General News

Preemie Born to 15-Year-Old Mother, A YANA Family From Decades Past

Posted on April 7, 2021

Originally published by the Comox Valley Record – April 7, 2021

Andrea Postal, Client Services, YANA.  Special to the Record

It was spring of 1994, and Megan Lacourse, at just 15 years old, had recently moved out of her parent’s home and was awaiting the arrival of her first son, when she went into labour and found herself at St.Joseph’s hospital months earlier than planned. Days later and still in Comox, her son Andrew was born in a footling breech presentation, weighing in at only 2lbs 7oz.

Andrew required help breathing, and Megan recalls the pediatrician working to keep him ventilated for more than 3 hours while they waited for the transport helicopter to arrive.

“The pediatrician here hand ventilated my son from 8:40 in the morning. They ended up flying him to Victoria, originally it was going to be Vancouver, but he was stronger than they thought he was going to be.”

While Andrew was getting medical attention at the NICU in Victoria, Megan was trying to figure out how she was going to stay and care for her son who was now 4 hours away along the old island highway, in another city. She’d heard about YANA through a friend, but it was a nurse at the hospital that first connected her with YANA’s support.

“The nurses at the nurses’ station gave me an envelope, and it had $50 from YANA and a toothbrush,” Megan explains. It was that $50 that was the start of what would be ongoing help from YANA to ensure she could travel to and stay in Victoria with her son every weekend for the 52 days he remained in the Victoria General Hospital.

“Basically we would leave every Thursday night, and go to Victoria and then come back Sunday night or Monday morning”, says Megan. “In the meantime, our vehicle broke down, so YANA supported us by paying for our hotels, as well as renting us a vehicle”.

YANA’s funding and accommodation programs provide support for about 70-80 pregnant women and infants under 1 each year. These families find themselves relocated for medical care in Nanaimo, Victoria, or Vancouver due to the limitations on Comox Valley Hospital’s ability to provide support for preterm births. Many of these families learn about YANA through the Hospital Emergency Funding Program which puts no-strings-attached funds and information about YANA, into the hands of parents who are sent out of the community from the Comox Valley Hospital, much like the envelope Megan received when her son was born.

This first point of contact, and the care and support that happens after families are set up with YANA, makes a tremendous impact both financially and emotionally for families, and this was no exception for Megan and her son.

Megan shares, “It was amazing for us. I mean, I grew up here, it’s always been a great community. But to have the solid knowing that every week we had somewhere to stay. It made it so that the financial end of it really was not an issue for us at all. Money was certainly not something we had a lot of. I honestly don’t know how we would have managed it.”

After nearly 3 months in Victoria, Andrew was released home back to the Comox Valley, and Megan emphasized how lucky he was to do so well. “He had a really smooth ride for what it could have been, considering how premature he was.”

YANA’s support didn’t end there. After returning home, YANA continued to look out for Megan and her son by providing resources to support her as a new, young mother. “They helped connect me with other services,” she explains, “there were other organizations that brought me a baby bath and bags of clothes and gift certificates, so it was more than the travel back and forth and somewhere to stay, it was connections with other organizations that were able to help us.”

Fast forward almost 3 decades, Andrew is the eldest of 5 siblings and is living and working in the Comox Valley. Beaming with a mother’s pride, Megan shares that he’s doing well. “He’ll be 27 in April, he’s a hairstylist at Chatters. He’s great.”

***

There are 2,500 Valley Vonka chocolate bars available throughout the Comox Valley, with Golden Tickets randomly inserted into five of the chocolate bars.

Each golden ticket will be eligible to win one of the following grand prizes:

• Mount Washington Alpine Resort family passes

• The Old House Hotel and Spa gift certificates

• Kingfisher Oceanside Resort, Spa and Restaurant gift certificates

• Canadian Tire $1,000 shopping spree

• Peninsula Co-op $1,000 gas card.

Total value of all prizes is $7,500.

The bars are available for purchase by donation (suggested $5 donation) at:

• Parker’s Appliances 
• Oh Spa
• Locals Restaurant
• Mount Washington
• The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa
• Peninsula Co-op
• Canadian Tire
• Old House Hotel & Spa
• Hot Chocolates
• Sure Copy
• YANA office
• Bomback & Co.
• Pilon Tools
• Mackenzie Gartside & Associates
• Blinds Bubbles Boutique
• Return-It Depot
• Brian McLean GM
• Living Room Pharmacy
• Bennett Sheet Metal
• Courtenay Nissan
• Ives Burger Law
• Hyland Precast
• CSN Reliable Auto Body
• Pharmasave
• Lara Austin – RBC Dominion Securities

Ultra-marathoner to run northern end of Island for Comox Valley charity

Posted on April 6, 2021

Terry Farrell/Scott Stanfield – Comox Valley Record April 5, 2021

Merville ultra-marathoner Jan Kotyk is lacing up his runners and hitting the road for YANA.

