James Bay Community Project

August is here! Whether you're planning family adventures, relaxing at the beach, or simply enjoying a slower pace, we hope this month brings you plenty of sunshine and time to recharge.

Our Family Resource Centre is doing the same as we get ready for another wonderful season together.

Walk & Talk will continue its weekly strolls until August 13, before taking a well-earned break until next summer.

Our playgroups will continue throughout most of August, with just a few schedule changes along the way (please check the calendar at https://jbcp.bc.ca).

From August 24 to September 7, our Family Resource Centre will take a short summer break while our team enjoys holidays and prepares to welcome you back in the fall. Until then, we wish you and your family a beautiful August. Stay connected!

BC Day long weekend is coming, and Shelley, the Store Manager of our Community Closet, has something special for you...

BC DAY SUMMER CLEARANCE ON ALL STOCK

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, enjoy 50% OFF all merchandise, including our clearance rack.

And yes, as you can see from the photo, we've got men's clothing, too!

Don't miss this chance to discover great brands and unique finds at very affordable prices, enjoy a boutique-style shopping experience, and head home with full bags — all while supporting your community. Every purchase helps fund James Bay Community Project's free programs.

The Community Closet thrift store:
📍435 Simcoe Street (inside the plaza next to Thrifty Foods)
⏰Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

We can't wait to dress James Bay this weekend!

We at our Family Resource Centre love our diverse community! Over the years, we have welcomed families from across Canada, the United States, and around the world. Our playgroups are often filled with many languages, with children learning and hearing English alongside Spanish, Korean, Japanese, French, Punjabi, and many more. The points on our map help mark where families are from, have lived, or would like to visit.

Where in the world are you from? You are always welcome here.

Many years ago, the James Bay Market grew out of the James Bay Community Project. Today, it is one of Vancouver Island's most beloved markets, while continuing to support the community where its story began.

We're incredibly grateful to the James Bay Market for its longstanding partnership with JBCP, and to the BC Farmers' Markets Nutrition Coupon Program for helping make fresh, healthy food more accessible to members of our community.

Thanks to this partnership, our participants with the lowest incomes receive coupons to purchase fresh, locally grown produce at local street markets that they might not otherwise be able to afford. A special thank you to Carole Elliott, whose dedication and support help make this possible.

Thank you for helping build a healthier, more connected James Bay.

(Please note: the program has now reached capacity, and we are no longer able to accept new participants this year.)

Photo credit: James Bay Market

A huge shout-out to our wonderful volunteers for creating and maintaining such a beautiful outdoor space in our Family Resource Centre. Flowers are blooming, vegetables are growing, and birds are singing while children explore, discover, and play.

Families are always welcome to help themselves to fresh herbs (like our incredible rosemary bush), and children can pick and taste tiny treats like peas straight off the vine!

We had our dress sale, we had our shoe sale. But don't worry if you haven't found your perfect match yet. From today through Sunday only, we're offering something extraordinary:

Buy 2 items and get the 3rd one (of equal or lesser value) FREE!

Our Community Closet thrift store has great brands at very, very affordable prices. How about a Dolce & Gabbana jacket in mint condition for just $30, or a bright yellow Alice + Olivia jacket for only 40 bucks, so about 11 times less than its original price?

Come explore our ever-changing selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories at 435 Simcoe Street (inside the plaza next to Thrifty Foods).

Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 pm

Every purchase makes a difference. 100% of proceeds stay right here in our community, helping support James Bay Community Project's programs for local seniors, families, and neighbours.

Our free Pedicab Wellness rides for our senior participants continue to bring smiles, conversations, and wonderful new memories. A huge thank you once again to Victoria Pedicab Company for taking such thoughtful and professional care of our seniors!

More than a sightseeing trip, these rides help build friendships and reduce isolation.

Just ask these two charismatic gentlemen, Hugh and Fin! They enjoyed each other's company so much during their ride that they celebrated their newfound friendship with a trip to the pub afterwards.

Now THAT'S community.

The dress sale is over... now it's time for shoes!

We hope our neighbourhood fashionistas found a beautiful new dress during last week's sale. Now we've got something for your feet.

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only, all shoes priced $10 and up are $5 off. Plus, we have plenty of clearance shoes for just $2 a pair.

Visit the Community Closet at 435 Simcoe St. (inside the shopping plaza next to Thrifty Foods)

Tuesday–Saturday: 11 am–4 pm
Sunday: 12–3 pm
Closed Mondays

Every purchase helps make a difference. 100% of proceeds stay in our community and support James Bay Community Project programs for seniors, families with children, and our neighbours.

Thanks to our volunteer gardeners over these many years, we have fresh strawberries growing in our Family Resource Centre garden. Children enjoy discovering them sheltered under the plant leaves and are welcome to pick and taste when they find one. Recently, a little girl attended the group and took her dad outside to show him the garden. He came back inside to get a cup because his daughter wanted to make sure she brought some home for mommy.

Our sour cherry trees are also full of fruit. In the mornings, juncos come to have their feast and then watch carefully from the overhead wires as we set up the toys for another morning playgroup. Both little birds and little children love tasting the cherries – even if they are sour!

Our playgroups for parents and children from birth to age 5 are still running throughout July (before taking a summer break in August), and our Walk & Talk walking group for parents with babies in strollers and carriers will continue enjoying our lovely neighbourhood until August 13. Come join us with your little ones! It's a wonderful opportunity to play, connect, and build community in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

For more information, visit jbcp.bc.ca. To register, please contact [email protected] or call (250) 388-7844 ext. 312.

"Now I can have a video call with my grandchildren."
"I found a recipe online and cooked it."
"My phone will help me ride the bus."

If you're a senior, or you know a senior who would like to feel more confident using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other digital device, we'd love to help.

Our free Bridging the Digital Divide program offers one-on-one or small group workshops for adults 65+. Jim, who leads the program, and his amazing volunteers can help with virtually any question about using your devices or apps, teach you how to complete everyday digital tasks, and show you how to stay safe online.

Each Monday, from September 14 through the end of March, we offer individual 45-minute sessions and a 75-minute small group session (up to three sessions per person).

TO REGISTER: Please contact our reception at (250) 388-7844 or [email protected].

Spaces fill up quickly, especially the individual sessions, so we encourage you to register early.

The program is free of charge, but donations are always welcome and help us continue offering this and many other programs that support our community.