qathet Regional District (qRD) directors voted to contribute $8,905.20 to Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society for operation of the Orca Bus program.
At the November 27 regional board meeting, directors were shown a video presentation of the bus travelling to a number of locations in the regional district for service delivery, and heard from society representatives about the impact of the program on local children.
Society programs manager Rachel LeBlanc said her organization is a nonprofit which has been in operation since 1993.
“We provide a range of free counselling and other practical supports to youth and families of all ages in the qRD,” added LeBlanc. “Part of that is the Orca Bus. It plays a pivotal role in our early years program, which is outreach programming from ages zero to eight years old.”
LeBlanc said with increased cost of living pressures and other factors, outreach is really important.
Alice Ward Cameron, the Orca Bus coordinator, said she takes care of the vehicle, making sure it has fuel, keeping an eye on maintenance, making sure it gets to all its appointments, and coordinating the volunteer drivers.
“All our drivers are qualified and experienced,” said Ward Cameron. “They are vetted and receive volunteer training. Right now, we have five drivers. Since last year, we had two resign and two more step in, which has been great. We’re in a good rhythm and provide consistent service.”
Ward Cameron said the bus has remained well connected with service providers and has been well-received by families. She said the total number of people served over a year’s measuring period is 2,657, with a total of 80 stops, including 11 south of town, four in Lund, plus 10 trips to Texada Island. She said Tla’amin Nation is visited once or twice a month, and the bus has appeared at special events.
“The Orca Bus has many beautiful toys onboard and many resources and information,” said Ward Cameron. “It’s relaxed and informal. Our goal is to be totally approachable to everyone, and it works.”
Lesley Sutherland, family enhancement counsellor and early years coordinator, said she gets firsthand experience watching the parents, caregivers and the children.
“We celebrate that [the Orca Bus] is a place of rest and respite for the parents,” said Sutherland. “It’s so wonderful to be part of that.”
She added that the bus is a place where caregivers and parents can access information and engage with service providers and community support. She said quite often, there are registered nurses, a pediatric dental hygienist, or a speech pathologist coming onboard.
“It’s a wonderful place for people to connect with resources,” said Sutherland. “The bus helps to build family support systems, reducing isolation and fostering connection and community. That’s what we want to do and that’s what we are doing on this bus.”
qRD Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said he drove the Orca Bus when he was younger and that the vehicle now being operated is not the same one he drove. He asked about the lifespan of the current bus, and asked how long the current bus would be in service.
Lennox was advised that the vehicle is a 2019 bus and good care is taken, so the society will keep it as long as it can.
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said she is from Texada and knows how valued the program is to youth and parents on the island. She asked how the society decides where to go.
She was advised that the bus goes to all areas in the regional district and where the need is.
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