“I am doing an ambitious fundraiser for YANA that will take place from April 7-9, possibly including April 10th,” he said. “I am planning to run from my house towards North Island from dawn till dusk each day.”

The schedule is to run in three-hour segments, with one-hour intermissions daily.

Kotyk has no target distance, and said he just hoped to cover as much distance as possible, “at a slow and steady pace.”

The fundraiser is his way of repaying YANA for services provided.

YANA (You Are Not Alone) 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.

“This is an organization who has helped us financially to make cardiology appointments to the BC Children’s Hospital for our now seven-year-old son Asher,” said Kotyk.

Asher was diagnosed with pulmonary vein stenosis, but Kotyk said he is stable, and continues to defy the odds. He’s a strong, energetic, creative and “caring kiddo” who enjoys an active lifestyle.

“We visit the Heart Centre at B.C. Children’s Hospital yearly to monitor any changes. We have endless gratitude for YANA. They have, and continue to be, an incredible support system for my little fam and other families close to our hearts in the community. They have helped to relieve some of the financial stresses so that we can just focus on Asher during the out-of-town medical trips, which for us is usually two to three weekdays. These trips are emotional for all of us, so it is incredibly helpful having some relief in this area.”

He said YANA has also helped find resources for other areas of support.

Jan’s brother, Jared, will act as his support team by following in his RV, which will also be used as accommodations.

“My brother Jared… will wait till I am almost done with my segment before driving ahead in his RV to my next rest area. He will be doing this for safety reasons (such as) when there is no cell service. He will have provisions such as food, water, first aid, changes of clothes, etc.”

There are numerous ways to donate to Kotyk’s fundraiser.

All donation methods are detailed on the YANA website’s “DONATE” page (yanacomoxvalley.com/donate).

“Basically as long as ‘Running North for YANA’ or ‘Jan Kotyk’ are mentioned with the donation we will add it to the tally,” said YANA executive director, Kelly Barnie.

YANA also accepts e-transfers at info@yanacomoxvalley.com (set up for auto deposit). Again, ‘Running North for YANA’ or ‘Jan Kotyk’ noted in the e-transfer notes will ensure Kotyk’s fundraiser gets credit.

Cheques can also be dropped off or mailed to the YANA office at 102 – 2456 Rosewall Cres., Courtenay, B.C., V9N 8R9. Include the fundraiser name on the cheque memo.

Drop off cheques or cash at the office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and note what the funds are for.

“Running North for YANA” – Jan Kotyk

Posted on April 6, 2021

Click here to donate to Jan’s fundraiser! Don’t forget to mention “Jan Kotyk” in the ‘MESSAGE FOR YANA FUND SOCIETY’ BOX

Check out Jan’s video highlights by clicking here!

Multi-generational YANA support for Comox Valley family

Posted on March 31, 2021

Originally published by the Comox Valley Record March 29, 2021

Andrea Postal, Client Services, YANA.  Special to the Record

It’s been almost three decades since Jeanne and Ray Van Der Mark were introduced to a YANA, an organization unique to the Comox Valley, and one that has made a lifelong impact on their family and children.

YANA, which stands for “You Are Not Alone”, was founded by Sandra Williams in 1986, and has since been an invaluable resource through its funding and accommodation programs in place for pregnant women and families with children under 19, who require medical support outside of the Valley.

The Van Der Mark family found out just how special this community and the organization was in 1994 when their doctor suggested they reach out to YANA for assistance with their oldest child, who was diagnosed with bilateral clubfeet at birth and required multiple trips, surgeries, and visits to BC Children’s Hospital. They couldn’t believe the support that was available to them in a stressful time of their lives, and it was obvious that the memory still brought back the feeling, 27 years later. YANA provided them with funds to help them make the many trips they’d make to Vancouver, and it became a gift that has kept on giving.

“The best part of it was, we told them about where we were going, and we didn’t have to give receipts, we didn’t have to worry about gas or the ferry fees,” said Jeanne. “It was just such a relief.”

The family ended up being supported by YANA for many trips with their son, and again with their daughter who needed surgery for an eye condition that required them to travel again to Vancouver for the procedure and follow-up visits. Through it all, they continued to be cared for and supported by their community.

