Life savers.
That’s how Sarah describes SOS after what she had to deal with as a single mother.
“I know for many of us who are single parents raising our kids, it has been an absolute life saver.”
Sarah (her last name is withheld for privacy) made the decision, when her daughter was five months old, to remove herself and her daughter from an abusive situation.
“I left with $30 in my bank account and had to move in with my parents,” she remembers. “I think it would have been much more of a struggle if SOS had not been here to help in so many different ways.”
Sarah started attending the TIC TAC program (Time in Comfort for Tots and Caregivers) at that time. Not only was she able to connect with other parents, but her daughter was able to have social interaction with other children. Sarah was able to participate in activities that she enjoyed, and that restored feelings of normalcy.
“I enjoyed the Friday morning crafts for the parents and I have loved the Family Nights, doing an activity or going on an outing. Just being with others was great and gave my daughter and I something fun to do together.”
Sarah has been able to access other SOS programs to help her and her daughter, including Women’s Personal Growth and Caring for Community at Christmas. She said SOS programs are very important for parents, not just the financial assistance, but the support available.
“We have been able to come here, get to know other people and feel that we are being supported in so many ways. There are so many people here that want to help, and it’s really nice to have that.”
This year, SOS is celebrating 50 years of providing vital community programs and services to residents of District 69. SOS was started by three local women in 1968, who noticed the needs of local school children were going unmet. They also knew that seniors were going without basic necessities.
Today, SOS offers 29 programs and services to residents of all ages. Programs such as Emergency Assistance and Advocacy ensure residents’ basic needs are being met, while programs such as Family Night and Seniors Connecting promote socialization, strong connections and healthy relationships.
SOS has been able to provide these programs and services thanks to community support at its thrift shop over the years, which provides more than 80 per cent of its funding, as well as volunteer support and community donations.
The public is invited to celebrate 50 years of SOS at two free community events. On Sunday, July 8, SOS will host a Parksville summer celebration at the SOS Community Services Centre at 245 West Hirst Ave from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, starting with a dedication ceremony revealing a new Friendship Garden. Activities include reptile shows, pearler beads, an art station, a dress-up area and more. Gerry Barnum will play live music and there will be food and refreshments.
In Qualicum Beach on Saturday, July 14, a summer celebration will take place at SOS at Qualicum Commons from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can enjoy ’60s themed activities like hula hoops, limbo, a race with vintage clothing, Lego, beads and more. There will also be balloon animals, live music, food and refreshments.
For more information visit www.sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093.