It has been quite a year for Manna Homeless Society being fortunate to meet the changing needs of the less fortunate of Oceanside. One of the more staggering statistics this year was going from handing out 1700 survival bags in 2012 to this year an amazing amount of over 2400 individual bags were handed out to meet the needs of the less fortunate in 2013. Each one designed to help the individual or in some cases couples or families needing our assistance. This could range from food, camping gear such as tents, tarps, sleeping bags, blankets, cook stoves, flashlights, winter and summer coats, socks, gloves, hats, to personal items for ladies, men and children. By doing this it brought quality and safety into many people’s lives and had an amazing effect on the people of Oceanside. The Manna Van has become a Beacon of hope for many needy residents. As you can see from these numbers people of all ages and sex who depend on us on a weekly basis. We have been able to assist all calls during the week and weekends never leaving anyone without attention who needs our service. We have continued to build trust with many other groups and Societies as well as individuals who continue to fund us so we can meet the needs and purchases for the less fortunate. As you can see there has been an incredible increase for our service with this 40% increase this past year. We realize for us to continue we will need continued support from those who assist us, but we need to build a bigger base of people to team with us. It is great that we are 100% volunteers and that we can give out a tax receipt to those who assist us but we will need other ideas this year to keep with the increase we are expecting due to these economic times. So let’s get the word out for Manna Homeless Society this year and be open to suggestions from the general public. Thanks to everyone who has volunteered, given of their time and have financially assisted us to change lives in Oceanside. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

To the Oceanside Community Members, Since Manna Homeless Society’s beginning in 2011, we’ve been joined by tremendous individuals who are dedicated to bringing friendship, hope and essential provisions to the less fortunate members of our community here in Oceanside. The integrity, vision, commitment, and sacrifice I’ve personally witnessed volunteers bring to our team both inspire and encourage me in this endeavour of transforming lives. Your generous gifts of time, labour and finances are what makes this mission possible. Without your contributions, many people in need would face hunger, isolation, despair and poverty alone. A simply spoken “thank you” seems so paltry a return for everything you’ve done, but I’ve had the privilege of seeing your hearts, and I know gratitude is not what you’re after. Your passion is to bring back the hope and light into the eyes of real people who have real needs. With your generous support, Manna Homeless Society had the opportunity to build transformative relationships and distribute necessary resources. We gave out 3600 survival packs in 2014, an increase of 66% over 2013. Our mobile mission van has enabled us to reach people wherever they are with nutritious groceries, warm clothing, and sleeping supplies like blankets, tarps and tents. As you know, by compassionately meeting an impoverished individual’s immediate needs, we build relationships and make connections that can be life changing. In addition to our work on the street, our patience, persistence and passion have had results with other parts of our community, too! We’ve increased public awareness about the cycles of poverty that are happening in our neighbourhood and individuals and agencies have paid attention. When past mayors witnessed the deplorable conditions people in our neighbourhood live in, they were incited to take action. In fact, the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness was started four years ago after Teunis Westbroek and Ed Mayne were given a small glimpse into the living conditions of some local residents. The Sunrise Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach also recognized and supported the importance of the work we do. Through raising public attention to issues of poverty and homelessness, we’ve been able to gather and distribute much needed resources to impoverished people. Take our free bicycle initiative, for example. It’s actually difficult for most people to realize that accessible transportation is a major obstacle for people affected by poverty; however, last year, we were able to collect over 70 bicycles from various concerned members in our community who wanted to be part of the transformative work we do. Our free bicycle initiative empowered individuals affected by extreme forms of poverty, abuse and homelessness to really connect with the resources they need, apply for work, get to work, make it to important medical appointments, and begin their journey to healing. The success of this initiative, indeed, shows that when communities come together we really can make a difference. Many of you may also be aware that a few individuals have expressed concern about our approach to alleviating the heavy burden of poverty. Increasing housing costs, inability to access education, mental health, physical disability, social barriers, these are all challenges that need to be addressed. In fact, in addition to providing food, clothing, survival equipment and temporary shelter, it is our goal to connect people with the necessary resources which will help them to flourish. Our hope is to partner with organizations and individuals who will assist us in offering training, counselling, personal coaching, and life-skills guidance. By establishing trusting relationships and a safe place for people to talk and access food, clothing and temporary shelter, we are taking the first, and often times, most important step in preparing people’s hearts for more permanent solutions and change. Our vision has been, and always will be, to ultimately help people find sustainable solutions. And by meeting immediate needs, we are the gateway to that vision. On behalf of the homeless and the less fortunate, a very big thank you to the Oceanside community. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

