Manna Homeless Society urgently needs your support to keep our Care Mobile stocked with essential pharmaceutical supplies, including OTC medications for footcare - such as: • antifungals • antiseptic washes • antibiotics • protectants • dressings As we provide vital healthcare services to those people who are at risk or experiencing homelessness, our dedicated team works tirelessly throughout the week to meet the growing demand, and financial assistance is also needed to cover prescriptions. Donations of medications, first-aid items, and other pharmaceutical essentials will directly help us deliver compassionate care to our community’s most vulnerable residents—your generosity can make a meaningful difference, so please consider contributing today

M&N Mattress and Sofa Gallery continuously supports Manna in its quest to make life more comfortable for the less fortunate. This time they are offering queen mattresses to those in need. Thank you, M&N Mattress and Sofa Gallery for your generosity!

A common concern on the street is athlete's foot, also called "tinea pedis". Most of these infections are preventable and treatable with a conscious effort placed on good foot care. Fungus thrives in warm, dark and damp conditions so keeping feet clean and dry is essential to reducing the risk of contamination. Common symptoms of foot fungus are itchy, burning, or stinging skin; scaly, peeling or cracked skin between the toes; the skin may become dry and scaly and even blister; skin may become red, purple or grey, depending on skin colour. To prevent fungal infection, clean and dry your feet daily and put on clean socks. Let your feet air dry for 10 minutes, ensuring the toes are dry before donning your socks after a shower, or longer if they have been immersed for longer periods of time. Moisture between the toes is very common. Even when the feet are dried after a shower, the moisture that is absorbed into the skin gets locked in between the toes once socks are put on. The water logged skin separates from the flesh, then, once it dries, a crack is formed creating an entry for fungus and bacteria to grow, which becomes itchy and spreads. Avoid sharing towels or showers with people who may have athlete's foot. If you suspect a fungal infection, apply anti fungal cream, spray or powder on your feet and shoes. It is possible that these efforts are ineffective, however, if you have a weak immune system such as those with diabetes, heavy drug or alcohol use, malnutrition, or other health problems. It is important to see that fungal infections are treated promptly as they can lead to more serious infections such as cellulitis. The same fungus can also spread to other body parts such as the groin, known as "jock itch". Be sure to contact your doctor or nurse practitioner if the infection persists or worsens after two weeks, despite these attempts at relief. Written with love, Raquel MANNA Foot Care Nurse MANNA Homeless Society provides foot care to those in the community who don't have access to health services, thanks to the generosity of people like Raquel.

Kathy begins a new stage of her life as she moves out of a tent and into a motor home. Imagine the change in her quality of life, thanks to a generous donation from our community. We are so grateful when we can be a part of such a special event. If you find yourself with camper, trailer or motorhome that you are looking to pass on, please consider donating it to Manna Homeless Society. There are so many without adequate shelter in our community, you will change lives! Click here for more details.

In a society that claims to value its elders, low-income seniors are being left behind. Provincial and federal cutbacks have gutted the supports that once kept vulnerable people afloat. Medical wait times have stretched beyond belief. People sit for hours, days, even longer in crowded clinics and emergency rooms. Some die waiting. Others are simply overlooked, their pain dismissed as the natural cost of growing old. As systems strain and collapse, the weak and the vulnerable are the first to disappear from view. Seniors on fixed incomes watch rents climb out of reach and grocery bills become impossible. Isolation deepens. Dignity erodes. And among the most overlooked suffering is something as basic—and as devastating—as the condition of their feet. Neglected feet exact a brutal toll. What begins as dry, cracked skin quickly becomes open fissures that invite infection. Fungal growth thrives in damp shoes. Calluses thicken into painful mounds that alter a person’s gait. Ingrown nails dig into living flesh. For those with diabetes or poor circulation, a tiny blister can become a deep, non-healing ulcer within days. The infection can travel upward, threatening the leg and sometimes life itself. Mobility collapses. Walking becomes an act of endurance. Simple tasks—getting to the bathroom, standing at the sink, reaching the mailbox—turn into calculated risks. Falls increase. Confidence drains away. People stop leaving their rooms. Social connections wither. What was once independence becomes forced isolation. In the worst cases, untreated wounds lead to amputation, permanent disability, or death, which could have been prevented with basic care. These are not rare tragedies. They are the quiet, daily results of a system that no longer has time for the feet of the poor and the old. At Manna Homeless Society, we refuse to look away. We offer free foot care to those left on the sidelines—seniors, the homeless, and anyone society has decided is no longer a priority. Gentle washing. Careful trimming. Treatment of infections and wounds. Clean socks. A few minutes of skilled, respectful attention that can mean the difference between walking and not walking, between staying in the community and disappearing into institutions or worse. This is love made practical. It is the quiet insistence that no one should be left to suffer needlessly because they are poor, old, or invisible. If you are able, please stand with us. Manna Homeless Society Robin Campbell E-transfer: mailto:Mannaparksville@gmail.com Cheque: Box 389, Errington BC V0R 1V0 Thank you for your support. We could not do this without you. Love and blessings.

