AVI Health & Community Services Nanaimo

02/16/2026

A couple of years ago we partnered with Food Share to cultivate three 60' rows in their community garden in Harewood. We have lots of perennial flowers and each year we plant annual flowers and veggies.

We're looking for folks interested in participating in the garden this season (April - Oct). We're hoping to have a crew planting, weeding, harvesting and just hanging out once/wk throughout the season. If you'd like to help out do you have a preferred day and time? Would you need transportation to get there?

We have lots of seeds that need starting inside or in a greenhouse prior to planting. Do you have the space to plant up some seeds and then return the starts once they are ready to plant? You can keep some of them for your own garden.

Have any ideas for the direction of the garden or how you'd like to be involved?

02/15/2026

02/10/2026

Last year, we started a gender-affirming sewing group. When I reached out for donations several of you offered us sewing machines, irons, ironing boards and material.

We're now expanding to include crochet and knitting and are looking for supplies including various sized hooks and needles and yarn.

02/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1619175599097486

02/05/2026

Come say Hi! 👋 to our education table at the Newcomer Wellness Fair! So thankful to attend this year and be able to talk about the intersections of our work with community ❤️💛

02/05/2026

Check out Corey Ranger, RN, president of the BC Harm Reduction Nurses Association and AVI's Clinical Director.

https://youtube.com/shorts/dMp9SfhXbC0?si=F_1p-KwRMJDNYdcv&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEewc9FJYTZ_wIwXJ0DbH4qw1tqS6HNRTfkc7cOmDNq7ANkBUM-YtcJn1iWbK4_aem_RZO5dsXiISSuA8TWTS52Ww&sfnsn=mo

Corey, a community nurse in Canada, describes how prohibition and an unregulated drug supply created a mass poisoning emergency, leading to tens of thousands...

01/11/2026

It is very wet out there today! Class is still on, but please be safe on the roads, and if you can't then please stay home

01/08/2026

More pics from the archive. We've had many collaborations with VIU over the years: workshops, participation at health fairs and the annual AIDS Walk.

01/08/2026

My name is Faith, (she/her) and I identify as a q***r cis-woman. I am a 3rd year Social Work student at VIU and feel very lucky to be doing my practicum at AVI. When I am not busy at school, I love to spend my time near the ocean with my dogs and partner or taking care of my garden and indoor plants.

I'm looking forward to learning more about harm reduction, collaboratively working with service users and AVI staff, and connecting and building trusting relationships with community members. Thanks for taking the time to read about me!

01/08/2026

I’m Randy (he/him), a 4th year BSW practicum student from the University of Victoria. I was born in Winnipeg but moved to Alert Bay when I was 13, so Vancouver Island has always been home. I’ve got a degree in Child & Youth Care, am of mixed Indigenous ancestry (Ojibwe, Cree and Métis), q***r and have lived experience with problematic substance use.

My goal at AVI is to learn more about harm reduction, how to better support the community and meet people where they are at. I love crocheting, being out in nature, swimming and hiking. I’m looking forward to making connections and getting to know the community.