Looking Forward: Planning for Campbell River Seniors' Wellbeing
This application for funding seeks support to coordinate and plan for future community needs for older adults and support for the Seniors Network to develop a strategic vision for its ongoing work. Goals: Identify specific services and supports needed for Campbell River seniors over the next 1-10 years and plan strategies to develop and fund the top five priorities; Develop a three-year Strategic Plan for the Network. Objectives: Develop a Working Group of Seniors Network members, service providers and seniors, to review data points about needs of seniors, prioritize the top five needs and develop a strategy for next steps, description of service, pathways and partners for developing the service, and budget estimates; Support ongoing growth and stabilization of the CR Seniors Network with an engagement process for the strategic planning goal. The population of seniors continuing to grow to an estimate of 30% of Campbell River residents (13,000) by 2039 comes with the imperative concern about the need for additional services and supports for older adults to be safe, healthy and connected as they age. This project will help ensure that attention, funding and other resources are directed toward developing those services/supports for seniors and their caregivers, with measurable improvements for wellbeing as people age. Community Engagement for this project will include recruiting participation by members from the Seniors Network, which has an open membership of any interested Campbell River citizen.

Client Care and Comfort During Registration
Clients now access our building, but still do not have any heat or adequate lighting in the hallway. The ceiling is just taped up with insulation tiles. This renovation would ensure that clients have a comfortable environment, proper lighting, and that the concrete floor has a proper surface that can be washed. The Campbell River Food Bank will hire local contractors to complete the hallway. This entrance is also where folks come to give monetary donations, and agencies that pick up their clients who cannot attend the food bank in person. The office space at the end of the hallway is where our donors go, as well as clients who want to talk in a confidential space.

Salmon Festival Children's Activites
Salmon Festival is a 3 day event featuring Logger's sports, Highland Pipes and Drums competition, Highland Dance competition and Highland Heavy Games. As part of this event we offer free children's rides, face painting and entertainment. The cost of this part of the event is 16,250.00. The weekend event is open to all members of Campbell River and area to enjoy as a member of the public or as a participant. In addition to the children's portion there will be a large range of activity including logger's sports, Highland Dance, Piping and Drumming and Highland Heavy Games. The Salmon Festival has been in existence for 58 years. This year will be the 59th festival. Over the years we have adapted and changed numerous times to adjust to the desires of the community. There has been a substantial financial benefit to businesses in the Campbell River area.

Cortes Island's HomeShare Project
"The Cortes Housing Society (CHS) is excited to implement a Homeshare Program designed to address the specific housing needs of our remote island community. This initiative aims to tackle housing shortages, support local homeowners, facilitate aging in place for seniors, and enhance affordable rental options within our community. The program produces measurable outcomes, such as increased housing availability and enhanced quality of life for intergenerational participants. CHS have over 200 individuals registered on various rental waiting lists, while nearly 300 recreational properties sit vacant for most of the year. Compounding these issues is the fact that over 500 (45%) of our year-round residents are aged 65 and older. Many of them face challenges related to low pension incomes and health issues, complicating their ability to maintain their homes and quality of life in our rural setting. In response to these challenges, we are introducing a new Homeshare Program to provide more affordable housing solutions for local residents, while supporting seniors to age in place. Implementing a robust HomeShare framework ensures proper screening and matching of participants to create a safe and supportive environment for all involved. Homeowners interested in sharing their space and those offering their entire home will receive comprehensive guidance and resources to navigate this process. CHS will provide criminal record checks, home inspections for rental turnarounds, offer optional tenant insurance, plus implement procedures for securing damage deposits and automatic rental payments. These measures aim to give homeowners confidence in the arrangement, ensuring that all agreements are legally binding and secure. Creating lasting benefits for individuals, business owners seeking staff housing, and our island community as a whole." The project goal is to match homeowners, particularly seniors with extra space in their homes with individuals seeking affordable living arrangements. This initiative enhances community connections and provides practical solutions to our housing challenges. By facilitating homesharing arrangements, we not only help alleviate the housing crisis but also create opportunities for increased interpersonal relationships and support networks. Seniors can find companionship and practical assistance, allowing them to continue living independently and age in place, while also gaining financial support. This model promotes a sense of security and community integration, which is vital for the overall well-being of our elders.

Family to Family Support Group and Family Recovery Journeys Caregiver Course
"Family to Family is a support group for the caregivers and families of people living with mental illness and/or addictions. The group runs weekly and allows families and caregivers to meet others in similar situations and find connection, have discussions, and support one another. Trained staff is onsite to provide support and connect them to other resources within Campbell River. Family Recovery Journeys is a 5 week program held multiple times a year which teaches the caregivers of people living with mental illness about how to best be supportive, what it is like to have a mental illness, what it means to recover from a mental illness, and to not burn out themselves"