In the Parksville and Oceanside area, more people than ever are at risk of going without food. Rising costs, limited incomes, and the everyday pressures many face mean that individuals and families—including those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity—are relying heavily on community support to get by. MANNA Homeless Society continues its long-standing work providing practical care to people in need across Parksville and the Oceanside area. The demand for food assistance remains high. Every donation of non-perishable food helps ensure that those who are struggling can receive a meal and basic nutrition when they need it most. What is Needed Most Right Now Non-perishable items that travel well, store easily, and provide real sustenance are especially valuable. Priority needs include: Canned meats (such as chicken, ham, or spam) Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) Nutritional drinks and supplements such as Boost Other ready-to-drink beverages (juice boxes, shelf-stable milk alternatives, protein drinks) These items make a direct difference for people who may not have consistent access to cooking facilities or refrigeration. Suggested Non-Perishable Donations Here is a practical list of items that can be dropped off or donated: Canned meats and fish Canned soups, stews, and chili Canned vegetables and fruits Pasta, rice, and other dry grains Pasta sauces and canned tomatoes Peanut butter and other nut butters Crackers, granola bars, and energy bars Instant oatmeal or cereal Shelf-stable milk, plant-based milks, or nutritional drinks (Boost, Ensure, etc.) Juice boxes and other ready-to-drink beverages Instant coffee, tea, or hot chocolate Canned beans and legumes All items should be unopened and within their best-before dates. How You Can Help Drop-off location Bring non-perishable food donations to the drop-off box at: 1240 Leffler Rd., Errington Financial donations • E-transfer: Mannaparksville@gmail.com • Cheque: Payable to Manna Homeless Society Mail to: Box 389, Errington, BC V0R 1V0 Every can, every box, and every dollar helps keep food available for people in our community who are at risk of going without. Thank you for supporting MANNA Homeless Society’s work in Parksville and Oceanside. Robin Campbell Your contribution makes a real difference.

