General News
YANA Ride Exceeds Target
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Special guest volunteer Tori presents Terry Parkinson with his medal at the end of the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on Sunday. A total of 405 riders took part in the ride, raising in excess of the targeted $32,000 goal for the local charity. We sure appreciate The Record being there to capture the moment!
Sunday’s Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride – A Buzz with Volunteers
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Organizers are delighted that over 185 cyclists will be supporting Comox Valley families at this year’s Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride. But the buzz at YANA is focused on five very special volunteers. Markus, Gabe, Tori, Anna and Owen are all members of YANA families, who will be welcoming cyclists back to Marina Park as they cross the finish line on Sunday 17 August.
“It’s fantastic that these children will be coming out to support future YANA families, we are super excited to host these very special volunteers. They are the reason why we will all be at Marina Park on Sunday.” comments Marcie Dumais, Executive Director of YANA.
Participants of the 2nd annual Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride choose their route and cycle anywhere from 5, 25, 50 or 100km. Event expenses have been completely covered by sponsorship, as a result, the money raised from registrations, pledges and t-shirts sales will go direct to YANA families. There is still time to register to ride, make a donation by pledging a rider, or volunteer on ride day.
“Many of these young volunteers have shared their experiences to help YANA communicate what we do, their stories are the heart of our website.” continues Dumais.
11 year old, Markus, or Iron Man Markus, loves nerf guns and video games and, he’ll be starting grade 6 in the fall. It was during the fifth grade that he earned the name Iron Man Markus. He tripped and hit his head at school then ended up at St Joseph’s Hospital, where they found 2 tumors, one on top and the other at the back of his head. After undergoing major surgery and chemotherapy Markus recently celebrated one month cancer free.
Gabe is 7 years old and has undergone years of leukemia treatment in Vancouver and during that time YANA has had the privilege of being part of a journey which started suddenly when he was only 2 ½.
Tori was born in 2007 at the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver with a heart condition. She required open-heart surgery four days after she was born. Tori spent her first year in hospital where she received a tracheotomy, ventilator, and a second heart surgery. YANA financially assisted her family’s stay in Vancouver for the first 15 months of her life, allowing them to focus on Tori.
9 year old Anna spent significant time away from home receiving treatment for kidney cancer. Although her father was with her, she was separated from her mom and brothers, Rens and Diego, who visited when they could. Anna’s mother, Hendrika, credits YANA’s financial support and the use of the apartments with keeping the family together. She adds, “A sick child has a huge impact on family-life, the stress, your kid in pain, sick, struggling and sad, it’s a lot of emotions. What a blessing to know that the community supports YANA and therefore you. It’s a big help mentally as well as financially.”
Owen was born premature and spent the first 117 days of his life in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at BC Children’s Hospital. He has been living with cerebral palsy for 6 years now. YANA has been with his family since the beginning.
“Markus, Gabe, Tori, Anna and Owen, have such courageous stories, each of those stories was made more manageable because of YANA and the Vancouver apartments,” shares Patti Fletcher, Co-owner of Simon’s Cycles, “they are the inspiration for this year’s fundraising goal; we’d like to raise $32,000, which would pay for 5 months of accommodation expenses for Comox Valley families.”
YANA helped 112 local families in 2013, funded 290 medical trips, provided over $75,000 in financial assistance and offered homes away from home in Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver.
Read more about these and other YANA stories.
There is still time to support Comox Valley families by registering for the ride, making a donation or volunteering, for full details see event website.
Tori returns to the 2014 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride
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We are delighted to learn that Tori will be joining us again at the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride on August 17th. Tori will be there to support her friend Jeff and welcome all riders as they cross the finish line at this year’s ride. Tori and Jeff’s story was told by The Comox Valley Echo last summer, and is re-published below.
Cycling ‘fast-fast’ for Tori
originally published August 16, 2013
Jeff Mosher knows this Sunday’s Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride is not a race, but he’ll be going “fast-fast” none-the-less. For he’s seen first hand the difference YANA makes to Comox Valley families.