“It’s one less stress on your mind,” said Jeanne. “That was all taken away, and we could focus on the children each time. All we had to worry about was getting them there, getting them through the operation, we didn’t have to worry about anything else.”

The story doesn’t end there, because over 25 years after they were introduced to YANA, they received a call from their son-in-law, Scott, letting them know their daughter, Amber, was being transported to Victoria in preterm labour with their grandson, Ephraim; YANA was there again.

Overcome with emotion, Ray recalled the conversation from the hospital with his son-in-law, and the relief that YANA was behind their family.

“It overwhelmed me again,” Ray said. “I thought ‘wow.’ Scott said, ‘(YANA) gave me this envelope and said go, get ahold of us later.’ ” Scott and Amber had received the $200 cash emergency funding that the Comox Valley Hospital distributes on behalf of YANA to families who are sent out of the community for medical care, and immediately the family knew once again, they were not alone.

Amber and Scott ended up spending over three months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while their son Ephraim grew strong enough to return home, and YANA supported them throughout their time there.

The whole Van Der Mark family has become big YANA supporters, bidding on Christmas Trees each year at the Driftwood Mall at the annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser.

“We’ve continued every year bidding on trees,” said Ray. “Most of the time we’ve won two, sometimes we win one. We ended up winning three trees one year.”

The YANA Christmas Trees have become an annual tradition with the Van Der Mark family. They often end up donating their trees back to families who might not be able to afford one, and on Christmas day they do a gift exchange with their children and extended family with some of the gifts that come with the trees. The trees are a way they can give back, remember, and show their appreciation for an organization that has given their family so much and one they hope will give to others for many decades to come.

***

There are 2,500 Valley Vonka chocolate bars available throughout the Comox Valley, with Golden Tickets randomly inserted into five of the chocolate bars.

Each golden ticket will be eligible to win one of the following grand prizes:

• Mount Washington Alpine Resort family passes

• The Old House Hotel and Spa gift certificates

• Kingfisher Oceanside Resort, Spa and Restaurant gift certificates

• Canadian Tire $1,000 shopping spree

• Peninsula Co-op $1,000 gas card.

Total value of all prizes is $7,500.

The bars are available for purchase by donation (suggested $5 donation) at:

• Parker’s Appliances 
• Oh Spa
• Locals Restaurant
• Mount Washington
• The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa
• Peninsula Co-op
• Canadian Tire
• Old House Hotel & Spa
• Hot Chocolates
• Sure Copy
• YANA office
• Bomback & Co.
• Pilon Tools
• Mackenzie Gartside & Associates
• Blinds Bubbles Boutique
• Return-It Depot
• Brian McLean GM
• Living Room Pharmacy
• Bennett Sheet Metal
• Courtenay Nissan
• Ives Burger Law
• Hyland Precast
• CSN Reliable Auto Body
• Pharmasave
• Lara Austin – RBC Dominion Securities

Extraordinary success for the 2021 Big Love Benefit

Posted on March 5, 2021

“Donations will be down significantly from last year”, they said……“Expect to raise about half of what you would with the ‘normal’ event”, they said……“Sponsors and volunteers probably can’t help as much as they have in the past”, they said.

Friends, THEY did not realize how very extraordinary this community of YANA supporters truly is! 

Together, we broke the record last year raising $166,000.  This year, together in a whole new way, we raised $175,000 for Comox Valley children and their families.  

Absolutely. Speechless. 

A million thank yous wouldn’t even scratch the surface. 

Big Love Wesjet and 50/50 winning ticket numbers announced

Posted on February 27, 2021

The winning ticket number for the WESTJET TICKETS draw (BC Gaming Event Licence #127963) was 210177.

The winning ticket number for the 50/50 draw (BC Gaming Event Licence #127739) of the $10,461 prize was 140515.

Email notifications have been sent to all purchasers, and the winners have been contacted.

Thank you to everyone who supported YANA families by participating in the draws!

The 2021 Big Love Benefit Online Silent Auction is LIVE!

Posted on February 16, 2021

This year’s virtual gala kicks off February 16th with an incredible selection of items up for bid from now until the livestream event on February 26th. Your own access links to the Online Silent Auction AND to the Live Broadcast are provided with the purchase of your Big Love Benefit ticket.

Tickets can be purchased here, with any size donation you choose. Browse and shop over 250 items and packages valued at nearly $70,000.  From luxury packages to beautiful, local art; home and garden treasures to restaurant gift certificates, there is truly something for everyone! 

