Welcome to the Community Resources page for Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools!
We believe in the power of collaboration between our schools and the wider community to ensure the success and well-being of all our students.
Whether you are looking for support services, local organizations, or educational resources, this page offers a variety of helpful links and information to connect families, students, and educators to valuable community programs and services.
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools shares resources and events that meet the following criteria:
- Relevant to a K-12 audience.
- Non-profit, local organizations only. (Based in Nanaimo or the Mid-Island region).
- Low to no-cost to families and caregivers.
- Event/organization aligns with the district’s commitment to a safe, inclusive and equitable learning community for all.
- The district reserves the sole discretion to determine what information is shared on this page. Postings are dependent on department capacity.
- Information shared on this page does not equal endorsement and/or support from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools. It is for information purposes only.
Imagination, Ink and Impact
- Creative writing workshop for youth (ages 13-17).
- Learn to write and refine a short story and publish a collaborative book.
- 12 week community-based series with three parts.
- Hosted at Harbourfront Vancouver Island Regional Library in the Medium Meeting Room (second floor).
- Registration is limited to 12 people.
- For more information, contact Anne-Marie at Literacy Central Vancouver Island by email at anne-marie@lcvi.ca or by phone at 250-754-8988.
Fundraising Hockey Game
- Support men’s mental health
- To be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, doors open at 7 p.m., game starts at 7:30 p.m., at Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo
- 50 per cent of the proceeds will go to Island Mental Health
- $20 tickets each, call or text 1-778-934-4003
Diwali Celebration
- A Glimpse of India: Diwali Celebration event.
- Includes free admission, kids’ activities, food and market vendors, performances, workshops for all ages.
- Held from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Nanaimo Museum (100 Museum Way, Nanaimo).
Great Nanaimo Toy Drive
- The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive is the largest toy drive in Nanaimo and has been in operation since 1983. Each year we work together with our community donors, volunteers, and business partners to help make Christmas a merry one for families in need. In addition to providing new, unwrapped toys and gifts, we also provide books, stocking stuffers, and stuffed animals for each child, and a game or puzzle for each family. The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive serves the communities of Nanaimo, Lantzville, Cedar, and Cassidy.
- Available to families in financial need who are interested in receiving assistance in the form of a toy, game, and stocking stuffer for children up to school age.
- Interested families need to register online before Dec. 10 at https://thegreatnanaimotoydrive.ca/registration/ starting Nov. 20, or by phone (778-787-1803) starting Nov. 23.
- If you’d like to volunteer or donate, check out The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive | A Christmas for Every Child for gift ideas and drop off locations.
Executive Functioning and Regulation: Parent Education Session
- Held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 6:30 – 8 p.m., at Forest Park Elementary.
- An informative and educational presentation designed for parents who are seeking a deeper understanding of how to best support their children’s executive functioning and self-regulation. The presenter will explore the concept of sensory processing and dive into concrete strategies that parents can use to identify challenges and implement solutions to help kids thrive in school, at home and in the community.
Anxiety and OCD in Children
- Held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, starting at 6:45 p.m., at McGirr Elementary.
- An informative and practical session for parents and caregivers to better understand and support children struggling with anxiety and OCD.
- Registration through QR code.
Kinder Prep “Petits Lapins”
- CIty of Nanaimo’s monthly play and learn program for children 4-5 years old.
- Beban Social Centre, Mondays-Wednesdays, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
- Designed for children entering Kindergarten in fall of 2027.
- Helps children become more independent and get introduced to academic basics in French.
- More info available at any City of Nanaimo Recreation Facilities, by calling 250-756-5200, or online at recreation.nanaimo.ca.
VIU Mariners Soccer Volleyball and Basketball schedules
Establishing Family Practices for Safeguarding Against Cyberbullying and Sextortion
This session covers the global issue of bullying, as well as cyberbullying within the Canadian context. The presentation highlights warning signs for if someone is experiencing cyberbullying behaviours, and the steps to take if you are a victim of cyberbullying behaviours.
The presentation also explores sextortion, explaining how it occurs, key apps you should be aware of, the role of artificial intelligence in this issue, as well as the necessary steps to take if you are a target of sextortion.
The course is intended for:
- Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents and youth aged 10 and up
Upcoming Remote Sessions:
Please click the specific date you would like to register for.
October 13, 2026
December 8, 2026
February 23, 2027
April 14, 2027
June 10, 2027
Establishing Safe, Caring, & Respectful Digital Communities
Free sessions for ages 10 and up
This session covers all things digital, from how to be a good digital citizen, the criminal consequences of cyberbullying, and how to report and receive support in cases of sexting/sextortion.
Some of the most prominent concerns currently surrounding use of social media platforms, smartphones, and artificial intelligence will be discussed.
The course is intended for:
- Parents/Caregivers/Grandparents and youth aged 10 and up
Upcoming Remote Sessions:
Please click the date you would like to register for.
September 15, 2026
November 25, 2026
January 14, 2027
March 10, 2027
May 11, 2027
Nanaimo Naturekids Nature Day October 25
This Way ONward!
This Way ONward is a job-readiness program that provides the next generation with the first jobs, mentoring, skills, and confidence they need to find their way in today’s job market.
Nanaimo Girl Guides needs volunteers!
There is currently a waitlist for girls wanting to be a Spark, Ember, Guide or Pathfinder with Girl Guides of Canada. In order to open up more units, they need volunteers!
Volunteers receive access to free trainings, mentorship and a digital program platform stocked with age-appropriate activities and meeting tools, as well as training on how to deliver activities in ways that will empower and encourage girls.
An average time commitment of 3 – 5 hours per week for unit meetings and planning is expected. Additional hours may be needed for special events or trips. Part-time roles are available if weekly attendance doesn’t suit your schedule. For any questions please contact Kate at membergrowth@girlguides.ca or apply here – www.girlguides.ca/volunteer
Affordable Dental Care for Families
The clinic offers high-quality dental hygiene services at a reduced cost, $35 for adults and $20 for children.
This could be a valuable resource for families in your school community; particularly those who do not have dental insurance and those who are covered by insurance programs, such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan, that only partially cover their treatment costs.
Appointments are booked by calling our dental clinic at 250-740-6240 or by emailing dentalclinic@viu.ca
KidsSport Canada
KidsSport Nanaimo provides grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids under 18 years in Nanaimo can play a season of sport.
The Chapter accepts applications and administers grants of up to $400 per child, per year. Apply for a grant today.
City of Nanaimo & BC Gaming Grants
Have a look at the community and youth grants available:
- Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth innovation component
- Enviroment
- Public Safety
- Social Planning Grant
- Community Program Development Grant