At Manna Homeless Society, our mission is to provide compassionate support to the most vulnerable members of our community. We recognize that health outcomes are often tied to access, and for those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, the path to a doctor or a pharmacy is often blocked by systemic barriers. Redefining the Pharmacy We are proud to announce the addition of Luisa, our new Outreach Pharmacist, to the Manna team. We want to emphasize that a pharmacy is not a building or a person behind a counter. It is a service, and we are committed to bringing that service directly to our neighbours, including those living in trailers, shelters, or on the street. Comprehensive Clinical Support Luisa joins us with a commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care. Operating in full compliance with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (CPBC) regulations, Luisa is integrating clinical pharmacy services directly into our outreach programs. How Luisa Can Help You Minor Ailment Prescribing: Luisa can assess and prescribe for common health issues, such as skin conditions (rashes, eczema), seasonal allergies, cold sores, pink eye, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Vaccinations: We provide a full range of protective vaccines, including pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis, flu, and COVID-19. Injections & Medications: Luisa is trained to administer non-vaccine medications on-site, including Vitamin B12, Invega Sustenna, and injectable birth control. Medication Reviews & Adjustments: Assistance with managing your medications, side effects, and renewals. Laboratory Referrals: Luisa can order and interpret lab work, ensuring you stay on top of your health. Avee Health Integration: When our in-person Outreach Doctor or Nurse Practitioner (NP) are unavailable, Luisa acts as your bridge to Avee Health, our virtual physician partner, ensuring you never have to face a health crisis alone. A Multidisciplinary Approach Luisa works alongside our Outreach Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, and Foot care Nurse to provide a comprehensive “mobile clinic.” By combining these services, we are removing the barriers—such as lack of transportation, identification, or systemic stigma—that prevent our neighbours from accessing the care they need. We are honoured to have Luisa on board as we continue to advocate for the health and well-being of our community. To learn more about our outreach services or to support our mission, please feel free to contact Luisa at one of our sites on Wednesday or Saturday when we set up or through email at Oceansidemanna@gmail.com If you are interested in making a donation for the other work that Manna does, e-transfers can be made to: MannaParksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society PO Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

For more than 20 years, Manna Society has served the Parksville and Oceanside community with steadfast love, compassion, and practical help. We speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. What began as a simple call to care for those at risk has grown into a faithful ministry that meets people where they are — on the streets, in their cars, and in moments of deepest need. Our team shows up week after week, not out of judgment, but out of genuine love for every neighbour, regardless of their circumstances. Recently, we were asked to leave our street outreach location. Not because our work was harmful, but because the consistent presence of our team made the growing reality of hardship impossible for some to ignore. By shining a steady light of care, we left too big an imprint. More people are living in vehicles. More faces reflect the daily struggles of poverty, illness, and isolation. The pain that many preferred to keep hidden was suddenly visible in our own community. This visibility has embarrassed and upset certain residents who do not view these individuals as truly part of our shared home. How pitiful it is to turn away from suffering in our midst. How sad to dehumanize a man or woman living in their cars with diabetes and a heart condition by labelling him or her a “drug addict,” especially when so many others face similar realities. These are our neighbours — people worthy of dignity, safety, and compassion, not exclusion or judgment. We pray for those who feel discomfort at the sight of need. May their hearts soften and their empathy grow. We are deeply grateful to Saint Edmund’s Church for generously opening their property up for our Saturday outreach. This allows us to continue serving with love. So we give thanks to the churches of the community that haven’t lost their way. Our programs include: • Foot care clinics • Pharmacist consultations • Nurse practitioner support • Hot meals and food distribution • Clothing and essential supplies • Free bikes • On-call crisis support and weekly gatherings Wednesdays we meet at the railroad track, Saturdays at Saint Edmund’s, and our team remains available on call throughout the week. After 20 years, our commitment has never wavered: every person matters, and hope is for everyone. To our community: thank you for every act of kindness. Let us choose inclusion, empathy, and love. Love and blessings, Robin Campbell Manna Society Bringing hope to the homeless and people at risk To Support Our Work: E-transfer: Mannaparksville@gmail.com

To Our Generous Community Partners, Local Businesses, and Caring Residents of Oceanside, We at Manna Homeless Society are reaching out with an urgent request for donations of bottled water to distribute on the streets of Oceanside this summer. As temperatures climb during these hot summer months, our outreach teams are witnessing increasing numbers of seniors, vulnerable adults, and people at risk struggling with heat exposure while living on the streets or in precarious housing situations. We would be deeply grateful for any contributions of sealed cases of bottled water that we can safely hand out in the Oceanside neighbourhoods. Why This Matters for Health and Well-Being Access to clean, cool drinking water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect people from serious heat-related illnesses. In extreme heat, the body loses fluids rapidly through sweat, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration causes dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and muscle cramps—symptoms that often send seniors and at-risk individuals to walk-in clinics or hospital emergency departments. Left unaddressed, dehydration can progress to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke, placing enormous strain on our local healthcare system and causing unnecessary suffering. Seniors are especially vulnerable because their sense of thirst diminishes with age, and many have underlying conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, or medications that increase dehydration risk) that make heat far more dangerous. By providing bottled water during our street outreach, we help people stay hydrated, maintain body temperature regulation, and avoid preventable medical emergencies. Your donation of water directly keeps people healthier, reduces hospital and clinic visits, and allows our limited resources to focus on other critical needs like meals, hygiene supplies, and housing support. How You Can Help • Drop off cases of bottled water at our Errington location 1240 Leffler road. • Contact us to arrange a pickup if you have a larger donation at Oceansidemanna@gmail.com • Share this request with your workplace, church, service club, or neighbours Every single bottle makes a difference. Even a small contribution helps us keep our neighbours safe and healthy through the summer heat. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can ensure no one in Oceanside has to suffer from preventable heat-related illness this summer. With gratitude, Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Social Box 389 Errington BC VOR -1VO