YANA Big Love Benefit Changes Due to Continued COVID Restrictions

Posted on February 10, 2021

From the infancy of our planning for a COVID-friendly version of the Big Love Benefit this year, the committee of YANA volunteers and staff committed to doing everything humanly possible to virtually recreate as many of the magical elements of the “normal” event as possible, all while following prescribed health protocols to keep everyone involved safe.

From day one, we agreed to plan for the best-case scenario and to be prepared to adjust according to provincial and regional COVID restrictions as needed. We were collectively hoping for a return to “Safe Six” and to a less restrictive definition of events.  Over the past few weeks, as it started looking more and more like restrictions would not be loosened, we started working further with Island Health to develop a safety plan that would go over and above all requirements.  The goal was to allow YANA supporters to view the Big Love Live Broadcast with their core bubbles from home and from restaurants as planned. 

As you can imagine, with the recent extension of the Provincial Health Orders, no specific reconsideration date given, and less than 3 weeks to the February 26 broadcast, our committee was faced with a tough decision. 

Island Health has spent significant time listening with open minds and hearts to our innovative method of supporting local restaurants as viewing locations for a virtual broadcast. Without previous precedent or other models to use as templates, although things were continuing in the right direction, we’ve simply run out of time. 

With the resources and time remaining, we’ve decided to remove the restaurant venues from our ticketing options and convert previously purchased venue tables to gourmet home parties for up to 6 core-bubble (immediate household) attendees.  

We are extremely grateful for the generosity and flexibility of all those that have purchased restaurant venue tables.  We will be reaching out in the days ahead to provide the details on the alternative options available to you. 

There are great options for everyone who wants to participate in the Big Love Benefit!

Link by Donation: When you visit the YANA Tickit Store, you will see the “Live Broadcast & Auction Link” by donation.  Remember that every dollar donated is matched by Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC up to $15,000!

Home Parties: You’ll also notice that a limited number of “Hosted Home Party for Six” have been added.  To host a Home Party, you and those in your core bubble (immediate household) would view the live-stream broadcast on a smart TV or laptop etc, and bid on the auction items from each person’s personal hand-held device.  Home Parties are $750.00 and include a gourmet antipasto/charcuterie board, delicate desserts, bubbly to toast, and the ingredients for the Signature Cocktail. Please contact YANA if an alternate menu option is required. 

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 250-871-0343 or kellybarnie@yanacomoxvalley.com. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and flexibility as we adapt, adjust, and persevere our way ahead.  Our YANA families find it within themselves to do this every day, and we thank you for standing with us so we can stand with them no matter what. 

Kelly Barnie

Executive Director, YANA (You Are Not Alone)

For More Information and to purchase tickets, see: YANA Big Love Benefit

YANA rolls out plans for 2021 virtual Big Love Gala

Posted on December 18, 2020

Published in the Comox Valley Record December 22, 2020

It’s the year of reinvention for the way we collectively do things, from family gatherings to classes and workshops, and especially any kind of large-gathering events, coming together looks a little different right now.

For a charity like YANA (You Are Not Alone), gathering together has been an integral piece of their community support building and fundraising, especially at events like their annual sell-out gala, The Big Love Benefit, YANA’s largest campaign event of the year which generates almost 40% of the funds needed for their funding and accommodation programs.

Last year’s event was a smashing success, raising $166,000 through ticket sales, donations, draws and auctions. Two weeks later the world shut down and it became clear that the 2021 Big Love gala would not likely take shape in its usual form. Kelly Barnie, YANA’s executive director, spoke to this unfolding reality and the implications it could have on YANA’s ability to continue supporting Comox Valley families.

“Not holding our largest fundraising event of the year would likely put YANA in the position of having to say ‘no’ to families, or to be unable to support at the level we typically do. As always, our amazing volunteer committee stepped up in unanimous agreement that there was no way we could let that happen. They were committed as ever to finding a way to move forward with as many of the components of the annual gala fundraiser as possible, in a safe, flexible way that allows for maximum individual choice about how to join in the magic experience that is the Big Love Benefit.”

After many minds spent many hours back at the drawing board to re-invent this event in COVID-friendly fashion, YANA has rolled out their plans for this years’ gala event. It’s set to be better than ever, opening up even greater possibilities for supporters from all over to join the cause and witness the love and generosity that is shown each year.

“In some ways, COVID is forcing us to solve the problems we’ve always had and never come up with a way to overcome,” says Barnie. “When you sell out an event in 3 seconds, there are countless YANA supporters that want to get on board, but can’t. It’s opened up the event far and wide for anyone to help YANA. April 1, 2021 marks YANA’s 35 year anniversary. There are 3 and a half decades of YANA families and their circle of supporters out there. You can’t fit that many people in a room together, but you can have them join a live broadcast together, experiencing it as one, in different locations across the Valley and beyond.”

