The SOS thrift shop on Hirst Ave. and McMillan St in downtown Parksville is the social agency's top revenue source. (SOS/Facebook)

By Ian Holmes

significant needs

Oceanside non-profit sees demand soar

Jan 5, 2025 | 6:03 AM

PARKSVILLE — An anticipated busy holiday season for Society of Organized Services (SOS) came to fruition, and the need isn’t slowing down with the calendar flipping to 2025.

SOS executive director Susanna Newton reported their annual Christmas Program, involving handing out donated toys, gift and grocery cards, represented a new record in the agency’s nearly 60 year history.

She said a little over 1,000 households registered, with 1,315 adults and 1,135 children and youth benefiting.

The previous high was 981 household registrants from people in the Oceanside area, Newton told NanaimoNewsNOW.

“This year we noticed through our other programs that needs are greater, it just really reflects that through our Christmas Program as well.”

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The prior year’s SOS Christmas Program saw 861 registrants, equating to a 16 per cent jump.

Housing costs and a lack of local affordable housing options are the biggest barriers impacting SOS clients, Newton said.

She noted their 25 programs based in Parksville and Qualicum Beach assisting children, adults and seniors are well subscribed.

“I know our program utilization is at the top level and we’re doing our best to meet those needs in all of our region.”

Newton said the community’s generosity has been critical to meet demand with financial contributions.

She hopes people take advantage of the tax contributions deadline for charity organizations until the end of February in order for people to claim the benefit in their 2024 tax return.

“Hopefully anybody’s donation in the mail and was delayed by the (Canada Post) strike still get that tax receipt and maybe people that didn’t put a donation in the mail will do so now that the deadline has changed.”

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