“In July of 2007 my wife and I received exciting news from our close friends Shayne and Erin Boelk that they were expecting twins,” said Mosher. Little did he know that one of their daughters would inspire him to ride faster and raise more than $800 for the Comox Valley charity.
Tori Boelk was born November 29, 2007 at the B.C. Children’s Hospital in Vancouver with a heart condition. Her sister Lara never made it, succumbing to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome during Erin’s 28th week of pregnancy.Tori required open-heart surgery four days after she was born, spending her first year in hospital where she received a tracheotomy, ventilator, and a second heart surgery. She will require three more surgeries as she grows.
YANA financially assisted her family’s stay in Vancouver for the first 15 months of her life, allowing her family to focus on Tori. YANA has already committed to additional support for Tori’s numerous follow-up procedures in the years to come.
Now five, going on six, Tori is back at home in Courtenay where she is fiercely independent and rapidly growing out of a continuous feeding tube and a portable vent.
“This doesn’t hold her back,” said Mosher. “Her powered wheelchair should only go one speed according to her – “fast-fast!” – because slow is too boring.
“When Simon’s Cycles announced they were hosting the 2013 YANA road ride it was a hands down choice for me. What a great opportunity to return the support YANA gave to my friends by getting pledges for YANA to go ‘fast-fast’ on the 100 km ride because slow is too boring.”
Mosher will be one of more than 100 cyclists taking part in this year’s longest leg of the YANA Ride – a 100 kilometre route – but there will be many more riders of all ages peddling shorter distances.To donate and help Jeff’s ride for Tori – or any of the other participants – visit www.yanacomoxvalley.com, click the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride banner, and click ‘pledge a participant’. Find and click the name of one you wish to support, such as Mosher, to offer sponsorship. Tori’s story is available at the same website, under ‘Stories’. Find out more about the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride or to register to take part, visit www.yanacomoxvalley.com.
© Comox Valley Echo
Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride: Feel good – do good – look good
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Registration is open for the 2014 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride, and this year, participants will have the opportunity to buy an exclusive ride jersey.
The ride will take place on Sunday, August 17 at Marina Park in Comox. There is a route for cyclists of all abilities including 25km, 50km, 100km or a 5km family ride.
“We are so thankful for all the support that the community provides YANA, the ride is yet another example of how supportive the Comox Valley is of our local families in need,” says Marcie Dumais, Executive Director of YANA.
YANA helped 112 local families in 2013, funded 290 medical trips, provided over $75,000 in financial assistance and offered homes away from home in Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver. Patti Fletcher, co-owner of Simon’s Cycles shares, “Last year’s ride raised $28,000, this year, we have a specific goal, we’d like to cover five months of accommodation expenses for families, to do it we’ll need to raise $32,000.”
Dumais continues “We have been working with Simon’s Cycles to repeat the success of last year’s event.”
“Yes, but we wanted to introduce some new elements, too” adds Fletcher. “This year we are excited to offer a YANA Ride custom designed jersey for registered participants. This is not only a great compliment to your active wear, but a fun functional memory piece to a Ride Day that you’ll never forget.”
Simon’s are working with Michael Johnson of Good Thinking Design to deliver the jersey. The $75 jersey is exclusively available to participants who register for the Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride before Sunday July 6th. To ensure a good fit, visit Simon’s Cycles on Comox Avenue and try one on for size.
Click here for more details, to register, volunteer or to buy a bike jersey.
Island Charity Wrestling… Tough Guys With Big Hearts
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Island Charity Wrestling is coming back to the Valley to put on another great family charity show on Sunday, July 20. Since it’s all for and about the kids, all profits again this year are going to support You Are Not Alone (YANA).
Since 2009, the ICW group of local retail workers and weekend warriors have put on entertaining, low-cost family wrestling shows for local charities. All money raised beyond covering the cost of hall rental goes directly to YANA.
