CVIMS - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society

Pathways to Permanent Residency
2025-07-08 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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
2025-07-09 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-10 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-11 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

Summer Sports Club
2025-07-09 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-16 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-23 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

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

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

Library Youth Club
2025-07-14 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-21 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-28 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-11 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 Kids Camp
2025-07-15 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-16 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-17 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-07-18 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.

CRA Tax Clinic
2025-07-15 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

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

Interview Preparation
2025-07-16 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for a workshop that will leave you with essential knowledge and skills to land the right job for you! Whether this is for your first job in Canada or you are looking to work on your interview skills, there is something to takeaway from this session!
This workshop will focus on:

Understanding the interview process – from how to prepare for the interview to the follow up post-interview.
Mastering common interview questions – learn what are some common interview questions and how to approach the answer to them
Some common tips and tricks for the interview jitters

Do not miss the opportunity to better your job search skills and succeed in the Canadian job market.
Make sure to REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org

Art Therapy - Youth
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Bastion CVIMS, 103 - 235 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 3A4, Canada
Join us for a safe and welcoming space where creativity meets healing! Explore themes of Resilience and Growth, whether you are a seasoned artist or new to the creative process, no previous art skills are required – just an open mind and a desire to explore.
In this session you will have the opportunity to create, reflect, and heal, using art as a tool to navigate emotions and promote personal growth. Take this time to connect with yourself, tap into your creativity, and share with like-minded individuals. A guided therapy session with a registered art therapist.
Ages: 19 – 25
Register HERE

Workplace Culture
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

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

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