Swollen Feet in Summer: Causes, Relief, and Prevention By Raquel, Foot Care Nurse, Manna Homeless Society As temperatures rise during the summer months, many people notice their legs and feet becoming puffy and uncomfortable. This common issue occurs because heat causes blood vessels to expand, allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. Gravity then pulls this excess fluid downward, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles. While this swelling is usually temporary, it can cause significant discomfort. Feet may feel heavy, tight, or achy. The skin can appear shiny from increased pressure, and shoes often feel tighter than usual. This added friction can result in blisters, chafing, and skin irritation. When combined with sweating, the trapped moisture inside shoes creates an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial infections. Simple Ways to Reduce Swelling and Discomfort at Home Fortunately, several practical steps can help alleviate these symptoms: • Elevate your feet: Lie down with your feet positioned above your heart for 20 minutes, three times a day. This helps fluid drain back toward the body. • Cool water soaks: Soaking your feet in cool water constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. • Stay active: Avoid standing for long periods. Walking encourages the calf muscles to act as a natural pump, improving circulation and dispersing fluid. • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can actually trigger the body to retain more fluid. • Foot care basics: Change socks at least once a day (more often if you sweat heavily). Wear properly fitting shoes to minimize pressure and friction. Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent infections. These simple measures can make a big difference in comfort and help prevent minor issues from becoming more serious. At Manna Homeless Society, our Mobile Care unit is a welcoming and accessible place to receive professional foot care support. Whether you need relief from swelling, treatment for irritation or infection, or advice on preventing complications, our team is here to help — no appointment necessary. Important Note: If swelling occurs in only one leg, is painful, or does not improve with rest and elevation, seek medical attention promptly. A burning sensation or other unusual symptoms may indicate an underlying health condition that needs professional evaluation

After years of persistent advocacy, the Manna Homeless Society is thrilled to see Parksville’s Mayor and Council finally approve in letter form support for an extreme weather shelter in our community. For too long, articles in this paper highlighted how City Hall’s refusal to support even basic emergency shelter had left vulnerable residents of the Oceanside area exposed to life-threatening conditions. The lack of care contributed directly to preventable suffering and loss of life during harsh weather. Today, that long-standing barrier has lifted. What once felt impossible now stands as a genuine miracle and a profound blessing for everyone who calls this region home. The new shelter offers just 10 beds — a modest beginning, yet an enormously important one. It signals a shift toward the kind of compassionate leadership our community has needed. A healthy community is only as strong as its willingness to care for every citizen, including those experiencing homelessness. By providing safe refuge when temperatures plunge or storms hit, Parksville is finally acknowledging that no one should have to face the elements without protection. With the extreme weather shelter now supported by council, the Manna Homeless Society can redirect vital energy and resources toward the broader healthcare needs of the homeless and those at risk. We will now focus on strengthening our heath and foot care program, clothing program, feeding of the homeless, and our bicycle program — all areas that require important adjustments and expansion to better serve our community. These initiatives provide essential daily support, dignity, and practical help that complement the new shelter and address the full spectrum of challenges faced by our most vulnerable neighbours. We can already see the positive effects unfolding. Lives will be saved. Emergency services will face less pressure. Families and businesses in the Oceanside area will experience greater safety and stability. Most importantly, people who have felt forgotten will know they matter. Dignity is being restored, one bed and one act of care at a time. This decision gives us real hope. We look forward to strong, continued leadership from Council in the years ahead — leadership that builds on this foundation and ensures no one in our community is left behind. The Manna Homeless Society thanks Mayor and Council for choosing care over indifference. This is the start of something better for all of us. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Serving the Oceanside area Monetary donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society PO Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

