News
Kalin Segriff celebrated his 7th birthday and gave to YANA. We think you are quite a guy and a fantastic big brother!
Thank you to budding entrepreneurs at Arden Elementary School, Brodie, Jadah and Hannah, who donated a portion of their earnings to YANA.
Thank you for keeping local children in your hearts, Glacier View Retirees.
We are grateful to the Union Bay United Church who provided a donation in support of local families.
Thank you to Driftwood Dental who held a special campaign benefiting YANA.
Thank you to the Hospital Employees’ Union who donated to YANA this past month.
We are grateful to the Comox Valley School Administrators’ Association who continue to support YANA so that we can continue to help local children with special health needs.
Thank you to Tayco Paving who make giving to YANA part of their Christmas tradition through their annual employee Christmas party.
Our Christmas cracker campaign was a great success thanks to everyone who contributed from crafters, to vendors to buyers to our grand prize donor, Mark the Gold Guy. Thank you!
YANA Big Love Benefit set for February 26th
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In its 26th year, the YANA Big Love Benefit, will host a fabulous crowd of supporters, who come for the food, friends, fun, and most importantly to be part of the giving that surrounds YANA in the Comox Valley.
Dinner by Tria Fine Catering and a silent auction are followed by a much anticipated photo 
presentation by McKinnon Photography, featuring a YANA family. A raffle for West Jet tickets and an exciting live auction add to the fun as do some other surprise additions to this year’s gala. As the organization’s largest annual fundraiser the event plays an important role in funding YANA’s programs.
Holding the event is a huge undertaking admits YANA Executive Director, Marcie Dumais, “This special night is possible only through the amazing efforts of our volunteers and the generosity of our community, which is at the heart of who we are and what we are able to accomplish.”
An example of the commitment of YANA’s volunteers is in auctioneer Dave Stevens who has been the evening’s auctioneer since its inception.
“I was approached by YANA founder, Sandra Williams, she had the idea of writing to celebrities for signed donations and auctioning them off, I immediately said ‘Let’s do it’,” remembers Stevens. “That was 26 years ago, the auction has changed and grown since then, I’d say it’s better than ever.”
“Dave leaves his winter retirement vacation early each year to fly back to the Comox Valley 
and be part of this event,” says YANA President, Judy Cryer. “We are truly humbled by his commitment to YANA and that of all our volunteers and donors who make this night possible.”
For his part Stevens is happy to do it, “There’s a wonderful feeling in the room,” he says. “It really is filled with some very big love!”
YANA provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel for the medical care of a child or pregnant mother. Last year YANA was able to help 146 local children and their families.
To be part of the generosity that is required to host such an event, you can donate an item or service to the auction. Consider getting a group of colleagues, friends or teammates together to donate jointly. Or help cover event expenses by becoming a sponsor of the Big Love Benefit. Details on sponsorship opportunities are available upon request.
Interested in attending? Tickets go on sale Sunday, January 24th at 9:00am and are sold through YANA’s online ticket store. Tickets are $75 each. Last year tickets sold out in 5 minutes so mark your calendars and set your alarm clocks!