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YANA’s compassionate mission grows with community support in the Valley
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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, March 13, 2024
Erin Haluschak – Comox Valley Record
As the demand for services grows every year, so does the fundraising goal for the Comox Valley organization whose mission embodies compassion, support, community spirit and practical assistance when it’s needed most.
You Are Not Alone (YANA), is a local non-profit society that provides accommodation and funding to Comox Valley families who need to travel outside the community for medical treatment for a child under 19 or for a pregnant mother says Kelly Barnie, executive director.
“And we do that because the community has our back. When we email our clients and we talk to our clients and we say ‘We’ll be there every step of the way,’ your community is behind you. This is what we mean.”
YANA’s impact on the community is palpable, with countless families testifying to the difference their support has made in their lives.
The purpose of the organization is to improve access to healthcare by providing travel funding and accommodation.
What sets YANA apart is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Regardless of age, background or circumstance, YANA welcomes all families with open arms, ensuring that no one in the community feels alone in their journey.
One of YANA’s most beloved programs is their accommodation facilities, lovingly known as the ‘YANA apartments.’
YANA maintains four fully furnished apartments within walking distance of BC Children’s Hospital and also assists with finding and funding accommodation in alternate treatment destinations.
These cozy, fully furnished apartments provide a home away from home for families traveling to the Comox Valley for medical treatment.
With their warm and welcoming atmosphere, the YANA Apartments offer a comforting refuge where families can rest, recharge and find solace amidst the challenges they face.
Their services are available to anyone in need, regardless of their financial situation, ensuring that everyone can access the support and resources they deserve.
Recently, YANA held an annual fundraiser which raised $232,000 for YANA families, and now the Valley Vonka fundraiser, which launched March 6, has a goal to raise $22,000.
The chocolate-bar-themed fundraiser sees 3,000 Hot Chocolate bars distributed to various retailers throughout the Comox Valley.
Six of the bars contain golden tickets for various prizes, including a $ 1,000 gas card from Peninsula Co-op; a family ski pass to Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Old House Hotel & Spa and OhSpa gift certificates; a two-night stay and a hydropath session at the Kingfisher Resort & Spa for two adults; a $1,000 Quality Foods gift card and a $1,000 gift card from Canadian Tire.
YANA (You Are Not Alone) is a not-for-profit organization in the Comox Valley that helps families who need to travel for medical treatment for their children or a pregnant mother.
Comox Valley father of premature twins grateful for YANA’s support
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Originally published by the Comox Valley Record, March 06, 2024
Olivier Laurin – Comox Valley Record
In early January, Eric Hansen and his wife Sara left the Comox Valley for Victoria. Three weeks later, they returned home with healthy fraternal twins Eilish and Kinley.
Due to the twins being slightly premature, the couple was advised to give birth in Victoria, as Victoria General Hospital houses a tertiary care facility.
They were on their way to the capital city when they were unexpectedly contacted by You Are Not Alone (YANA), a Courtenay-based not-for-profit that offers financial help to families and pregnant mothers requiring medical help for their children.
Hansen explained that upon their arrival at Victoria General, YANA promptly stepped in to cover all the couple’s expenses and arrange hotel accommodations.
Unsure about how the organization became aware of their situation, Hansen noted that the timing for this assistance couldn’t have been better.
“My family is on the East Coast of Canada and (my wife Sara’s family) is on the other side of the world, so we’re sort of on our own,” he said. “But YANA reached out and gave us the support that we needed, just as a family would. I’m even getting a little bit emotional just thinking about it because it was like a Godsend.”
YANA’s proactive approach ensured that the Hansens were constantly cared for during their stay in Victoria.
The couple explained having spent the first few nights at a hotel near the hospital, before being relocated to an even closer bed-and-breakfast.
Born on Jan. 7, shortly after 11 p.m., the newborn twins required extra attention at the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, thus expanding the family’s stay in Victoria. Without delay, YANA facilitated their transfer to a Children’s Health Foundation residence situated within the hospital property.
“We didn’t have to worry about anything, and everything was taken care of,” said Hansen. “I was just astounded by that. They moved us into a better place as soon as they could, and it just seems like they were constantly on the ball with getting us into where we needed to be.”
Reflecting on the experience, Eric expressed numerous times his appreciation for YANA’s unwavering support.
“We never met them before, and they reached out and made everything happen without even meeting us. That’s something that just doesn’t happen anymore,” he said. “This generosity without even meeting someone – when does that ever happen? That kind of experience was priceless.”
A month and a half later, as Eric settles into his new role as a father, he looks ahead with hope and gratitude. While acknowledging that everything still feels a bit surreal, Hansen mentioned that having YANA by their side made their journey easier in countless ways.
YANA (You Are Not Alone) is a not-for-profit organization in the Comox Valley that helps families who need to travel for medical treatment for their children or a pregnant mother.
Thank you to Budget Blinds of Central Vancouver Island for their ongoing generosity! We are incredibly grateful to Rebeccah Stefina for selecting YANA as the recipient of 5% of their monthly sales this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thankful hugs to the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church for their generous donation from the Mission of the Month program! We are grateful for the collective contributions made to create this generous support.
Big Love 2024 – Simply Spectacular
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Comox Valley, you are definitive proof that love knows no bounds! The Big Love 2024 event was nothing short of spectacular, and we are overjoyed to share that, together, we raised an unbelievable $232,000 for YANA families.
“Incredible. I honestly don’t know how to explain how grateful we are for everything you’ve done for us.”
“I can’t properly express just how much it means to have this support.”
“We are forever grateful for your help and support. You have no idea how much we appreciate everything you have done. You are all simply amazing.”
We have the honour of hearing our families tell us about the impact YANA has made in their lives.
We have the privilege of providing the support they need because of your monumental generosity.
We count our blessings, and we are so grateful to count on you. The YANA community is exceptional, and it’s your dedication that makes it so. From the bottom of our very full hearts, we extend our deepest appreciation to every single YANA supporter far and wide.
See more coverage of the event here:
‘It went spectacularly well’: YANA concludes another successful Big Love Gala
YANA Big Love Gala 2024: Uniting Community, Setting Records in Comox Valley
Big shoutout to Leanne & Studio IPF for hosting an awesome 80’s workout class and generously donating all the proceeds to YANA totalling $650.00! Thanks to Paula B. and Lynn B. for their fantastic support of the 80s-themed workout event. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of families in our community. Thank you for rocking the 80’s and supporting YANA!
A huge thank you to the Comox Firefighter Association for their incredibly generous donation of $5000! Your support of the tree chipping event and other fundraising activities is truly amazing! We are truly grateful for your kindness and dedication to the families in our community. Thank you!
A heartfelt thank you to the Valley Vista Tenants Association for their generous donation of $1000! Your support through your Valley Vista Community social activities is such a fun way to giveback to the families in our community traveling for medical reasons. Thank you for your generosity and for standing alongside us!
A massive thank you to Scotiabank Comox for their incredibly generous donation of over $500! Your contribution from their ‘Fun Friday’ Lunch, Book Drive, and Jeans Day demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact in our community. We are deeply grateful for your support and generosity, which will directly benefit the families we serve. Thank you!
A huge thank you to the Boston Pizza Foundation for hosting a successful fundraiser at the Courtenay location in support of YANA and the families in our community. Your efforts truly make a difference, and we are so grateful for your commitment and generosity. Thank you for standing with us and helping us serve those in need!