Homeless, less fortunate and the needy numbers are growing! 2015 started with many more people being directed to us for many reasons. Some we could help, others we could only encourage and give direction to where help might be available. There has been a lot of interest in the less fortunate in the Oceanside area but very little is being done to get the help they need due to the fact there is less housing than last year and more people needing help. I have been in contact with the Mental Health street worker and he advised me he is now trying to tell people to move on to another area for there is little help here, or housing at this time. I am in contact with a health nurse who is now working the streets trying to get help for the people who desperately need to see a doctor, so that one is made available. She has made herself available at the van on Saturdays and I am often in contact with her during the week . I don’t think they were aware of just how many people and families were being affected with health issues in the Oceanside area. We need to thank the doctors of Oceanside for making this health nurse available and she is truly trying to make a difference in our area. I have personally seen where she has helped a lady as well as a young girl which both needed to be hospitalized for surgery. And they got the help they needed. Manna Homeless Society is growing and changing as people are in panic mode as the system is way too slow to help them. I personally believe they have set up a system that makes it impossible for emergency care. We at Manna are willing to respond to these needs but we need to find more help. We are pleased to announce that the Women’s Catholic League has now started a sandwich and bagged lunch, which is given out once a month at the van and it has been such a great success. The free bicycle program that we offer is still very popular with people from the community continuing to make bikes available. We have always been able to get bikes out to the people who really need them. The fruit and vegetables from Costco have been a blessing as the Salvation Army faithfully picks it up in Nanaimo and they fill our vehicle every Friday for the week. Jerry Peterson has done an excellent job finding our food needs at rock bottom prices. Royce Taylor and Andrew Cotton have been so faithful working at the van on Saturdays and doing a really good job. We also have two more people that have taken on positions helping at the van. Penny Cowan who has years of experience working with the less fortunate and John Gourlay who has a big heart and is willing to help wherever needed. This time of year we are looking for tents, tarps, sleeping bags and whatever to survive outside. Cheques should be made out to Manna Homeless Society to receive a tax receipt. We want to take this time and thank all our supporters who know who they are. You have made a difference in the lives of individuals in the Oceanside community. We look forward to the challenges of this year and changing lives in the Oceanside area. We are willing to go where others won’t to reach the less fortunate and keep our community healthy. We are still finding new areas in the community where people have been overlooked and need your help. We are all volunteers at Manna Homeless Society. Please keep that in mind knowing 100% of your donation goes directly to meeting the needs of the less fortunate and homeless. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society

Dear Friends, We made it through another harsh winter dealing with a large number of less fortunate people needing our assistance.  Again, we would like to thank you for your support and to let you know how much we appreciate you.  We couldn’t do this important work without your backing. The homeless and the impoverished of Oceanside have seen little improvement in their situations, on the contrary, we can honestly say their standard of living has been hit even harder.  We are seeing more people becoming homeless due to a sagging economy. Many of the charitable groups working with the less fortunate are forced to give less because of increased demand and limited resources.   It has caused a rippling effect putting more pressure on Manna Homeless Society to provide shelter, tents, tarps, sleeping bags, camping gear to survive in the elements, food bags, survival clothing like toques, gloves, coats, sweaters etc. as well as personals for men and women.  Your support helped to meet this challenge. This year we celebrated the opportunity to provide a few trailers, motor homes and campers to some of our homeless individuals.  This was done mostly by matching people who want to donate the “home” directly with the client.  It is a joyous occasion when a homeless individual receives a home to call their own! We continue to have calls for bikes.  Many people have heard about our bike program which has been very successful to date.   We carefully screen our clients making sure they are given the right bike for their needs.  There has been an noticeable increase of drug and substance abuse as drugs become stronger, cheaper and more addictive.  Many of these people were not users until they were put into the position of being homeless.  We try to bring hope to them as well as help for their situation.   Sadly, mental health issues of the homeless are largely ignored.  Oceanside has limited services left in our area due to healthcare cut backs over the years.  We see very few successes as we try to connect people with the professional help they need.  The present system has made it almost impossible for our clients to receive help in this area.  As a result they rely on people like us or on other charities to assist them. Housing people in the Oceanside area is still our biggest problem due to limited vacancies and high rent.   Manna recently wrote a letter to the Mayor of Parksville,  Marc Lefebvre and after receiving the letter he asked to meet with us.  The meeting on the whole seemed to go well and he assured us he was willing to provide land or purchase land for the less fortunate.   Sarah Poole from the Oceanside Homeless Task Force is submitting a proposal in May requesting a building containing 15 rooms for the homeless, an all weather shelter and office space to meet with clients.  If the proposal is accepted it would take a few years for it to be up and running.  I recently spoke with Dwain Round from the Lions club and they are still planning to demolish the old Kingsley buildings which presently has six housing units and to rebuild a new complex with twenty nine units.  Most units would rent for $700 to $800 hundred and approximately five would be set aside for affordable housing.  The service clubs have been on board for a number of years assisting elderly, young families and the less fortunate. We can’t say enough good about the service clubs of Oceanside.  Manna is now encouraging the Churches of Oceanside to unite and to take an active role in this social issue and step up as the churches in the past have when needed. The churches in this community could take a huge bite out this problem by meeting the needs of the less fortunate, as well as continuing to assist in other areas of the world. Over the last few years the homeless have gone from being almost invisible to quite visible.  You’ll see them in front of the banks and other businesses in the  downtown core of Parksville and Qualicum.  It is has come to the point where we as a community need to show compassion and love for the less fortunate and build a safer and healthier community for all our residents. In the Christian Bible, Proverbs 19:17 states,  “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord and He will repay him for his deed”. Many Blessings to all and thanks for your support.

