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We extend our deepest gratitude to Liz R, Doug S, and John A for their recent donation from the sales of their enchanting Piano People earlier this month. Your creative contribution, crafted from 100% recycled vintage piano parts and adorned with whimsical bows, is truly a masterpiece of generosity.

A massive heartfelt thanks to Jason Welsh for his incredibly generous donation. His story with YANA starts many years ago when Jason dedicated his time to chopping wood for YANA. Despite the years that have passed, YANA has remained close to Jason’s heart. Your unwavering support, both in the early days and now, reflects the true spirit of community and compassion. Thank you Jason!

Thank you to the Comox Valley Monarch Lions Club! Your generosity makes a big impact, and we are truly grateful for your support. With partners like you, we can continue ensuring that no family in our community feels alone. Thank you for being a vital part of the YANA family!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the incredible generosity extended to us through a grant from the Victoria Foundation, courtesy of one of their dedicated fund holders.  We are honored to be selected as the recipient of this anonymous grant and are deeply grateful for your support in ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.

YANA is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the incredible support from St Michael and All Angels Chapel. A heartfelt thank you for your generous donation! Your kind note touched our hearts, and we’re honored to have the backing of a community that recognizes and values the impact of our services.

This holiday season at YANA is brimming with support from our community, including the wonderful team at Tayco Paving. They have once again selected YANA as their charity of choice for their festive generosity. We are also delighted to express our gratitude to Upland Contracting for joining in and contributing an additional donation. Together, these thoughtful gestures make a meaningful difference in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to Scott Petersen, owner of Comox Valley Sports and Social Club, for orchestrating an incredible day of community and compassion! Scott organized an extra ‘play day’ for 8 volleyball teams from the Sport and Social Club league, turning the event into an opportunity for giving.

Admission to play was by a donation to YANA, and participants also brought food donations for the local food bank. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Scott and the Comox Valley Sports and Social Club, who went above and beyond by matching all the donations raising a total of $750.00 for YANA..

Thank you, Scott Petersen, and everyone at the Comox Valley Sports and Social Club, for making a difference in the lives of YANA families. 

A BIG shoutout to this amazing community! Your support during the Tim Horton’s Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign was truly incredible.
Thanks to you, $4422.79 was raised across our four local locations!! Hip Hip Hooray for Holiday Smile Cookies!

Comox Valley’s Holiday Spirit Shines with YANA’s Sweet Fundraisers

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With the season of giving upon us, the Comox Valley is rallying together to stand by YANA (You Are Not Alone) using both time-honoured traditions and exciting new fundraising methods. 

From November 13-19, the four Tim Hortons stores in the Comox Valley have chosen YANA as their charity partner for the inaugural National Holiday SMILE Cookie campaign. The delicious white chocolate chunk cookies with red and green baked-in sprinkles are $1.50 each, and the entire proceeds of the sales will be shared equally between YANA and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

 

Kelly Barnie, YANA Executive Director, expresses her gratitude, stating, “All the funds raised from the cookies will be used to assist our families travelling outside the Comox Valley to access medical care for their children. We’re incredibly thankful to Tim Hortons for embracing our cause with this new campaign. We’re hoping our supporters will really jump on board by pre-ordering cookies by the dozen too.”

Pre-order your cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbours, surprise your child’s sports team, daycare or class, enjoy with colleagues, serve at holiday gatherings (they can be frozen!), or perhaps keep them all for yourself – the choice is yours. 

But the sweet support doesn’t stop at cookies; YANA’s handcrafted Christmas Crackers, available starting November 12th at seven retailers across the Valley, promise even more joy. Each $5.00 cracker contains the usual delights, with 49 crackers boasting special prizes like lotto tickets and $50, $100 and $250 Quality Foods gift cards. One lucky cracker holds a 14Kt white gold ring with nine brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.9 carats of beautiful bling.

Spreading holiday joy and making a positive impact in the Comox Valley is as simple as a quick click. 

Charitable donations to YANA can be made as gifts by visiting yanacomoxvalley.com and clicking “DONATE.” As a donor, you’re not only giving a thoughtful present but also helping our shared community thrive. When you make your generous donation, you’ll instantly receive a heartwarming e-card that can be shared with your loved ones, ensuring your gift is a perfect fit every time.

While the Driftwood Mall Christmas Trees for YANA won’t be returning this year, YANA is thrilled to announce that the mall will be launching an all-new spring fundraiser in support of the charity. Michele Paget, Marketing Director at BGO, says, “We wanted to be able to work closely with YANA’s staff and volunteers at a time of year that would work well for them, and provide them with an infusion of donations during the months when they don’t have another major fundraising event bringing in much-needed funds for Comox Valley families”. As the holiday season concludes, stay tuned for more information about this exciting new fundraiser.

“We supported about 200 children and their families with 400 medical trips last year alone,” said Barnie. “YANA has been assisting local families for almost 4 decades, so when you purchase a cookie, a cracker, or make a donation, there’s a good chance you could be making a difference for a family you might encounter in the shopping line or while you’re enjoying your cookies and double double at Tims.”

Download Smile Cookie pre-order forms here: Tims Holiday Smile Cookie Pre-Order Form (Nov. 10 deadline)

Find a Christmas Crackers retailer list here: YANA Christmas Crackers

Wow… just WOW! We are beyond grateful to the amazing Forbidden Dance Company for their spectacular Fall Gala Social Dance last weekend. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for Emily, Norene, Joe, and our adorable friend Bromley, who graced our office today with an incredibly heartwarming surprise – a generous cheque of $2010.30!
Their donation not only left us speechless but also reminded us of the profound impact dance, the spirit of giving, and community love can have on all of us. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!