Shoppers at Nanaimo's Superstore location were generous on Saturday, May 23, with just under 4,000 bottles of water donated through a new community initiative with RCMP. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

massive support

Local Mounties collect thousands of water bottles ahead of hot summer months

May 27, 2026 | 9:16 AM

NANAIMO — The community has responded in a big way to support a new initiative to help those unhoused this summer.

Local RCMP officers, along with City of Nanaimo Community Safety Officers and staff from Nanaimo’s Real Canadian Superstore location on Metral Dr., collected nearly 4,000 donated bottles of water during a five-hour event on Saturday, May 23.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said in a statement this event was warmly received, and the bottles will be safely stored and handed out to those on the street this summer.

“Throughout the event, organizers were met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from members of the public who not only contributed generously but also expressed strong support for the initiative and its focus on care and prevention.”

Officers load bottles into an RCMP van, to be transported to the detachment and handed out over the summer. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)

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Dubbed ‘Operation Hydration’, O’Brien said the bottles were loaded into an RCMP van and will be kept at the detachment for officers to deploy as needed.

Those who missed out on Saturday’s donation drive can still contribute, by bringing newly-purchased bottles or flats of water to the Nanaimo RCMP detachment of Prideaux St.

Staff from Superstore approached the RCMP earlier in the year, inspired by a similar initiative in Hamilton, Ontario.

O’Brien, speaking to NanaimoNewsNOW prior to Saturday’s event, said a simple bottle of water can make a big difference to someone struggling on a hot day.

“We feel this is a really important initiative. Hydration is significant, just not only for all of us who are housed, but also for those who are wandering the streets and trying to find some shelter to keep them hydrated just may get them through that day.”

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by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Local Mounties collect thousands of water bottles ahead of hot summer months

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