Dear Friends, It is with both a heavy but happy heart I give our year end report for Manna Homeless Society. What a horrendous, miserable year it has been with such a wet summer and fall to the most brutal cold and snowy winter. For our street workers it has been a nightmare dealing with the most awful situations that you could imagine in our community to bring hope to the less fortunate when dealing with such extreme weather conditions. Manna’s work load has increased but so have our volunteers. This has truly been a blessing as we could not do this work without the help of these dedicated individuals. We have a few professional people such as doctors, nurses, retired social workers and spiritual advisers assisting us at the street level now. We have caring trained people who have been assisting us in our storage buildings, picking up and purchasing items and working on the front lines. But none of this could be done without the generous financial gifts and goods given to Manna Homeless Society this year by people like yourself. We cannot thank this community enough for stepping up and meeting the needs of the everyday residents who are down on their luck, to the elderly, and the women and youth in the Oceanside area. You are such a blessing and I would like to take this time to thank you on behalf of the people on the street and the less fortunate. We take our volunteer role seriously giving 150% to distribute the goods the community has provided to the needy. Again you know who you are and so do we. So thank you again ever so much. I want you to know we are finding that our van isn’t big enough for our community service which we provide 7 days a week. We need to use our Manna van and a couple cars just for setting up with the very basics on Saturday. Manna needs a large cube van for pickups plus the additional space is needed so it can be properly stocked to assist our residents. Our society is now in the process of searching for and fundraising for a newer, good running cube van that will meet our needs. The small van will continue to be used on call outs keeping the running costs down. I am pleased to report on the number of goods we have been able to share with our community residents. In 2016 we distributed 134 tents, 199 tarps, 305 sleeping bags, 89 blankets, 5,306 survival packs, 5,260 bags of groceries, 80 bikes plus a huge number of coats, socks, gloves, hats, personals for men and women  and just about everything else you can think of to survive in this brutal environment. What a caring community Oceanside has been over this past year and especially during the Christmas season. You have assisted in building a healthier, compassionate and safer community for all people in the Oceanside area. As individuals you have done more than what our government has turned their back on. Until we have affordable housing in our area, as well as an all weather shelter we will continue to see this atrocity and failure grow in our community. It is unfortunate that the community also has naysayers, people who would be unreasonably happy if the less fortunate were rounded up and shipped off. This is not going to happen. The homeless are becoming visible which makes these people uncomfortable. Without Manna providing services to the less fortunate their plight would go unnoticed. The government has turned their backs on the homeless and now there is a natural consequence to this delinquent behaviour. Manna Homeless Society will continue the fight and be the lifeline, the 911 of the street to the less fortunate and impoverished people of Oceanside. This will bring hope to those who need it and we’ll have a safer, healthier community for all of our residents. Remember, at one time these people weren’t always hated and shunned. They were loved and the apple of some mother’s eye. If you are able to continue to support Manna especially funding for the cube van, we are most appreciative. Wishing you the best in 2017, Sincerely, Robin Campbell President

