News
YANA Big Love Benefit on Friday February 28, 2025
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The Big Love Benefit is YANA’s premier annual dinner and auction, celebrating the generosity and love that defines our community. This unforgettable gala brings together friends, fun, and a shared commitment to supporting YANA families.
Event Date
This year’s YANA Big Love Benefit is on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Florence Filberg Centre Signature Venue. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed for everyone to enjoy.
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale HERE now!
- In-Person Tickets: $200 per seat or $1,600 for a table of 8.
- Livestream Access: By donation! Automatic tax receipt provided.
Every ticket includes access to our massive Online Auction, which opens on February 18 and concludes during the live event on February 28.
A Community United in Love
This event is a testament to the unique spirit of the Comox Valley—a community that comes together to ensure no family feels alone in their time of need. The success of the Big Love Benefit depends on the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors, and supporters like you.
Thank you for helping us make a profound difference for YANA families in our community. We can’t wait to share this extraordinary evening with you. Let’s show our Big Love!
Big thanks to Jerry Snook for organizing a Super Bowl pool and making a donation to YANA! Your thoughtfulness means so much and we absolutely love seeing all the ways our community finds ways to support YANA families!
A heartwarming thank you to the amazing Brooklyn Elementary PAC and the entire Brooklyn community for supporting YANA as part of the school’s Used Book Sale!
It was such a fun and engaging way to bring everyone together – plus, who can say no to a good book?!
Thank you to the McCarthy Family Foundation for their generous support of YANA and for making a real difference in the lives of Comox Valley families.
With so many ways to contribute, we are truly grateful for each and every donation. Your impact is deeply appreciated!
We are grateful for the support of the Rev. David Madill and June Madill Fund for choosing YANA as a grant recipient through the Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation. Thank you for thinking of local families and allowing us to be the stewards of your generosity.
THANK YOU Tsolum River Truffula Tree Farm and to everyone who came out to find their lovely Christmas trees!! You helped raise $790 for YANA! We’re so grateful for your generosity each year and for making this such a special tradition for so many families here in the valley.
We are so very grateful for the support we receive from Edible Island Whole Foods Market during YANA Christmas Cracker season!! It is so heartwarming to see such generosity extend to so many local organizations that strive to help our community – Lush Valley Food Action Society, MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre, and the Comox Valley Food Bank! Thank you Comox Valley for all your love and support of your community!!
Comox Valley’s six-year-old Aria shines as YANA’s 2024 diamond ring winner
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YANA (You Are Not Alone) Comox Valley has finally found this year’s 2024 Christmas Cracker diamond ring winner – six-year-old Aria.
Originally published by the Comox Valley Record 2024-01-21
From L to R: Kelly Barnie, YANA executive director, Aria Cole, cracker ring winner, Garret Cole, Aria’s dad , Kourtney Van Velzen, YANA client care co-ordinator.
YANA (You Are Not Alone) Comox Valley has finally found this year’s 2024 Christmas Cracker diamond ring winner – six-year-old Aria.
The magical win is particularly special, as it celebrates a family deeply connected to YANA, embodying a story of generosity and gratitude across generations.
Aria’s grandparents, Shaun and Mae, have been dedicated supporters of YANA’s annual Christmas Cracker campaign, purchasing 100 or more crackers every year. Their passion for YANA stems from personal experience: decades ago, their son Garret, Aria’s dad, was a YANA child.
Garret’s journey with YANA began decades ago when he needed to travel to Vancouver after an X-ray revealed concerns about a broken ankle due to a skiing accident. At the time, Garret’s dad was starting his construction business, and his mom worked in retail. The unexpected four-day trip was a financial and emotional strain, but YANA stepped in to provide essential support, making the journey manageable for the family during a challenging time.
Now, years later, the family’s connection to YANA has come full circle with Aria’s big win.
Adding to the magic of this moment is a unique family twist: several years ago, Garret’s brother, Byron, won YANA’s diamond earrings at a Christmas party. In a touching gesture, he gifted the earrings to their mom, Mae. Last summer, Mae passed them on to Byron’s fiancée, who wore the sparkling set on her wedding day. Now, with Aria’s win, the family adds another joyful chapter to their YANA story.
Now, Aria is the proud winner of YANA’s stunning diamond ring set. She plans to keep them safe in their special box until they fit perfectly and she can wear them and tell their chapter of the story proudly.
“This was such a beautiful reminder of YANA’s lasting impact on families and the incredible support we receive from the Comox Valley community,” said Kourtney Van Velzen, YANA’s client care co-ordinator.
This year’s YANA Christmas Cracker campaign was a success thanks to the incredible support of the Comox Valley community. Special thanks go to Somers Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities for sponsoring the fundraiser, Mark the Gold Guy at Comox Valley Pawnbrokers for donating the gorgeous grand prize diamond ring set, and the tireless volunteers who handcrafted and distributed all 5,000 Christmas crackers.
Congratulations to Aria and her family on this unforgettable win, and thank you to everyone who supported YANA this holiday season.
Thank you Tessa Procter and the two lucky winners of your Holiday Giveaway who BOTH decided to choose YANA as the recipient of your generous donations!
We’re so thankful for your support and generosity! Thank you for creating such a special opportunity to give back and support local this season.
