Legacy Church of the Nazarene is a church community in SD 36 that has long been supporting Bridgeview Elementary and the larger community – even through COVID-19 – through food banks and hampers, school-wide field trips and events, provision of school supplies, and afterschool activities and tutoring.   

“It truly has been our pleasure working with Bridgeview Elementary School. The teachers and staff are amazing and exhibit great leadership which, in turn, is evident in the students. It is a privilege to go into that school setting and see these leadership skills in action recognizing the gift that is given to these students everyday to prepare them for anything in life. We look at our relationship with the school as a helping hand to what is already being done. We hope that any way we contribute will make the jobs of the staff a bit easier.” – Mary-Jane Holmquist, Community Liaison

 Nanaimo Foodshare has been partnering with Nanaimo-Ladysmith schools through many programs in order to help to increase food literacy and access, and to build capacity for student academic success. Since they were first established in 1997, their programs, such as the Good Food Box and Kids Get Cooking, support both students and educators to address hunger in the community, share resources and build community capacity to provide healthy foods to everyone.   

“On behalf of Nanaimo Foodshare, I wish to thank the BCPVPA for this award. By supporting local schools, Foodshare sees an opportunity to create change in the community by supporting students' access to healthy food and learning about the joy of growing, cooking, and eating good food. Foodshare is passionate about how food is connected to student success because of the role healthy foods have in fueling students’ concentration and ability to learn. Food also allows students to thrive in learning that applies academic learning to active learning they can bring home. We hope that in our partnership with schools we can support students for their lifetime... to grow with the skills and knowledge that they will use to eat well and become the next generation of farmers, gardeners, cooks, parents, (whatever they choose) that love healthy food and love the environment that provides it.” – Jen Cody, Executive Director

As PAC president for the last four years at the École Glenmore Elementary, Sarah Bendall has organized many school wide activities and fundraisers to support the school community. As well, she spearheaded initiatives at the school to improve its safety and accessibility, create outdoor learning spaces and engage the students in various STEM and coding activities. Sarah is an exemplary PAC President who works alongside the school community to make learning fun, challenging and above and beyond what is expected.   

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ecole Glenmore Elementary students, teachers, administration, and parents as a volunteer. Being able to bring my passion for STEM education to the school, working in the classrooms, organizing STEM events, and lunchtime coding clubs, has been a tremendous experience. I have also been fortunate to be PAC president for the past 4 years and to work with the school to enhance the community through school wide events and facility upgrades including building an outdoor classroom and spearheading playground upgrades. I am extremely grateful to our past principal, Wendy Briggs, who not only allowed me to spread my volunteer wings, but also for putting in the time to nominate me for this award. She met my passion head-on with enthusiasm and support. I look forward to continuing to volunteer with GME as a STEM educator although my time as PAC president has come to an end (middle school here we come!).” – Sarah Bendall