ICW is a mix of touring pro wrestlers and local beginners and trainees who give their all in the ring in the spirit of community service. The pros always put on great matches and the trainees make up for inexperience with larger-than-life good and evil characters everyone can boo or cheer. ICW has a loyal following, most of which are children.
In addition to 90 minutes of action, there will be prize draws, concession, and plenty of opportunities for children and parents alike to meet and get photos with the wrestlers in and out of character.
The theme of this upcoming show is “Night of Champions” and is the only event of the year in which all four championships are on the line. There are matches for every taste, and in addition to four title bouts, there will be singles and grudge matches to fill out the card.
For the ICW championship: “Dangerous” Doug Beattie vs. Splash Campbell. DDB’s used every possible dirty trick to retain his title, including constant interference by The Chain Gang mates Acadian Assassin and A-Train. Prior to the Comox show last August, The Chain Gang beat down Splash Campbell at home, shown to the crowd, keeping him from challenging for the title. Is he physically ready to compete, or will The Chain Gang’s cheating again overcome the giant challenger?
Vancouver Island Hardcore Championship “Fans Bring the Weapons” match: Stan “The Lumberjack” Boyd vs. Acadian Assassin. Acadian Assassin is evil and vicious, and is now into his third reign as champion, including one reign that lasted nearly four years.
No disqualifications, pinfalls count anywhere, and the last Comox show in August saw the re-introduction of the 24/7 rule, meaning the champ can be challenged anytime, anywhere, by anyone who brings a sanctioned referee. This rule led to a crazy match in Comox last time that had three title changes before the dust settled and Acadian Assassin left with the title his name has become synonymous with. He’s managed to hold onto it since then, but anything can and will happen in Comox.
For the ICW Vancouver Island Tag Team championship: Some of the Island’s best pros will be battling for the gold in this match as the team of “The Horror Show” Matt Havik and Slade, defend against “Super Tremendous Dudes” Krofton and Comox Valley’s own Barry Goode. The Horror Show overcame steep odds to end The Chain Gang’s three-year reign as tag team champions, but they’ve yet to defend their titles against a team with the flair and experience of STD.
The Vancouver Island Charity championship will also be on the line in an invitational, over-the-top-rope battle royale.
Others scheduled to appear include: “Big” Willy Johnson, suspended Bruins’ enforcer Ron “The Hammer” Domi, A-Train, The Bumbling B, Major America, El Taco Grande, and more.
Also appearing is Goat FM’s “Rock Dawg” Andrew Davis as the celebrity ring announcer and MC, as well as newly-hired ICW commissioner, Courtenay city councillor Manno Theos, who promises to bring some justice and order to his new position at the helm of ICW.
All seats are available for only a minimum $5 donation, making ICW low-cost family entertainment that anyone can see, and also helping local charity. It will be held at the K’omoks First Nation gym next to the I-Hos Gallery, at 3320 Comox Rd. in Courtenay. Doors open at 7 p.m. and bell time shortly after. Seating is limited so ticket pre-purchase is recommended, however unsold tickets will be available at the door.
In addition to continued support from The Real Canadian Superstore, this year ICW has teamed up with a great local sponsor, Aliens vs. Pizza. In addition to being ICW’s official ticket outlet at their restaurant at 542 Comox Rd., Courtenay (near Lewis Park), they have also pledged to donate 20 per cent of the sales of their feature “Planet X” pizza to add to ICW’s donation, so what better time to try out a great new pizza and help local charity at the same time?
Tickets are also available from any participant, or by phoning 250-792-3332. Donations are very much appreciated, so even if you are not sure you can make it to the show, or are not a fan of wrestling but like to help out, consider buying a ticket anyway to show your support.
– Island Charity Wrestling
Coastal Black Solstice Run – June 21
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Coastal Black Winery is delighted to announce their first annual Solstice Fun Run. This event will lead guests through the 600 acre estate winery nestled at the base of Mount Washington. Featuring a 5 km fun run, delicious snacks and sparkling wine, this evening promises to be very special. Annie Becker will be performing songs from her award winning album after the run.
