General News
Love from NIDES
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Look what Ms. Mann’s NIDES class is up to! We can’t wait to visit and to see your pottery creations!
Christmas crackers crafting completed
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Sincere thanks to the many volunteers who came together to make our YANA Christmas Crackers. Look for them on sale at many different sales outlets throughout the Comox Valley. Click here to find out where you can get yours.
Getting cracking on crackers!
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It’s that time of year again! YANA’s doors are open to crafting volunteers Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 2pm starting October 11 through to November 10. We have 5,000 Christmas crackers to make and we would love your help! No appointment necessary, just bring yourself and your craftiness. All supplies provided. Our office is located at 102-2456 Rosewall Crescent (Tin Town) in Courtenay.
Annual General Meeting 6:30pm October 5 at YANA office
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Please join us at the YANA office (102-2456 Rosewall Crescent) this Thursday, October 5 at 6:30pm for our Annual General Meeting. Learn about how YANA helps and the generosity of our community. Meet our board and staff. Bring $1 to become an annual member. We might even have cookies!
Comox Valley ATV club recognizes first responders, raises money for YANA
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Firefighters and other first responders in the Comox Valley were honoured on Saturday, Sept. 23 at a barbeque fundraiser in Courtenay.
The Comox Valley ATV Club put on the fundraiser, which featured a free BBQ lunch for first responders (others paid $5 per plate).
“We just want to say thanks to all the firefighters putting their lives at risk for us,” said ATV Club member Ted Meszaros, who organized the event. “They don’t get as much recognition as they need. And we want to give it to them by giving them delicious food.”
Along with the barbeque, the fundraiser included live music from a singer/guitar player, face painting for kids and a 50/50 draw.
While recognizing emergency first responder groups was the fundraiser’s focus, the $1,463 in proceeds will go towards the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Society. YANA is a community organization that offers travel and accommodation funding to families in the Comox Valley that need to travel for medical reasons.
“We have a few friends in the family going through hard times and it really hits a spot for me to be able to help out those families in need,” Meszaros continued. It makes me feel that much better going to bed.”
This was the second time the now-annual fundraiser took place. Last year the ATV Club raised about $460 for YANA.
“My goal was to beat that by even a dollar but before we even started this year, we were already $300 over [last year’s total],” said Meszaros.
~ Originally published by BCLocalNews.com
YANA Ride 2017 far exceeds fundraising expectations
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The 2017 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride far exceeded fundraising expectations, raising more than $62,000 for the You Are Not Alone non-profit society.
The pledge site will remain open until August 31, however, meaning there is still time for the final tally to increase.
YANA Executive Director Marcie Dumais said the Aug. 20 ride went far beyond the organization’s fundraising goal of $50,000.
“We’re just thrilled. It far exceeded our expectations and it’s just a testament to everybody that got involved,” she said.
Nearly 1,000 people were involved with the fundraiser this year, including 593 cyclists and their supporters, 49 different sponsors and around 150 volunteers.
Cycling routes included a 25 kilometre, 50 kilometre or 100 kilometre ride throughout the Comox Valley. There was also a 6 kilometre family loop that allowed riders of all ages to cycle together. Routes started and stopped at the Marina Park, in Comox.
YANA is a community organization thats offers travel funding and accommodation to Comox Valley families who need to travel for medical reasons. Money raised from the annual fundraiser goes to support its programs.
“Obviously the fundraising is critical to support our programs, but it’s also a really beautiful way to get a collective in the community doing something they love — which is cycling — [and turning it] into something that is really valuable and important for the community,” said Dumais.
“It’s this collective energy of people who love to get on their bikes and turning it into something really important for local families when they need it the most.”
The cycling fundraiser is one of two annual fundraisers for YANA. The other is the organization’s annual winter gala, called the Big Love Benefit.
YANA was formed in 1986. The first YANA Ride was in 2007. In 2013, YANA formed a partnership with Simon’s Cycles and 2017 marked the fifth annual Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride.
$62,000 raised at Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on August 20
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Our community has helped us create something very special with the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride. Cyclists, volunteers, donors and sponsors brought their best and it showed. Together we raised $62,000 for Comox Valley children and families. Thank you!
Full hearts, sore bottoms!
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What a ride! We are still tallying monies raised and will have a total soon. Until then, have a peek at some beautiful memories of a very special day of cycling and community spirit in the Comox Valley. Find photos here.
Bringing the party to the park
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Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride is a day away and 600 cyclists will be riding in this annual event to raise funds for YANA. Starting and ending in Marina Park, Comox, the ride is a celebration of community support for Comox Valley families.
Russ and Lori Ball of Audio Xcellence DJ Services are in the celebration business. After 23 years in the DJ business they count the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride as a favourite.
“We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else on this day,” says Russ. “We’re long time YANA supporters and are happy to spend the day adding to the energy of the event.”
The upbeat soundtrack livens up the morning as cyclists leave the park and keeps the fun spirit going, all day.
“It really keeps the atmosphere of the event vibrant,” says YANA Community Relations Coordinator, Ocean Varney.
Volunteering their time is part of what Russ and Lori say is a priority for them, personally and in business.
“We love seeing all the families with their kids and their bikes, we wouldn’t miss it,” states Russ.
Best of all, they take requests!
August 18 is last day to register
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The Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride registration site will be open until 11:59pm Friday, August 18th OR until such time as 600 cyclists have registered. No registration will be accepted on ride day. Route changes can be accommodated at the check-in area, but pay close attention to the event schedule as different routes leave at different times (below).
To register or pledge a rider, click here.
Event Schedule
100km Ride:
Check-in 8:00 – 8:30 am, Ride Briefing 8:40 am, Ride starts 9:00 am
50km Ride:
Check-in 9:00 – 9:30 am, Ride Briefing 9:40 am, Ride starts 10:00 am
25km Ride:
Check-in 10:00 – 10:30 am, Ride Briefing 10:40 am, Ride starts 11:00 am
Family Ride:
Check-in 10:30 – 11:00 am, Ride Briefing 11:10 am, Ride starts 11:30 am
Lunch
Starts 12:00 pm
Live Music: Jilli Martini
12:45 – 1:30 pm
Run Bike Event (4 and under)
Check-in and decorating ride bibs 1:00 – 1:20 pm, Ride Briefing 1:20 pm, Ride starts 1:30 pm
Draw Prizes
From 12:30 pm, Air Canada Foundation Fundraising Prize & Simon’s Cycles Grand Prize at 1:45 pm
Live Music: Jilli Martini
2:10 – 2:40 pm