This December, Coastwood Cares is proud to partner with the WeCan Shelter Society to help make a meaningful impact in our community. In the spirit of giving, Coastwood Cares will match up to $5,000 in donations to support the essential work of WeCan Shelter Society, a local organization dedicated to providing shelter, support, and hope to people in the Comox Valley.
A little about The WeCan Shelter Society. In 2019 Charlene Davis, then president of the Comox Rotary Club had a vision for an affordable housing idea. Along with the commitment from the Comox Rotary Club and Charlene’s dedicated family, they created the very first WeCan Shelter out of a recycled sea can. Since that time a charitable society has been formed and they are currently working on unit #13.
Each home contains a small kitchen with a sink, fridge, breakfast bar, toilet, shower, small closet and sleeping area along with an outside covered deck to extend the living area. These homes are located at Maple Pool Campground in Courtenay.
We have an extremely dedicated team of volunteers that put these units together. Starting with a 20-foot by 8-foot sea can, they are framed, insulated and then each unit is finished uniquely. They are provided for those in need for a user fee of $100 a month and $375 a month pad rental to Maple Pool Campground. Power and internet are approximately $25 a month. Each unit has baseboard heating and hot water.
The average cost per unit is approximately $30,000 which does not include the in-kind donations received from companies such as Modern Doors and Modern Windows, Integra Homes, Lifetime Exterior Shades and Home Hardware in Courtenay. There’s a long list of others that supply building products and services to help us in our efforts.
In 2021 the WeCan Shelter Society was incorporated, and the board was formed under the BC Societies Act. Most of the original board members are still serving today. In 2022 the Society received charitable tax status, enabling them to issue tax receipts for donations.
It’s important to note that one of the main WeCan Shelter Society mandates is to operate the society using private funds only. It is their intention to not receive any government funding and avoid the restrictions that can come with government grants.
If you would like a tour of a unit or to check our progress you can find us on YouTube. Here is a tour of unit #10 http://youtube.com/WeCanShelterSociety
Donations can be made through Canada Helps: DONATE NOW
Or via e-transfer to anncwecan@gmail.com
Join us in giving back this December—your donation, big or small, will go twice as far in supporting this vital cause. Let’s make a difference together!
-The Coastwood Team
