list enjoys a snugly pair of beautiful hand-knit wool socks bought from the Comox Valley Sock It To ‘Em Project, each of your simple sock purchases provides up to 10 pair of high quality store-bought socks for someone who is homeless or in need in our community.

Care-A-Van continues to reach out to the homeless

Guest User May 20, 2014

Comox Valley Echo, May 20th, 2014

The Care-A-Van Mobile Healthcare Unit just celebrated its fifth anniversary recently. Looking back from its humble beginning on April 27, 2009, it has grown over the years to become a vital service that's geared towards helping the homeless population in the Comox Valley.

Christmas mixer truck on tour

Guest User November 29, 2013

Comox Valley Echo, November 29, 2013

The wonderful Cumberland Ready Mix Christmas truck will be out and about the Valley, raising funds for the Comox Bay Care Society’s Care-A-Van. The Cumberland Ready Mix Christmas truck will be out and about in the Comox Valley again this December.