Programs Manna Homeless Society’s 20-year proven history in the Parksville area, Robin Campbell’s leadership, the Diamond Jubilee Award from the Queen of England for dedicated work caring for people at risk, Parksville’s Citizen of the Year recognition for working with the less fortunate and people on the street …. And bringing it to the attention of the community, and strong partnerships with Rotary and other service groups all strengthen the credibility and legacy of the organization. 1. Enhances Public Safety and Reduces Crime Manna Homeless Society’s programs, under Robin Campbell’s leadership, have operated successfully for 20 years in the Parksville area and contributed to a measurable decrease in the local crime rate over the last five years. By providing medical care, food, clothing, and support that address root causes of desperation, these initiatives prevent petty crime and build community stability. A safe, designated central location would eliminate current “hit and miss” operations on the outskirts and in unsafe spots throughout Parksville. This partnership would deliver proven results with zero added burden to the City. 2. Delivers Critical Healthcare and Saves Lives The large ambulance, turned into a care mobile staffed with a nurse, pharmacist, and nurse practitioner, provides essential foot care and general health services twice weekly (Saturdays and Wednesdays) to vulnerable individuals. Over five years this has prevented emergencies, brought people back from crisis, and connected them to ongoing care. With Robin Campbell’s 20 years of dedicated service—recognized by the Queen of England with the Diamond Jubilee Award for work with the homeless—Manna has a strong track record of saving lives and reducing pressure on emergency services. A stable location would enable more consistent, dignified care without the current safety and access challenges. 3. Provides Essential Food Security and Basic Needs Support In longstanding partnership with Rotary Club, local churches, and other service groups, Manna distributes sandwiches, porridge, hotdogs, canned foods, and clothing. These programs have thrived for 20 years, directly supporting hundreds in the Parksville area. Robin Campbell’s recognition as Citizen of the Year for service to the poor underscores the community trust and impact. A dedicated safe space would streamline distribution, reduce waste from mobile disruptions, and ensure reliable access—strengthening food security and demonstrating Parksville’s compassion. 4. Demonstrates Exceptional Fiscal and Operational Responsibility Manna Homeless Society is fully insured, willing to post a bond, and committed to leaving any site cleaner than found. With Robin Campbell’s leadership, the organization has earned the Diamond Jubilee Award from the Queen of England, Citizen of the Year in Parksville, and strong support from Rotary and multiple service groups. The 20-year success in Parksville proves reliability and effectiveness. Providing a safe location is a low-risk, high-return investment that leverages this honoured track record rather than forcing inefficient operations. 5. Builds Stronger Community and Long-Term Resilience Beyond immediate aid, Manna’s bike service helps people reach jobs and medical appointments, supporting pathways out of homelessness. Under Robin Campbell’s award-winning leadership, these efforts have restored hope, built social connections, and created a more inclusive community over two decades. By granting a safe central area, Council would enable expansion of these transformative services, reduce long-term social costs, and honour the legacy that has already earned Queen’s recognition and local acclaim—positioning Parksville as a leader in humane, effective solutions to homelessness. Recommended Next Step Manna Homeless Society, led by Robin Campbell, respectfully requests a designated safe location (e.g., a parking area, underutilized public space, or partnership site) to continue and expand these vital services responsibly. We are ready to provide full documentation of insurance, bonding, awards, and outcome data, and to collaborate closely with the City. These points highlight both the tangible benefits and the trusted, award-winning leadership behind Manna’s work, making a compelling case for support. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Monetary donations can be made by e-transfer to: MannaParksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society PO Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO