The Family Caregivers' Network Society is a registered charity that has been improving the lives of family caregivers in Greater Victoria since 1989. As a pioneer organization we have evolved through continuous years of service to become a vital link in our community health care system. Our mission is to inform, support and educate on issues of concern to family caregivers.

Resources and services include family caregiver support groups, educational workshops, a resource lending library, a bi-monthly newsletter, help navigating the health care system, a Medical Information Package, a Resource Guide for Family Caregivers and a Wellness Booklet. We also offer workshops and 'brown bag' luncheons on topics that assist businesses and organizations to build support for employed family caregivers.

We also promote the significance of the family caregiver's role and contribution in the healthcare system, and continue to be involved in policy development at all levels of government. We have formed linkages with other caregiving organizations across Canada and believe strongly in the power of collaboration and the sharing of resources.

Our core funding for administration and a portion of service comes from the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and the remainder of our programming comes from grants, including Direct Access grants. Our fundraising efforts have necessarily expanded to meet increasing demands.

Your donations will support family caregivers on Southern Vancouver Island. There are over 60,000 family members and friends who provide unpaid care to frail seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities. We currently reach almost 20,000, but we have a long way to go.

You can learn more at www.fcns-caregiving.org or call (250)384-0408.