CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

CRA Tax Clinic
2025-07-15 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-17 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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

SWIS Kids Camp
2025-07-15 09:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Looking for a fun and active way for your kids to spend part of their summer? Our SWIS Kids Camp is packed with exciting activities designed to keep children ages 8 to 10 engaged and entertained while making new friends in a supportive, multicultural environment.
From creative crafts and sports to games, dancing, and more — each day brings something new and fun! This camp is a great space for newcomer children to build confidence, connect with peers, and explore their creativity.
Register today – space is limited!Email: SWIS@cvims.org$20 refundable deposit required to secure your spot.

Library Youth Club
2025-07-14 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-07 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-30 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Vancouver Island Regional Library, 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5G4, Canada
Are you looking for a fun way to spend your free time? Join our Library Youth Club and dive into a world of creativity, games, and movies!

🎨 Art Fun: Enjoy drawing, painting, and crafting. We have all the supplies you need!

🎲 Board Games: Play cool board games with your friends. We have many games to choose from!

🎬 Movies: Watch movies with us. We have the latest films and classic favorites!

🕹️ And More: We also have special events and activities. You will always find something new and exciting!

REGISTER: https://forms.office.com/r/6Xf3tUNWX5
Day: Every Monday, from May 12 – August 25
Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
Location: Creative Commons – Nanaimo Harbourfront Library.

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

SWIS Family Camp
2025-07-11 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 09:00 - 12:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us this summer for a week of connection, creativity, and fun at the SWIS Family Camp! Designed for families with young children ages 4 to 7, this camp offers a welcoming space to play, learn, and make new friends.
Enjoy a mix of engaging activities including dancing, crafts, sports, games, and more! It’s a great opportunity to connect and have some summer fun with the entire family.
To register, email: SWIS@cvims.orgA refundable $20 deposit is required to hold your spot.
Family Camp dates: July 8 to July 11, 2025

Soft Skills
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for an informative session on an often overlooked element for professional success – soft skills. In today’s competitive job market, employers value this skill set along with any other qualifications to complement.
What to expect:

Understanding soft skills: from effective communication to teamwork and adaptability. Learn what are soft skills and how to develop them.
Key importance: an additional skill set that will improve your professional career.
Tips and strategies: how to implement them and transfer them across different careers and industries.

For more information and registration: workshops@cvims.org

Summer Sports Club
2025-07-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 2W8, Canada
Looking for a fun summer activity to do with friends? Come hang out at the school gym and join our Summer Sports Club!
Stay active this summer, make new friends, hang out with old ones. Play volleyball, basketball, badminton and more! No experience required, all skill levels are welcome!
Youth ages 12 – 18.
REGISTER: https://forms.office.com/r/6Xf3tUNWX5
At Wellington Secondary School Gym – July 9, 16, & 23
At Departure Bay School Gym – August 6 & 13

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

SWIS Family Camp
2025-07-08 09:00 - 12:00 | BC

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

Canada Day
2025-07-01 | BC
CVIMS will be closed for the stat holiday!
Join some of the celebrations happening in Nanaimo for Canada Day
Canada Day
Read more about it – Canada Day 2025 – Canada.ca

Protecting Nature
2025-06-26 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-23 16:00 - 17:00 | BC
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

Newcomer Job Fair
2025-06-26 11:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready to take your career to new heights? Join us for our upcoming Newcomer Job Fair, where you can connect directly with local companies, explore various career paths, and meet industry leaders. Whether you’re seeking your first job in Canada or looking to advance your career, this event is tailored to support your professional journey.
Event Highlights:

Connect with local employers eager to hire newcomers
Explore a wide range of career opportunities
Meet industry professionals and expand your network
Receive personalized resume reviews to enhance your job search
Enter our exclusive draw for a chance to secure a job interview with your preferred employer*

Don’t miss this chance to jumpstart your career in Nanaimo! Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume.
Register at cvims.org/jobfair
More information: workshops@cvims.org

One in Spirit Walk
2025-06-26 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 and Lunch at Bowen Park. Meeting point at bus stop #10040 at Bowen and Howard.

Youth Lounge
2025-06-25 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-06-18 17:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us in the Youth Lounge! Come have fun, relax, enjoy some games, and meet new friends. A weekly club where for youth Grades 7 – 12, you will get the chance to get creative and make some crafts, play board games, make music, enjoy some tasty snacks, and connect with others in a welcoming and safe space.
Wednesdays, June 11, 18, and 25
5:00 – 6:30pm
REGISTER: SWIS@cvims.org

Job Fair Ready!
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-23 12:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Looking to elevate your professional career in Canada? Do not miss this opportunity to prepare for any job you want!
Join us for this workshop designed to make you feel confident and prepared to meet potential employers! You will learn about effective job search opportunities, creating a resume and cover letter to stand out, the first impression to employers, improving your networking skills, and so much more!
Whether you are new to the Canadian job market or just looking for extra support, join us to be prepared with knowledge and tools you need to succeed!
More information: workshops@cvims.org
WALK-INS WELCOME!

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

Overdose Awareness & Naloxone Training
2025-06-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Nanaimo Harbourfrount Library, 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R5G4, Canada
Join us for a free, hands-on workshop designed to equip participants with life-saving knowledge and skills in response to the ongoing drug poisoning emergency in British Columbia.
Led by Griffin Russell from Island Health, this session will cover:
✔️ Key risk factors for drug poisoning and overdose
✔️ How to reduce risks and stay safer
✔️ Legal protections under the Good Samaritan Overdose Act
✔️ How to recognize and respond to an overdose
✔️ Rescue breathing and Naloxone administration
All participants will receive take away resources, will be trained in Take Home Naloxone (THN) and receive a THN kit upon completion.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://forms.office.com/r/6Xf3tUNWX5
Date & Time: Thursday, June 19, from 5:00 – 6:30pm
Location: Nanaimo Harbourfront Library, Large Meeting Room
Eligibility: Ages 15 – 29

Resumes & Cover Letters
2025-06-19 12:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you looking to start a new career? Need help with the application process? Have never written a resume or cover letter? Join our session Resumes & Cover Letters and learn all you need to know to stand out to employers in the Canadian job market.
In this workshop you can expect to:

Learn what Resumes & Cover Letters are and what information to include to target the job you are applying for.
Learn tips and tricks to make you stand out
Get feedback on your own resume or cover letter

REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

English Club
2025-06-18 15:00 - 16:00 | BC
Are you looking for a safe space to practice English? Join our Youth English Club, weekly sessions on Wednesdays!
Enjoy fun games, free snacks, and make new friends while using English.
Wednesdays, from April 9 – June 18, 2025
3:00 – 4:00pm
Room 128, NDSS
To register or for more information, contact Eutah – emizushima@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!
