Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) is an annual event that supports people in our communities who have experienced homelessness. This fundraiser helps ICCS run programs that provide shelter, care and holistic support to help them step forward to independence and hope. CNOY 2026 takes place on February 28th, 2026, drawing individuals together to support the cause through raising money as well as taking part in a 2 km or 5 km walk. Across Canada, over 200 communities are involved with CNOY, supported by people who care about their communities and the most vulnerable people who live in them
Community News
Awaken to a Deeper Understanding of Life
As a new year begins, many people focus on improving their physical health, yet true wellness also includes nourishing the mind and spirit. The Grail Message offers timeless guidance for those seeking clarity, purpose, and inner balance. Its teachings illuminate the natural, spiritual laws that shape our lives and encourage personal responsibility, conscious decision-making, and deeper self-awareness. By exploring these insights, readers gain a clearer understanding of the forces at work in everyday experiences and discover a path toward lasting peace and fulfillment. Start the year with inspiration – open your mind to a teaching that offers an inexhaustible well of knowledge and invaluable aids for understanding life.
A Gift for Loved Ones
Pre-planning your final arrangements is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. It ensures your wishes are clearly understood, protects your family from difficult decisions during an emotional time, and can help lock in costs at today’s prices. At Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, pre-planning is guided with compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to honouring every individual’s story. Their team helps you explore options thoughtfully and without pressure, creating a plan that brings peace of mind for the future. By choosing Cedar Valley, you ensure your legacy is preserved with dignity, care, and lasting respect.
The Green Book of Life
Today we want green and healthy lifestyles and to be better stewards of our planet. We look for nutritious foods, relaxation techniques, and renewable products to accomplish this. Yet all of
this only addresses the physical aspects of life when in fact we are also spiritual beings. The “Grail Message” teaches us about the cosmic laws that not only govern nature but all of Creation and our place and responsibility as we journey through life. This “green” book reveals the true meaning of life and opens the door to true happiness and lasting inner peace.
Holiday Joy in Community
The Christmas season is a time for connection, warmth, and shared joy. Living in an independent senior community makes it even more special. Residents enjoy festive decorations, holiday concerts, and delicious meals without the stress of preparation or cleanup. There’s always company for card games, baking, or reminiscing over cocoa by the tree. With caring staff and a vibrant social calendar, no one feels alone during this magical time of year. Celebrating together, creating new memories, enjoying traditions, and feeling the true spirit of Christmas surrounded by friends who feel like family.
Count Your Blessings
We give thanks for our many blessings. We are passionate about sharing health and wellness information via our local Choices for Healthy Living ® newsletters , our online Wellness.News resource, events and more. We thank our advertisers, readers, subscribers, distributors and community partners for helping us to spread the wellness message. We wish everyone Peace, Happiness and Good Health this Holiday Season.
Wishing You Health
As we settle into the busy holiday season, we like to honour our relationship with our customers. Thank you for trusting our team to take care of your overall health and well-being and for choosing a locally-owned pharmacy for your healthcare needs. We will continue to provide personalized pharmacy services, including free local delivery, medication reviews, compounding, vaccinations, and so much more! Your pharmacist can help to make sure your medication is the right fit and introduce you to tools that make day-to-day medication management easier. We care about your health!
Enjoying the Holidays with Hearing Loss
If you have a hearing loss, attending family gatherings with many people can be stressful. Here are three tips to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season. 1. Spend time with family members one-on-one. 2. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said. 3. Book a check of your hearing aids before the holiday season starts to ensure they are working their best. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughter of your kids, grandkids, or family members as they open presents or sit around the table. Happy Holidays!
Blue Christmas Service – Dec 20, 2025
It has been and is our pleasure to reach out with this Blue Christmas Service. All Welcome! The service takes place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, located at 4235 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo. “Perhaps you are grieving the loss of a loved one; feeling sad, sick, lonely, and anxious about the holiday season or future while others are celebrating. We want you to know you aren’t alone. When you leave the service and God’s house, our prayer is that you will feel uplifted, peaceful, comforted, and experience God’s love for you.”
Do You Have a Blurry Mind Map?
Chronic pain can be a result of a blurry mind map. Our brains have a map of our bodies: a sensory map and a motor map. The sensory map gives and receives information on sensation, and the motor map, on movement. If the map is unclear, the brain may interpret that as a threat, and one of the responses to threat is pain. You can reduce pain simply by refining your mind map. You can gently massage near the pain site or further away. You must do so with intention and concentration.
Family Treasures
The holidays are a good time to think about downsizing and who many want some of your treasures. Your children and close friends may be gathering at your home. This is the opportunity to offer items to your loved ones. Ask if they actually want and can use an item, rather than assuming they want your belongings. Make it clear that saying “no” is acceptable, as they may have different tastes and needs. You can organize items by category and handle sentimental items with care by creating scrapbooks or discussing the stories behind items to preserve their meaning. Visit our website for more downsizing tips.