Beth and George should be retiring this year – but they can’t. A work accident rendered George’s back useless for continued labour jobs. With no formal education, injury compensation, or options, George is left trying to pick up odd cash jobs. Beth has bounced from job to job with difficulty getting along with people, particularly educated supervisors who are younger and less competent than she is. They can’t afford rent and never bought a house, had two kids, and live in a fifth wheel. Last month their son died. He was thirty-six. Tim grew up watching his parents struggle and vowed to be different. He started his own business and succeeded. Got married, had kids, and started taking drugs to combat the inner voices of despair, doubt, depression, and discouragement. Tim never felt good enough. He lost his home, his wife and kids, his business, and his way. Tim always seemed to be happy, but that façade was masking a deep hurt that was soothed only, Tim thought, with drugs. He learned to “cook” his own supply and sell some to friends for spending cash. Something went wrong and Tim was overcome by the fumes where his mom found him dead on the floor of his cabin. Beth and George’s daughter refuses to have anything to do with her family. She’s escaped and never wants to come back. But she too is hurting, hiding, and huddling from help – hoping that by remaining busy as a mom and business owner she will never have to face her past or deal with the present heartache of a dead drug-addled brother and parents in destitution. Manna has supplied bikes for transportation to Beth, George, and Tim – each twice – the bikes get broken or stolen but were still necessary for getting to work or doctors’ appointments – so we try to help. Manna has provided weekly groceries for the past five years in hopes of encouraging self-sustainability and a sense of being valued, respected, and treasured by friends who do not judge, condemn, or marginalize. There is no happy-ever-after ending to this story or the stories of those represented in this story. Poverty of the Soul has robbed individuals of hope. Poverty of the Mind has stunted creativity for problem-solving. Poverty of the Spirit has erased future possibilities and instilled an overwhelming sense of victimization. At Manna, we believe God loves all creation. Toward everyone God extends value, a sense of being treasured, respected, cared for, comforted, honoured, trusted, and endowed with creative responsibility. God is actively seeking to demonstrate that kind of love to everyone – but it takes courage to be vulnerably loved like God wants to love all His children. How to help: Pray for our friends who live in vulnerable, marginalized situations that they may find hope through Manna’s encouragement and help to move from surviving to thriving. Contribute to the ongoing wholesale food purchasing Manna is able to do through QF so that each donation reaches further into our community.

‘Street’ feet, also known as trench foot, is a very serious problem for the homeless. Prolonged exposure to cold damp temperatures caused by wearing wet socks or footwear without being able to change them can be health threatening. If left untreated, open sores and blisters can lead to infection and later gangrene or even amputation. The most devastating part of ‘Street’ feet is that this affliction is 100% preventable by getting feet warm and dry once they have become cold and wet. Air drying feet and changing socks is a simple remedy. Sadly, the people of Oceanside without shelter from the cold and damp and adequate changes of socks and shoes are suffering (see photos below). With the lack of an Extreme Weather Shelter in Oceanside or a place to seek refuge from the cold wet weather, it is no surprise that the number of cases has quadrupled in the last 3 years.

If you’ve got a sleeping bag or blanket lying around, please consider donating it to the less fortunate. These items are desperately needed as of this posting. Donations may be dropped off at our receiving box opposite the main entrance at the Wildlife Recovery Centre on Leffler Road in Errington. And if you see someone in need, text or phone for help from Manna: 250-248-0845. Thank you so much for your help. The Manna Team Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

In the heart of our neighborhood, we found The poor, the sick, and the afflicted abound In shantytown, where love was needed most We sought to give, to comfort, to host With open arms and a generous heart We brought food, blankets, a warm coat to impart For those in need, who had so little to claim We offered love, compassion, and a comforting flame Beneath the cold, nasty night’s embrace We stood with hope, to bring warmth and grace To share in their burdens, their sorrows, their fears And offer a listening ear, wiping away their tears In every face, we saw resilience and might Amidst adversity, they still held onto light So together we basked in love’s gentle glow As we built a bond that would continue to grow For in finding the poor, sick, and afflicted in our midst We discover the power of love to persist To uplift, to heal, and to mend every soul Bringing warmth, comfort, making broken hearts whole Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VOociety

