CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Stronghold - Men's Group
2025-03-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you looking for a safe space to help you navigate the struggles or stress of everyday life?
We have partnered with The Men’s Centre to create a safe space for men to come together, share their struggles, connect with others, and learn how to deal with the hassle of everyday life. This is a space to build resilience, gain clarity, and create bonds with others that share the same ideals.
Weekly meetings from January 17 to March 28, 2025.
To register – aalfakosh@cvims.org

Art Therapy
2025-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
This workshop is designed to help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a drop-in group that is open to all skill levels. There will be a new theme explored each week with the guidance from Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor.
Dates: Every Friday, until March 28th.
Time: 10am – 12pm
Interested? REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Or just drop-in!

CRA Tax Clinic
2025-04-15 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-05-20 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-17 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-07-15 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-19 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-17 10:00 - 15:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Taxes? Got questions? Make an appointment to attend the CRA Tax Clinic and get one-on-one guidance, assistance and answers to your questions regarding taxes and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Get assistance on:

Taxes: Get clarity on tax filing requirements, deductions, credits, and deadlines, ensuring compliance with CRA regulations while maximizing your tax benefits.
Government Benefits and Credits: Learn about available government benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST credits, and other income support programs, and how to apply for them.
GST/HST Guidelines: Understand the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) requirements for businesses and individuals, including registration, filing, and remittance procedures.
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings: Explore pension plan options, including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), and how they impact your financial future.
CRA My Account Assistance: Receive assistance with setting up and navigating your CRA My Account, a secure online portal where you can manage your tax and benefit information conveniently.

Contact your Settlement Worker to REGISTER
APPOINTMENTS ARE LIMITED

Temporary Foreign Workers Hiring Process
2025-04-16 17:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
An information session for employers looking to hire Temporary Foreign Workers!
Join us in this information session and learn more on the hiring process from a Licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Evgeniya Bagina.
In this session you can expect to learn about:

Strategic pathways for hiring temporary foreign workers
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements and streams
Hiring temporary foreign workers under BCPNP Process
Recent program updates

Are you interested? Join us in person or online!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

One in Spirit Walk
2025-04-28 11:00 - 14:00 | Bowen Park Complex, 500 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 1Z7, Canada
Join Elder Randy Fred on a nature walk at Bowen Park, where you will get the chance of hearing his story and the cultural significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is an opportunity to hear about the culture and heritage of Indigenous Peoples in your community, and connect with nature.
This is a safe space where everyone will be able to share their stories, enjoy good company, connect with nature, and learn more about your community!
Join us until the end for a potluck and sharing of food!
For more information & registration: community@cvims.org
Walk at Bowen Park – 11am to 12pm
Lunch at CVIMS office – 12:30pm to 2:00pm

Health In Canada
2025-05-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for this information session to understand medical services and accessing pharmacies. In this session you will gain valuable insight that will help you understand how the medical system works in Canada and how to access those services, as well as how to access pharmacies.
With a SPECIAL GUEST: Nicole Leung, Associate Owner, Pharmacist, NSL Pharmacy LTD
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
1:00 – 2:15pm.
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Residential Tenancy Law
2025-05-12 09:00 - 22:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you renting in British Columbia? Join this information session and learn everything you need to know about:

Tenants Rights and Responsibilities
Landlords Rights and Responsibilities
Types of Tenancy Agreements
Conflict solving

Presented by Emma Lazo, Public Legal Education Coordinator from Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.
Monday, May 12
9:15 – 10:30am
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Residential Tenancy Law
2025-05-14 12:30 - 14:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you renting in British Columbia? Join this information session and learn everything you need to know about:

Tenants Rights and Responsibilities
Landlords Rights and Responsibilities
Types of Tenancy Agreements
Conflict solving

Presented by Emma Lazo, Public Legal Education Coordinator from Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre.
Wednesday, May 14
12:30 – 1:45pm
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Canadian Citizenship Information Session
2025-05-16 11:30 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey in Canada? Is applying for Canadian Citizenship overwhelming? We understand that the process can be stressful and confusing, join us for this Information Session on How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship! Get answers to all your questions, get all of the information required to make this process go as smooth as possible.
In this information session, you can expect to learn about:

Eligibility and requirements – are you eligible to start this process? What requirements might you be missing to start? You might be eligible and it is time to start this process.
Procedure – What is the process to achieving your Canadian Citizenship? Find out where to start, what to expect during this process, and what to do at each stage.
Studying for the Citizenship test – You have completed the application, now you need to ace that test! Find out how to study for this test, where to get some resources to better prepare yourself.
Preparing your documents – Learn about all the documents that you need to have ready in order to get it right from the beginning, to have enough time to gather them all, and to make sure you are not missing anything!
Fees – Find out about what the costs involved with the application.

Make sure you REGISTER for the session: workshops@cvims.org
Friday, May 16, 2025
11:30 – 1:00pm

Outdoors Survival Guide
2025-05-21 16:30 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Excited that summer is just around the corner? To get the most fun and safety out of this summer, join our information session on how to SURVIVE the OUTDOORS. In this session, you will learn essential information on what to do, and what NOT to do while spending time outdoors this summer.
With a SPECIAL GUEST – Barb Sorensen, a volunteer from Nanaimo Search and Rescue (NSAR)
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Summer Water Safety
2025-06-06 11:30 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Get summer ready!
Join this information session for valuable information on staying safe around water during this season. Designed to help individuals and families enjoy the summer season and minimize risks.
Some key topics will include, recognizing hazards, safe swimming practices, how to respond in an emergency, life jackets, supervising children near water, and more! Special Guest: Amanda Watkins, Pool Operations and Program Manager.
In person and online session available.
Date and time: Friday, June 6, 2025 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Emergency Preparedness
2025-06-17 16:15 - 18:15 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready for emergencies? You should always be prepared for whatever might come!
Join this information session and learn what and how to prepare for emergencies specific to living on Vancouver Island. Understand local risks and learn how to respond with confidence.
In this workshop you will learn common emergencies, what to include in a household emergency kit, how to create an emergency plan, staying informed, and more! Special Guest: Jenna Krajinovic, Emergency Support Services & Resilience Coordinator, City of Nanaimo.
Come and learn, be prepared!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 4:15 – 6:15pm
In-person session only!

