Services
Food Bank
Food Hampers
Employment
Farmers Market Coupon Program
Internet Access
Laundry
Scholarships and Bursaries
Programs
Since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic the DICES team has been working hard to respond to the changing needs of the community. We are continuing to offer After-School Programs, Community Programs, Teen Night and Parent and Tot when public health guidelines allow us to do so.
We have also expanded our programs and services in four important ways.
- FOOD SECURITY Many families and individuals have a reduced income during the crisis and assuring access to healthy food is paramount.
DICES has expanded our food bank services and introduce food hamper delivery with added “COVID 19” support packages including; thermometer, cold and flu medication, big bottles of water and vitamin c and d supplements if requested. We also support the Farm to Family program which delivers meals to seniors.
- CONNECTIVITY During this period of prolonged social isolation the internet becomes an important tool to connect people and to access government programs. For child welfare, access to internet is crucial both for social and educational reasons.
DICES is facilitating access to computers and internet for families and individuals by refurbishing old computers and purchasing data. We are providing access to computers and internet at the CAP-site located in the portable next to the school.
- LAUNDRY, SHOWER and POWER On Denman Island we have a shortage of housing, leading to people living in hidden homelessness and substandard housing. Many families and marginalised individuals do not have access to amenities such as running water, electricity, showers, washing machines or dryers. Due to the crisis, local options have closed and town trips are unadvisable and not available to residents without a vehicle.
In collaboration with the Earth Club Factory DICES can provide shower coupons for the showers at the guesthouse.
DICES has established a public laundry facility on the island. Schedule yourself here.
Power to charge devises is available at the portable during our opening hours.
- COVID-19 Financial Support Facilitator Because of COVID the provincial and federal government as well as organizations are offering financial support. Since the funding options are new and keep evolving businesses and individuals may need assistance in navigating the system.
Together with DenmanWORKS! DICES created a job description for a Financial Support Facilitator. The service is now available to the community as DenmanWORKS! have hired a Financial Support Facilitator.
We could not do this on our own!
These programs are made possible through the collaborative and generous spirit of our community. Thank you to our volunteers and our donors! If you want to support our COVID response work, please donate by visiting our donation page or the get involved page.
We want to thank the organizations who are acting as collaborative partners and advisors in our COVID response work; Hornby Denman Community Health Care Society, emergency health services, Comox Valley Community Health Network, Better at Home Program, Denman WORKS!, Farm to Family, Earth Club Factory, Denman Island General Store and DIRCON.
We would also like to thank all our funders; Comox Valley Community Foundation, CVRD, BC Food Banks, School District 71, Thrifty Food, Quality Foods.
The SEED LIBRARY is another great program!
Thanks to the Denman Island Seed Savers we are able to offer free vegetable and flower seed in our seed library. The Seed Library is located in the portable next to the community school. It is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-7 and Fridays 11-2.
Feel free to leave us a message on our office phone 335-2058 or get in touch via e-mail at dices.communityprograms[at]gmail.com.