With over 100 acres of fruit, Coastal Black is the largest cultivated blackberry farm in Canada. Their dedication to organic practices includes pollinating the vineyard with their own bees. A commitment to the preservation of land, air and waterways is one of the core values that inspire this family run farm.
Four years of wine sales for this growing winery has delivered them several domestic and international awards. The facility which features a tasting room, patio bistro, and ‘barn’ style event space has recently expanded with the addition of a wood fired, brick, pizza oven.
Coastal Black is generously supporting YANA and Cameryn’s Cause with a portion of the proceeds from registration to be donated to the runner’s choice. YANA is thrilled to share this opportunity with Cameryn’s Cause and for participants to gain more awareness of these two organizations. Both of these non-profit groups provide support to families with children who must travel outside of their communities for medical care. YANA supports families in the Comox Valley and Cameryn’s Cause serves Campbell River.
Check out the event photos here!
Annie Handley at Mex Pub June 3rd
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Annie Handley will be performing with her band at the Mex Pub on June 3rd as guest performer of the 1st Tuesday Fundraisers concert series. The musical journey of this Vancouver Island singer/songwriter is an inspiration for those who love great songwriting, as well as for those who’ve shared their own music on YouTube – a forum where Annie’s songwriting talent and musical imagination have attracted followers from around the world.
Her music is a wonderful paradox that combines universal themes of beginnings and endings, quests and conclusions in both gentle and edgy grooves with a styling reminiscent of rocker Sheryl Crow. Her debut CD titled “No Shoobie” topped the “What’s Hot” pop music category on iTunes Canada. Among Annie’s musical accolades is placing in the top 3 of BC Music Magazine’s New Music category and in the top 30 in a world-wide search for Alternative Music in 2010. Her Song “Bring Me Back Alive” was selected to be on the Television show “Beauty and the Beast”.
Annie is joined by Telecaster-toting guitarist Doug Biggs, well known in the Comox Valley and beyond for his creative approach and discerning ear. As comfortable on stage as behind the sound board, Doug is an established engineer/producer from Southern Ontario who has produced numerous projects for local artists including Annie, and is a valued member of sound crew at many Vancouver Island events including Musicfest. On the kit is seasoned studio drummer Bill Cymbala who has recorded with Daniel Lanois, Sylvia Tyson, Raffi, and Jerry Doucette among others. In addition to playing with Annie Handley, Bill will be performing on the main stage with the Ray Materick Band at Musicfest this year. Setting the groove on the bass will be Dave Devindisch of Campbell River who joined the band DDT with Courtenay legend Brian Howes. After signing an international record deal, the band toured Europe and had the opportunity to open for Kid Rock. With so much seasoned musical talent on stage, the evening will be an incredible show of fine songwriting, performance, and musicality.
Admission to enjoy this evening of great music is a donation to YANA, a Comox Valley charity that has been supporting local families in times of health crisis since 1986. YANA supports local families whose children require medical treatments not available locally. They provide accommodation, and travel assistance so that families can stay together during stressful times. YANA is a charity near and dear to the hearts of many valley residents helping thousands of families by funding medical trips to Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, as well as the U.S. and England.
The evening begins at 7:30pm with an opening set by event organizers and hosts Judy and Bruce Wing, followed by Annie Handley and her band. Food donations for the Comox Valley Food Bank are also much appreciated. For more information about Annie Handley, visit www.anniehandley.com
Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride Confirmed for 2014
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Local charity You Are Not Alone (YANA) have announced the date for this year’s Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride.
The ride will take place on Sunday, 17 August at Marina Park in Comox. There is a route for cyclists of all abilities including 25km, 50km or 100km rides. We’ll also be hosting a 5km family loop and a special run bike race for those not yet comfortable with pedals. To register for the event and to learn more, click here.
Anyone who has a bike is encouraged to join the ride and for those who don’t, but would like to be involved, please consider volunteering with us on the day.
