Two RNs at the VCHC

We are SO, SO happy to welcome Heather Quayle and Nicole Callow as our new Registered Nurses.  They are both very experienced, totally focused on service to the community and all of us who will seek their help.  As I write, we are finalizing the days and times when they will be available.  By the time this is published, that information will be on our website, available by phone, and on a flyer at the Cook St Village Activity Centre (CSVAC).

As everyone’s’ safety will be first priority, we ask that you contact us first by phone or email giving your name and contact information but NO medical details.  

Individual services

We hope to provide as much help as possible by phone, but will be able to provide in-person service when this is absolutely necessary.  And we will follow the example of many practitioners who are finding that Zoom can also be very useful.  Of course, all COVID prevention protocols will be followed.  

These services will be provided under the BC Medical Services Plan (your Care Card) with no charge to the client.  

Health and Wellness Education

For many months we have been providing several NTW (No Touch Well-being) events by Zoom 7-8pm most Tuesdays and 1 – 2 most Sunday afternoons.  We have covered topics such as our three-session series on our Immune System, how it works, the ways in which it is influenced by our emotions, and the relationship with food.  We’ve talked about gentle exercise, social connections, the meaning of GBLTQ2S, and much, much more.  The presentations are short so that everyone can join in the discussion, ask questions, get to know the other participants.  You do not need to enroll or register for a Zoom account as we have one.  

Future NTW discussions will include Putting a Spring into Your Step, Vaccination Certificates, Fair Vote vs First Past the Post and organizing another Hans Kai or Choices program.  For more information, please check our website victoriahealthcooperative.com, Facebook page, Instagram and the information rack at the door of the Cook Street Village Activity Center.

We will be asking you to complete a survey so that the services, including Health and Wellness Education can focus on the issues of most importance in the community.  As COVID restrictions ease we will also be offering these events in person.  Leading some of these sessions will be an important part of the work of our Registered Nurses.  Find the survey in paper at the CSVAC, by emailing us, or on victoriahealthcooperative.com,

Outstanding Group of Wellness Practitioners

When you visit the Cook St Village Activity Centre, you will see information about the wide range of outstanding wellness practitioners.  If YOU have a practice, skill or knowledge to offer please let us know.

Donations and Volunteering

The work of the VHC would not be possible without your help.  Would you support the work of VHC and our charitable partner, the CCWS, through a monthly donation from your financial institution to our VHC or CCWS account at Vancity? Everything helps! As a registered charity, CCWS will provide charitable donation receipts for financial contributions of $10 or more. This year, we ask you to consider making a donation when you receive your COVID-19 vaccine or any services from the VHC.

And, again this month, we have news of outstanding generosity.  A group of remarkable students at Reynolds School worked with us, and with the Creating Community Wellness Society, planning our Pollinator Garden as part of the Co-op Community Garden.  And they presented their experience to the Victoria Foundation which then led to an amazing Vital Youth Grant of $1,250 from their Reynolds Endowment Fund.   Many thanks to Vinny and her colleagues for the financial assistance, the role model of community commitment, and the encouragement.

 

How can you help?

  • Join the VHC ($50 if possible), participate in our projects and programs
  • Volunteer for one of our current projects or programs. Email any project or program leader at vichealthcoop@gmail.com stating your interest.
  • Initiate a new project, program, or partnership in our community.
  • Volunteer with governance, human resources, accounting, fundraising, print communications social media and event planning.
  • Pay your annual dues, suggested $35, and possibly sponsor a student member.

We are SO grateful for our community’s tradition of volunteerism and generosity.

And the REALLY good news, Selina Pieczonka, member of both the VHC and the CCWS, has volunteered to Chair the Creating Community Wellness Society.  I am SO grateful.  She is hoping to bring in additional Board members, preferably with fund-raising experience and, or, skill in developing projects and programs.  Please contact her at CCWSchair@gmail.com   

 

Vanessa Hammond, Chair

The Victoria Health Cooperative

250 415 9272

vichealthcoop@gmail.com