CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Workplace Culture
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you navigating the Canadian job market and seeking to understand the workplace culture in your new country? Join us for an informative workshop focused on clarifying the expectations, norms, and dynamics of Canadian workplaces.
Workshop Overview:

Cultural Expectations in Canadian Workplaces: Explore the values, attitudes, and behaviors that shape the workplace culture in Canada, including concepts such as professionalism, collaboration, and diversity.
Employer Expectations and Norms: Gain clarity on what Canadian employers expect from their employees, such as communication styles, work ethic, punctuality, and teamwork, to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
Understanding Workplace Environment: Learn about the typical structure and dynamics of Canadian workplaces, including organizational hierarchies, team dynamics, and office etiquette, to adapt effectively to your new work environment.
Rights and Responsibilities: Understand your rights as an employee in Canada, including workplace safety, fair treatment, and protection against discrimination, as well as your responsibilities in upholding these rights.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Explore the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in Canadian workplaces, and how to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment that values and respects all individuals.
And More!

For more information & registration: workshops@cvims.org
Join us for this enriching session and embark on a successful career journey in your new home.

Library Youth Club
2025-07-28 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-11 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-18 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-25 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.

SWIS Pre-Teen Camp
2025-07-29 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-30 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-31 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-01 09:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
The SWIS Pre-teen Camp is the perfect summer opportunity for children ages 10 to 12 to explore new interests, build friendships, and have a ton of fun in a safe and inclusive space!
Campers will take part in a variety of exciting activities like games, sports, music, crafts, and team-building challenges — all designed to support confidence, creativity, and community. Looking to connect with others and enjoy a fun-filled summer experience, JOIN US NOW!
Limited spots available – register early!Email: SWIS@cvims.orgA $20 refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Dates: July 29 – August 1

Summer Sports Club
2025-08-06 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Departure Bay School, 3004 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 1B4, 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

Cedar Weaving
2025-08-08 12:00 - 15:30 | BC, Canada
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

CRA Tax Clinic
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

Workplace Safety
2025-08-27 16:00 - 17:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for an information session on what you need to know about being safe at work! This session will cover essential knowledge and skills to ensure workplace safety in Canada, empowering you with the necessary tools to recognize and address potential hazards in the work environment.
Learn about safety rules specific to the workplace in British Columbia, who is responsible for those rules and employees safety, the right to refuse unsafe work, accidents at work and how to report them.
Don’t leave it to guess, learn from Helen Chandler, Industry and Program Specialist WorkSafeBC.
Register: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 4:00 to 5:00pm

Family Lounge
2025-09-10 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-17 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-09-24 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
For parents and children ages 4 – 7 years old .
Join the SWIS team each week for an afternoon filled with fun! Enjoy crafts, games, music, and lots of fun!
Please REGISTER: swis@cvims.org
Every Wednesday, from September 10 – 24.
4:30 – 5:30pm

Resumes - Employment Workshops
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:30 | 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 ? Join our Resume employment workshop 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 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

REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Youth Art Therapy Session
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Bastion CVIMS, 103 - 235 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 3A4, Canada
Come join this safe and welcoming space where creativity meets healing! Whether you are an experienced artist or new to the creative process, you can be part of this session where you will have the opportunity to create, reflect, and heal through art. Navigate emotions and promote personal growth, connect with yourself and like-minded individuals.
No previous art skills are required – just an open mind and a desire to explore.
Ages: 19 – 25
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
REGISTER: HERE

Art Therapy
2025-09-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-26 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-03 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-10-10 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

Cover Letter - Employment Workshops
2025-09-25 11:00 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Our employment workshop series is back for another time!
Are you looking to start a new career? Need help with the application process? Have never written a cover letter? Join our employment workshop – 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 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

To Register: workshops@cvims.org

Strong Families, Strong Future
2025-10-07 16:00 - 17:30 | BC, Canada
Interactive parenting group, join staff and guest speakers in an open dialogue on key family and parenting topics.
This is a 5-week program that encourages parents to come and share their own strategies while also exploring new ideas and approaches. It is a program designed to create empowerment to build awareness and promote strengths.
Designed with some online and in-person sessions.
REGISTER HERE

October 7th – Online Safety (via Zoom)
October 15th – Teen Mental Health (In-person or via Zoom)
October 22nd – Nutrition (In-person or via Zoom)
October 28th – Self-Care & School Supports (via Zoom)
October 29th – Conversation Circle (In-person)
November 5th – Substance Use (In-person)

Pre-Teen Lounge
2025-10-08 16:00 - 18:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join the SWIS Team for some afternoon fun!
Come enjoy games, cooking, crafts and meet new friends. Enjoy some tasty snacks and more! A weekly meeting on Wednesdays for youth ages 8 -12 years old.
Wednesdays, October 1st to 29th
4:30 -6:00pm
REGISTER HERE

Mentor Connect
2025-10-08 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Information Session
In partnership with Immigrant Employment Council of BC [IECBC], learn their MentoConnect Program. Skilled immigrants are connected with professionals to help them familiarize themselves with local professionals norms, networks, and Canada’s labour market. These one-on-one mentorships can bring valuable insights and connections.
Can be attended in-person or via Zoom.
Register: workshops@cvims.org

Job Search - Employment Workshops
2025-10-09 11:00 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Looking for a new employment opportunity? Need some help navigating the Canadian job market?
Whether you are just starting to try to find employment or are looking for new opportunities, this workshop is for you! What you can expect:

Learn how to navigate the Canadian employment market
Learn how to better target your job search
Learn about getting the most out of the most popular search websites: Indeed, WorkBC, and Canada Job Bank

REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