Last year 271 cyclists of all ages joined YANA and helped raise over $28,000, all of which went to help Comox Valley families in need. YANA’s Executive Director, Marcie Dumais, says, “The event is a defining part of YANA’s fundraising calendar, it’s great family fun and we are delighted that Simon’s are partnering with us again.”
Alex Dunae, 2013 YANA Ride Participant recalls, “I signed up for the YANA 50km ride on a whim and immediately regretted committing myself so publicly to the longest ride of my life. But with friends and family committing cash, riding was the only option. And so I rode. 49kms later I climbed Comox Hill and was grinning as I cruised to the finish. I’ll definitely be back for 2014.”
Co-owner of Simon’s Cycles, Patti Fletcher, shares, “We had so much fun we’re doing it again. The organizing committee is working hard to confirm event details for this year’s ride, we plan to keep the routes the same. We know that people are scheduling their summer cycling events now and we want the 2014 Simon’s Cycles YANA Ride to be the part of those plans. We have also been able to confirm the training rides will be back this year – they are starting soon and open to all those registered for the ride.”
To view the 2013 ride video visit: www.yanacomoxvalley.com/events or for more information drop by Simon’s on Comox Avenue.
Photography Credit: DaveProtheroPhotography.com
YANA Week in the Schools!
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YANA Week in the Schools is set for next week, May 4 – 9, 2014. The week will kick-off with Croquet for YANA on Sunday, May 4th at Highland Secondary School from noon until 3pm. Many schools plan events during the week that raise awareness and funds for YANA, though many other schools support YANA at other times of the year. Building a partnership between YANA and our local schools provides an opportunity to celebrate kids helping kids, to teach social responsibility and to inform staff and students about how YANA uses raised funds to help local families.
Some of the events scheduled to celebrate YANA week include:
- Mark Isfeld’s Zumba for YANA on April 27th
- A bake sale at Highland on May 1st
- Croquet for YANA at Highland on May 4th
- A garage sale at Miracle Beach Elementary on May 7th
- A coin drive and bake sale at Puntledge Elementary on May 7th
- The next monthly Hat Day at Valley View on May 9th (they have raised $400 already from previous months – well done!)
- Principal (Kyle Timms) and teacher (Heather Freeland) from Courtenay Elementary are having their heads shaved for donations to YANA at an assembly on May 9th (photo below)
- Aspen Park Elementary’s Hat Day on May 13th
- Royston Elementary’s awareness assembly on May 14th
- Queneesh Elementary’s skip-a-thon for YANA on May 15th
- Vanier is having an Advisory Group Coin Drive and BBQ culminating on May 29th
- Cumberland Elementary will be hosting a fun fair called Village Fest on June 4th
A heart-felt thank you to all of the staff and students that are participating in YANA Week in the Schools and to the schools who support YANA at other times of the year.
Check out the article in the Echo about Croquet for YANA.
Kids’ Clutter Sale on April 26th
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The Comox Valley Kids’ Clutter next sale is on Saturday, April 26th from 9am to 12pm at the Courtenay Legion on Cliffe Avenue. The sale offers local families the opportunity to either buy and/or sell gently used children’s clothing, toys and equipment. Learn more about the Kids’ Clutter Sale here.
This semi-annual event has grown over the years and has been run by Chelsey Newton. Chelsey has supported local charities, such as YANA by donating partial proceeds from the sale. Recently, Newton chose to donate the Kids’ Clutter Sale to YANA, so for the first time, this will be the YANA Kids’ Clutter Sale. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to run this semi-annual event for our community as a fundraiser for YANA. Chelsey has worked so hard at making this a successful event over the years and we are so grateful for her generous donation,” states YANA President, Judy Cryer.
The Kids’ Clutter Sale makes selling items much easier and also offers the opportunity to buy well priced and gently used items for children. There are hundreds of items to choose from and items often disappear quickly at this popular sale. Partial proceeds from the sale are returned to the sellers and the balance will help YANA with the work we do for families.
Photo: Chelsey Newton and her parents (the Nelsons) pass on Kids’ Clutter to YANA, represented by Judy Cryer, President.