Help Us Build Comfort and Hope at CARLY’S HOUSE 

 

What began as a heartfelt dream to support local families facing a cancer diagnosis is rapidly becoming a reality, all thanks to the incredible generosity of our community.

For many patients, traveling to Nanaimo for life-saving cancer care brings overwhelming challenges—hours on the road, mounting hotel expenses, and the stress of being separated from loved ones. CARLY’S HOUSE was created to change that. Operated in partnership with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, it will serve as a free "home away from home," removing these barriers and providing a safe, welcoming space where families can stay together during treatment.

The exciting news? Construction is officially moving forward! We are now entering the final, crucial phase: finishing and furnishing the home.

To help us open our doors to the first family, we are currently seeking community support to secure several essential items:

Kitchen & Home Appliances: Stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer, and dryer.

Living Essentials: Televisions, furniture, and daily household necessities.

Building & Finishing Material: HVAC system, flooring, interior finishes, landscaping, and exterior upgrades.

Whether you can contribute funds, donate materials, provide appliances, or offer professional services, every single bit of support brings us closer to our goal.

How to Make a Donation: Financial contributions can be made directly through the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation's dedicated campaign, and all eligible donations will receive a charitable tax receipt.

Support the Project Here: https://www.carlycarey.com/blog/carlys-house

Together, we can build a sanctuary of comfort and hope for families when they need it most. Thank you for helping us turn CARLY’S HOUSE into a reality.

 

Pat Docherty Memorial Tournament

August 23, 2025 | Fairwinds Golf Course

Let’s continue to honour Pat’s legacy, and make a positive impact on our community and healthcare in Central Vancouver Island.

Register Today

Since 2017, the Pat Docherty Memorial Tournament has successfully raised over $530,000 for various groups throughout Central Vancouver Island. Notably, $453,680 has been donated to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, significantly enhancing the critical care capacity of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH).

This event grew out of a deep friendship, beginning as a simple golf day among friends in 2015, raising funds for various charities over the years. After Pat’s passing in late 2016, the tournament was dedicated to his memory. Since 2020, the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation has been the primary beneficiary. In June 2023, family and friends gathered in Pat’s memory and celebrated having a room named in his honour in the new ICU within the Critical Care Floors at NRGH, made possible by generous donations from the tournament.

 

Concerts in the Park

Catch some amazing live local music at various community parks throughout August:

Fri, Aug 7 | 1-2 pm | Bowen Park Amphitheatre | Paul Gellman (Rock)

Wed, Aug 12 | 6-7 pm | Diana Krall Plaza | Jordan Reems (Pop)

Fri, Aug 21 | 6-7 pm | Maffeo Sutton Park | Tropic Mayhem (Pop; part of Food Truck Friday)

Fri, Aug 21 | 7:15-8:15 pm | Maffeo Sutton Park | Mark Crissinger (Rock/Blues; part of Food Truck Friday)

Thu, Aug 27 | 6-7 pm | Westwood Lake | Tides (R&B/Soul; part of End of Summer Splash)

 

Support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island

You can turn your vehicle donation into generous dollars to support Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island! Working on our behalf, Donate a Car Canada will accept your vehicle for donation -- running, or not! Old or new!

There is no cost to you, and the process is incredibly easy! Donate a Car Canada will facilitate all aspects of your car donation from the pick up to the final sale, ensuring that your vehicle will be sold for the highest sale outcome possible. They will then forward the net proceeds on to us here at Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island and you will receive a tax deductible receipt within 2 weeks of us receiving your donation!

Donate your vehicle here: https://donatecar.ca/org/charitypage/donate.php?charity=BoysGirlsClubsCentralVancouverIsland

 

Silver Adventures Cafe!

A FREE social program for Seniors 55+ to socialize, meet new friends, try new things, and have fun! All events run from 1 pm to 3 pm and are held at Volunteer Nanaimo (E 3148 Barons Rd.) unless noted otherwise. Call 250-758-7121 to pre-register or email silveradventurescafe@gmail.com.

August Schedule:

• Tuesday 4th – Coffee, Tea and Conversation at St. Andrews
• Thursday, 6th – No formal session (Drop off donations for our Garage Sale)
• Tuesday 11th – Bingo at St. Andrews’ Hall
• Thursday 13th – Supper, Karaoke and Dance at 5pm at St. Andrew’s ($10 refundable tickets available July 10)
• Tuesday, 18th – Chair Yoga at St. Andrew’s
• Thursday 20th – Book Chat with Lois
• Tuesday 25th – Painting with Charlene
• Thursday 27th – Info to come by email

 

Companions Through Anticipatory Grief

Companions Through Anticipatory Grief offers a compassionate space for adults who are supporting or preparing for the approaching loss of someone they love. Anticipatory grief is a natural response when a loved one’s death is expected. Many people experience a wide range of emotions while navigating uncertainty, caregiving, and change, and connecting with others who understand can help ease feelings of isolation.

This weekly in-person peer support group provides a space to pause, reflect, and be in the company of others walking a similar path. Please contact Hospice House to learn more or register.

Phone: 250-591-8811 | ✉️ Email: programs@nanaimohospice.com

 

Nanaimo Young Rollers Club

The Young Rollers Club is a free youth gaming club for ages 11-18 supported through Dropzone Games and the Volunteer Nanaimo Youth Network. Youth can come and learn how to build, paint, and play various games in a friendly, accepting environment.

Supplies such as paints, glue, and models are available to borrow and use for free. Youth can purchase their own custom models if they wish, though it is not a requirement.

How to Join:

• Print and fill out the registration form.
• If you are under 19, complete the parental/guardian agreement.
• Email the form to: volunteernanaimo.youthnetwork@gmail.com

Download the Registration Form here: https://volunteernanaimo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/YouthNetwork-Application.pdf

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What is CARLY’S HOUSE and who qualifies to stay there?

CARLY’S HOUSE is a free "home away from home" for cancer patients and their families who must travel into Nanaimo to undergo medical treatments. It provides a comfortable environment so loved ones can stay close together during therapy.

Can I get a tax receipt for donating to CARLY'S HOUSE?

Yes. Because the project is operated in partnership with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, all qualifying financial contributions made through their campaign page are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

How can I register for the Pat Docherty Memorial Golf Tournament?

You can purchase tickets and register directly through the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation portal link provided in the tournament details above.

How do I donate an old vehicle to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island?

You can set up your donation completely free through Donate a Car Canada. They manage the vehicle pick-up, final sale optimization, and transfer the net proceeds directly to the club, sending you a tax-deductible receipt within 2 weeks.

Is there a fee to register youth for the Nanaimo Young Rollers Club?

No, the club is completely free to join. Basic supplies, glue, paint, and loaner game models are provided directly on-site by Volunteer Nanaimo YouthNetwork and Dropzone Games.