Cst. Mona Dhaul, credited with leading Operation Hydration from the Nanaimo RCMP detachment's side, handing out water to a Nanaimo individual. (Image Credit: Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

operation hydration

Superstore, Nanaimo RCMP partner for new initiative

May 23, 2026 | 7:12 AM

NANAIMO — Local Mounties, in partnership with employees of Real Canadian Superstore, are looking to make the summer a little cooler for those unhoused.

RCMP officers, along with City of Nanaimo Community Safety Officers, volunteers, and staff at Nanaimo’s Real Canadian Superstore location on Metral Dr., will be hosting a by-donation barbeque and water collection event at the store on Saturday, May 23.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said they’ll be collecting donated bottled water from shoppers at the store, which will then be distributed through the summer months to those on the street.

“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.”

The event, dubbed ‘Operation Hydration,’ runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

operation hydration

Superstore, Nanaimo RCMP partner for new initiative

2h ago

Overtime Hurdle

Clippers lose titanic struggle in BCHL Finals to defending champion Brooks

9h ago

OCP adjustment

Plan to increase housing density in south Parksville denied by council

16h ago

Donated bottles will be loaded into an RCMP cruiser and kept securely at the detachment, then handed out throughout the year’s warmest months.

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the idea for the event stemmed from staff at the store, who approached the RCMP earlier this year.

“They had an initiative that was in Hamilton, Ontario, where their employees were doing that, and one of our officers, Cst. Mona Dhaul, jumped on this. We thought this was a great initiative to partner with the store and to draw attention to a significant issue in our community.”

Those unable to donate during Saturday’s event can drop off commercially sealed bottles or flats or water to the Nanaimo RCMP detachment during regular operating hours.

We’re on Bluesky! Stay up to date on news across central Vancouver Island through Bluesky, by following @NanaimoNewsNOW.bsky.social.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook

by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Superstore, Nanaimo RCMP partner for new initiative

More Local News