Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services covets bus funds

Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society is seeking $12,300 from qathet Regional District to help operate the ORCA Bus program. At the November 1 finance committee meeting, three representatives from the society appeared to present the request.

Family programs director Rachel LeBlanc said the society is a local nonprofit that has been in operation since 1993. She said the organization provides a diverse array of programs, family support and youth support, plus the ORCA Bus.

“In short, your funds provide fuel for our bus and your support keeps us driving,” said LeBlanc.

Alice Ward-Cameron, social media and ORCA Bus coordinator, said the program is a beloved institution that was created in 2004. ORCA stands for “on the road with children’s activities” and the bus in operation was transferred to youth and family in 2021.

Ward-Cameron said the 2019, 32-foot Bluebird bus is able to carry the driver and two passengers. The interior has been completely renovated and customized into a play-safe space for families, with soft benches and other amenities. It is full of toys and resources, which are setup inside and outside the bus for families to enjoy.

“Our journey is just beginning,” said Ward-Cameron. “We have recruited five volunteer drivers and we have been offering programming since the fall of 2022. In the last six months alone, we have made 52 stops and connected with more than 700 caregivers and children.

“Location-wise, getting outside the municipality is a priority. Reaching under-served communities is a priority. We want to reach families from one end of Highway 101 to the other, including Saltery Bay, Texada Island, Tla’amin Nation, Lund, as well as around town. Our stops have included various preschools, parks, community centres and locations such as Lang Bay and Kelly Creek, Westview, Cranberry, and we’ve done some great events at the fall fair, as well as Willingdon Beach.”

Ward-Cameron said the service is advertised frequently and thousands of people view social media, with the email list continuing to grow. The five drivers are crucial to the program and community-minded individuals who are largely retired or semi-retired, including a school bus driver, and an RCMP officer, all of whom have undergone screening and orientation to work with the ORCA Bus, said Ward-Cameron.

Future plans include providing consistent service all over qathet said Ward-Cameron, and the organization will continue to explore where the needs are.

Early years program coordinator Delyth Harper said the ORCA Bus is a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for children and their caregivers to connect onboard with a family enhancement councillor from youth and family services. There is a variety of resources for families to look through and information on how to access and refer to a multitude of services and programs in the community, she added.

“The ORCA Bus has a really positive impact and improves the quality of life for families within qathet Regional District,” said Harper. “It aims to reduce barriers so families can easily access early years programming. We have the unique ability to travel so we can bring early years programming to marginalized communities within the district. We aim to provide fun, creative, social, emotional learning for children and families all through our wonderful community.”

Harper said families often express how much children enjoy the ORCA Bus and parents comment on how nice it is to have people to speak with.

“We have many repeat customers, which is definitely the best feedback we can get,” said Harper.

Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said he had been an ORCA Bus driver years ago and it was good to see it back on the road after COVID-19, plus the progress that is being offered in providing services.

The finance committee recommended to the regional board that it approve a grant of $12,300 to Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society for the program, with the funds coming from the social planning service grants-in-aid.

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