CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

English Games Club
2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 2W8, Canada
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.
Tuesdays, January 14 – March 11, 2026 (Excluding Holidays)
Lunch Time
Room C119, Wellington Secondary School
To register or for more information, contact Eutah – emizushima@cvims.org

Community Cruising
2026-02-18 16:30 - 18:30 | Nanaimo Harbourfrount Library, 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R5G4, Canada
Bringing Nanaimo Youth Together!

Discover local organizations, programs, and leadership opportunities.
Fun group visits and hands-on activities.
Build confidence, make connections, and learn how to get involved in the community.

It’s all about exploring new opportunities, finding a voice, and making a real impact.
Activity: Introduction to the library programs
Location: 90 Commercial St, Nanaimo V9R 5G4
Date: February 18
Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Register at: swis@cvims.org

Library Youth Club
2026-02-24 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-17 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-24 16:30 - 18:30 | 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! Open to all youth ages 12-18

🎨 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: CVIMS – Youth Connections
Day: Every Tuesday, from January 6 – March 24, 2026 (Excluding Holidays)
Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm
Location: Creative Commons – Nanaimo Harbourfront Library.

Community Cruising
2026-02-26 17:00 - 18:30 | BC, Canada
Bringing Nanaimo Youth Together!

Discover local organizations, programs, and leadership opportunities.
Fun group visits and hands-on activities.
Build confidence, make connections, and learn how to get involved in the community.

It’s all about exploring new opportunities, finding a voice, and making a real impact.
Activity: City of Nanaimo Youth Lounge and introduction to the Leaders in Training program at Aquatic Centre (Jack Little room B)
Location: 741 Third St, Nanaimo V9R 7B2
Date: February 26
Time: 5 pm – 6:30 pm
Register at: swis@cvims.org

Youth Art Therapy
2026-02-26 17:00 - 19:00 | BC, Canada
Join us for an evening of self-expression and creative exploration, facilitated by a registered art therapist. No prior art experience is required. Art supplies, food, and beverages will be provided.

Location of workshop or event

Room 205 – 235 Bastion Street
This is a public event and everyone is welcome
Please register here:
https://forms.office.com/r/6Xf3tUNWX5

Art Therapy
2026-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor 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.
February 27, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

A Celebration of African Cultures
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 | BC, Canada
Everyone is welcome to Experience an interactive day of African storytelling, art and music.
With Special Guests:
Tania Amaral (Mozambique)
Karingana wa karingana: Reading African Tales with Children
Beni Rene (Madagascar)
Interactive Music and Dance Session
Saturday, February 28
1pm – 3 pm
Harbourfront Library, 90 Commercial St.
Free for Everyone
contact shaynes@cvims.org for more information

Volunteer Appreciation Night
2026-03-04 17:00 - 19:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for our Volunteer Appreciation night at our Selby office, 101-319 Selby Street.

Workplace Health and Safety
2026-03-05 11:30 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you new to working in Canada? Join this informative session to better understand your workplace rights and responsibilities so you can feel confident and protected on the job. Knowing your rights and how to respond to safety concerns is essential for creating a safe and respectful work environment.
Stay informed. Stay safe. Work with confidence.
In this session, you will learn:

Your basic rights as a worker in Canada
Your responsibilities at work
What to do if you feel unsafe at work
Who to talk to if you have a safety concern

To Register Email workshops@cvims.org
In person and Online
101-319 Selby Street Room 23

CIBC Career Paths
2026-03-11 16:30 - 17:30 | BC, Canada
Join us for a CIBC Career Paths Information Session to learn about career opportunities in the banking sector. Learn:
• What the CIBC Career Paths Program offers
• Career pathways and roles within CIBC
• Skills and qualifications needed
• How to apply
In Person and Online
To register Email workshops@cvims.org

LinkedIn
2026-03-12 11:00 - 12:30 | BC, Canada
Do you want to learn how to use LinkedIn effectively for job search?
A practical workshop on how to use LinkedIn for job searching.
Participants will learn how to create a strong profile, use job search tools, and build a professional network to connect with employers.
In person and Online
To register email employ@cvims.org
Event Registration
Location: 155 Skinner St #201 Classroom 1

Credential Evaluation
2026-03-19 11:00 - 12:30 | BC, Canada
Come and learn about the process
organizations who offer this and what they
mean when completed.
In person and Online
Location: 155 Skinner St #201
To register email employ@cvims.org

Youth Art Therapy
2026-03-19 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, March 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
REGISTER: HERE

Art Therapy
2026-03-20 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor 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.
March 20, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

Indigenous Storytelling
2026-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 | BC, Canada
Listen to Uncle Randy share traditional tales and adventures from Tseshaht First Nation culture.
Sunday, March 22nd
10-11:30 am
Literacy Central Vancouver Island – 19 Commercial Street
For children 5-10 years old (accompanied by parents)
REGISTER HERE

Good Friday (CVIMS Closed)
2026-04-03 | BC, Canada

Easter Monday (CVIMS Closed)
2026-04-06 | BC, Canada

World Earth Day
2026-04-22 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Interactive Workshop for Newcomers in Nanaimo
Learn. Practice. Feel Confident. Make a Difference.
Are you new to Nanaimo and unsure how to manage your household waste? Join our interactive workshop designed to help you understand local waste sorting rules and build confidence in your daily routine.
What You’ll Learn
Sort Waste the Right WayLearn how to correctly separate recycling, compost, and garbage according to Nanaimo’s guidelines.
Understand Local RulesGet familiar with local waste management practices and avoid common mistakes.
Reduce Household WasteDiscover simple and practical ways to minimize waste at home.
Support a Cleaner CommunityContribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable Nanaimo.
Build Everyday ConfidenceFeel confident managing your waste and navigating daily life in your new community.
For more information contact workshops@cvims.org

Interim Federal Health Program info session
2026-04-28 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
What You’ll Learn
Stay informed about upcoming updates to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This session will help you understand what’s changing and how it may affect you.
Key Topics:
What’s Changing:An overview of important IFHP updates taking effect on May 1, 2026
Impact on Your Coverage:How these changes may affect your current health benefits and eligibility
Covered Services:A clear breakdown of which services will continue to be covered—and which may no longer be included
What You Need to Do:Steps you should take to ensure your coverage continues without interruption
April 28, 2026
4:30pm – 5:30 pm
Selby Office, Room 10
Register at: workshops@cvims.org

Emergency Preparedness
2026-04-29 16:30 - 17:30 | 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: Evan Lloyd, Emergency Manager of City of Nanaimo.
Come and learn, be prepared!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, | 4:30 – 5:45pm
In-person and online!

Job Search Strategies
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:30 | BC, Canada
Learn how to boost your job search through better applications, networking and hidden job opportunities.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
1pm – 2:30 pm
201-155 Skinner St – Cliff Centre Classroom 1
Register at: Event Registration
for more information contact employ@cvims.org

Victoria Day - CVIMS Closed
2026-05-18 | BC, Canada

Work permit extension for refugee claimants info session
2026-05-20 16:30 - 18:00 | BC, Canada
In this session, you will:

Get guidance on how to complete the IMM5710 form
Learn how to create and use a GCKey account
Upload required documents correctly

This is an informational session only. Immigration advice will not be provided.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
4:30 pm – 6 pm
101-319 Selby Street, Classroom 23
Register: Event Registration
for more information contact employ@cvims.org