The event itself, as well as the auctioning of generously donated items, will all be done virtually. Event attendees will be able to view the live virtual program and bid in the online auction in one of 3 ways: attending one of eight Champion Sponsor-hosted restaurants in their Safe Six group, attending one of twenty Supporter Sponsor-hosted Safe Six home parties, or by making a donation to receive a link so they can enjoy the virtual event and participate in the silent and live auctions from the comfort of their own home.

Kelly Rusk, YANA’s board committee president, points to the bright silver lining in all of this.

“The online event platform we’re using allows everyone to experience the energy, stories, presentations and celebrations from any location. It even has video and chat interaction features so we can virtually connect between venues! We know it’s not the same as being able to hug and visit and laugh with 300+ people, but virtually speaking, we’re hoping this is the next closest thing.”

Every ticket purchased, every auction bid, every big and small donation helps toward this important fundraiser, and especially so thanks to generous sponsors who cover the costs of the event so that 100% of the money raised goes directly to YANA’s travel funding and accommodation programs for families. Long term sponsor Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC is helping every dollar donated make an even bigger impact this year. Every time someone makes a donation to receive the link to the live event broadcast and auction, the dealership will match the donation, dollar for dollar, up to $15,000.

The online auction opens February 16th and runs until the night of the gala on February 26th. Restaurant venue tickets, and “link by donation” tickets will be available at yanacomoxvalley.com starting January 17th at 10am sharp. YANA supporters everywhere are encouraged to join in no matter how much you have to give, no matter where you’re giving from.

“More than ever, this year, we want everyone to be in a position to experience the love that surrounds this event. Whether you can donate a little or a lot, we want you to share in the magic that is Big Love. We’re all hoping that 2021 brings much more positive to our world, and we’re excited to start the year with something like this. It’s been a major undertaking for our staff and volunteers to toss the script and start from the beginning, and we hope that the community will come together to rally behind YANA families like never before.”

See https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/yana-event/auction/ for event information.

YANA Christmas Crackers on sale in stores and online

Posted on November 14, 2020

Originally published by the Comox Valley Record Nov. 15, 2020

The 2020 YANA Christmas Cracker Campaign is kicking off again, and like most things right now, this year’s fundraiser looks a little different. The usual cracker making gatherings were cancelled due to the pandemic situation and social distancing measures, but the efforts continued, led by volunteer campaign coordinator, Robbie Rusk. Her dream team of cracker crafters came forward to take supplies home and they pulled together to assemble the 5000 crackers throughout the COVID lockdown in the Spring. 

Crackers are ready for purchase at seven retail locations, as well as in the online store just launched. YANA Executive Director Kelly Barnie shared the shift in approach to this year’s campaign, and the measures they’ve taken to ensure the fundraiser is both safe and successful. 

“Like everything fundraising and life in general, this year’s cracker campaign has required us to adjust and adapt. We’ve limited our distribution locations to businesses with strong COVID protocols in place for walk-in business, as well as to places most likely to remain open if restrictions increase again. We also started an online store, where buyers can choose to purchase and pick-up at YANA’s office on Rosewall Crescent, or to have their crackers directly shipped to the location they choose. We know that many businesses and individuals are thinking about the approaching tax season and the contributions they want to make, and the online store makes it easy to add an additional donation and receive a receipt for the 2020 tax year.”

The hand-crafted crackers are $3.00 each and contain traditional trinkets and jokes. Fifty crackers contain special prizes donated by local businesses, including the Grand Prize of a gorgeous 18kt gold diamond Cavelti ring generously donated by Mark the Gold, appraised at $2835.00 by Tim Haley of Simply Timeless.

Last year YANA supported 172 families and 433 medical trips for Comox Valley families who required medical care outside of the community. Because of the generous sponsorships from Paul Ardron and Kirk Campbell of IG Wealth Management, 100% of the cracker proceeds go directly to the continued support that YANA provides for our community and families. 

YANA Christmas Crackers are on sale now, and sell out quickly every year. They can be purchased at Edible Island Whole Foods Market, Seeds Food Market, Tin Town Cafe, John’s Your Independent Grocer, Comox Community Centre, Quality Foods in Comox and Courtenay and through YANA’s Online Store. Bulk orders as well as cash donations can also be done at the YANA office at 102, 2456 Rosewall Cres on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00am to 2:00pm. 

For more information, and to purchase YANA Christmas Crackers online, visit https://www.yanacomoxvalley.com/yana-event/christmas-crackers/