CLOSED, CLOSED, CLOSED. How Horrible is this the extreme weather shelter is not open in the Oceanside area due to these criteria’s ☠️🙏. Note if this doesn’t change there will be more people filling the hospitals unnecessarily due to these horrible weather conditions that we are going through now. As well as deaths that can be related and contributed to battling these weather conditions while living and sleeping outside…☠️☠️☠️☠️🙏🙏 On the streets of the Oceanside area… The decision to open an extreme weather shelter is typically based on a combination of temperature and weather conditions. The specific criteria for opening such shelters can vary depending on the location, local government regulations, and the organization operating the shelter. However, in general, extreme weather shelters are often opened when temperatures fall below a certain threshold, usually around 0°C (32°F) or lower, especially when combined with other factors such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds. For 2024, the specific temperature and weather conditions to open an extreme weather shelter in British Columbia would likely be determined by local authorities and organizations involved in providing emergency shelter services. These decisions are often made in response to weather forecasts, emergency management protocols, and considerations for the health and safety of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing. It’s important to note that extreme weather shelter policies and guidelines can change over time, so it’s essential to consult with relevant local authorities, emergency services, and shelter providers for the most up-to-date information on when and under what conditions extreme weather shelters will be opened in British Columbia, Canada in 2024. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO

More Humane thoughts needed when exposing the homeless to the elements💔☠️ … MY FIVE TOP REASONS 💔 Exposure to moisture: Wet slushy rain poses a higher risk of exposure to moisture for the homeless compared to hard snow and cold. The slushy rain can seep through clothing and blankets, leading to wetness that is difficult to escape from. This moisture can cause hypothermia and exacerbate existing health conditions. Lack of adequate shelter: Finding suitable shelter during wet slushy rain can be particularly challenging for the homeless. While hard snow may provide some insulation, wet slushy rain can quickly penetrate makeshift shelters and make them uninhabitable. This lack of protection can lead to increased discomfort and health risks. Difficulty in staying dry: Staying dry becomes much more challenging in wet slushy rain as compared to hard snow and cold. Snow can often be brushed off or shaken off, but slushy rain saturates everything it comes into contact with, making it difficult for the homeless to keep their belongings, clothing, and bedding dry. Health hazards: Wet slushy rain increases the risk of health hazards such as trench foot, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses. The prolonged exposure to damp conditions can lead to skin problems and other health issues, making it harder for the homeless to maintain their health and well-being. Access to resources: During wet slushy rain, access to resources such as dry clothing, warm blankets, and hot meals becomes even more limited. As Many shelters CLOSE AND DON’T accommodate everyone seeking refuge from the rain, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the homeless population. In summary, wet slushy rain presents unique challenges for the homeless population, including increased exposure to moisture, difficulty in finding adequate shelter, staying dry, health hazards, and limited access to essential resources. These factors collectively contribute to the heightened difficulty of surviving wet slushy rain compared to hard snow and cold. We need to change the definition of what “extreme weather” means in British Columbia on Vancouver Island… this current weather is more extreme than the cold. Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VOty

… So many stories we could share… Dave… Some background on Dave… A week earlier he had been hit by car. And now a week later Dave could not move his legs due to the accident and lack of nourishment. Dave was found and an ambulance called… Two days later during the evening, Dave was released from hospital – no shelter, no place to go… Wow! Homeless, and just released from the hospital 9 pm at night… the harsh reality of no shelter and no sense of security on this rainy cold night, We were welcomed by Dave after a phone call that had alerted us that Dave needed help… Sylvie and I received Dave with open arms on this rainy cold night… We provided him with an oven-fresh muffin from the oven which Sylvie had prepared, with warm nourishment, a couple hot burgers, sleeping bag, dry warm coat, dry socks, hand warmers… restoring his hope and dignity. Witnessing his transformation filled our hearts with immeasurable joy, for there is no greater feeling in the world than being able to offer love, compassion, and support to those in need. In giving him all that he needed, we not only helped him find stability, but also reaffirmed the profound impact of kindness and empathy in making a positive difference in someone’s life. So much love ❤️ 🕊️🙏 as we wanted Dave to see and feel Christ’s love from our hearts.🕊️💔❤️‍🩹 Robin Campbell Manna Homeless Society Donations can be made by e-transfer: mannaparksville@gmail.com Or cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389 Errington BC VOR 1VO