Stay Safe Nanaimo!
2025-06-20 11:15 - 12:15 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Your safety and of your loved ones matters!
Join us in this information session to learn important and practical tips on how to protect yourself and those who matter. In this session you can learn about important topics on how to avoid break-ins, crime prevention, safety in public spaces, and what to do in case of emergencies.
Learn valuable tips and resources! Everyone is welcome!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Friday, June 20, 2025 | 11:15am – 12:15pm

Protecting Nature
2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-26 16:00 - 17:00
Discover how you can help to protect the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Join us for this information session to learn more about conservation, biodiversity, and the natural landscape of Vancouver Island. Learn about ways that you can contribute, your role in the ecosystem, and ways to get involved.
This session will be led by Paul Chapman from Nanaimo Area and Land Trust (NALT).
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Canadian Citizenship Information Session
2025-07-04 11:30 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey in Canada? Is applying for Canadian Citizenship overwhelming? We understand that the process can be stressful and confusing, join us for this Information Session on How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship! Get answers to all your questions, get all of the information required to make this process go as smooth as possible.
In this information session, you can expect to learn about:

Eligibility and requirements – are you eligible to start this process? What requirements might you be missing to start? You might be eligible and it is time to start this process.
Procedure – What is the process to achieving your Canadian Citizenship? Find out where to start, what to expect during this process, and what to do at each stage.
Studying for the Citizenship test – You have completed the application, now you need to ace that test! Find out how to study for this test, where to get some resources to better prepare yourself.
Preparing your documents – Learn about all the documents that you need to have ready in order to get it right from the beginning, to have enough time to gather them all, and to make sure you are not missing anything!
Fees – Find out about what the costs involved with the application.

Make sure you REGISTER for the session: workshops@cvims.org
Friday, July 4, 2025
11:30 – 1:00pm

Pathways to Permanent Residency
2025-07-08 17:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you an International Student? Are you looking into making your stay in Canada more permanent? Whether you are just getting the process started or are looking for some useful tips on navigating the immigration process, this session is for you!
We are excited to welcome a special guest, an experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who will provide expert insights into various immigration options available to individuals and families. From Express Entry to provincial nominee programs. This session will cover essential information and answer your questions.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain clarity on the process, understand eligibility requirements, and learn about the resources available to support you on your journey to permanent residency in Canada.
Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot today!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Community Garden Tour
2025-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Park Avenue Farm, 933 Park Avenue, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 4J3, Canada
Join us for a field trip filled with family fun!
Paired with Nanaimo Foodshare, come join us to this urban farm site in Nanaimo! The Five Acre Farm has been described as an educational urban farm and community classroom. Come with us and explore this community!

Learn about soil & wetlands
Learn about planting, farming, and growing your own food
Enjoy some of the tasty harvest

For more information or to REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: 945Park Avenue, Nanaimo, BC

Museum Tour
2025-07-16 13:30 - 14:30 | Nanaimo Museum, 100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 5J8, Canada
Are you familiar with the history of Nanaimo? Would you be interested in finding out more about this beautiful place we live in? Join us for this guided tour at the Nanaimo Museum where we will be learning about Nanaimo’s history, the Snyneymuxw people (Indigenous people from the Nanaimo region), and experience Coast Salish art in all its forms! Do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of this place!
Meeting point will be at the front of the Nanaimo Museum (100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, BC).
Make sure to REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Cedar Weaving
2025-08-08 12:00 - 15:30
Join us for a fun day filled with knowledge! Come to Saysutshun Island and participate in this hands-on experience led by knowledge keeper, David Bodaly. Learn about the culture and history of the land and its people through the materials and technique of Cedar Weaving. Traditional cedar weaving was and still is an important practice for Coast Salish Peoples. It is used to create various items like baskets, mats, and clothing, connecting people to their cultural heritage.
Transportation and activity are FREE for CVIMS clients!
SPACE IS LIMITED and PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, no later than August 6th.
Date: Friday, August 8th, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 3:30pm
Register: workshops@cvims.org

VIU Pathways to Postsecondary
2025-08-12 17:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for this information session on this program for anyone who needs to take Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English Language Learning (ELL) to get into VIU programs. A great program for those looking to upgrade their skills and succeed in Canada’s in-demand sectors!
You tell us what VIU program you want to take, and we help you make it happen!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 – 6:30pm
Location: In-person or Zoom

Art Therapy
2025-09-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-26 09:30 - 12:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
This 10-week workshop is designed to help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels. There will be a new theme explored each week with the guidance from Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor.
Time: 9:3 0am – 12:00 pm
Interested? REGISTER HERE

September 19 – Goals and Visions
September 26 – CVIMS Closed, no workshop
October 3 – Stress Management
October 10 – Healthy Boundaries
October 17 – Anger Management
October 24 – Communication Skills
October 31 – Grief & Loss pt. 1
November 7 – Grief & Loss pt. 2
November 14 – Self Care
November 21 – Courage & Resilience
November 28 – Cultivating Community
December 5 – Exploratory
