Like every organization, we are required to respond quickly and diligently to the escalating COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we have implemented changes to HIES Programs. Please read HIES statement on COVID-19 including closures/cancellations and how you can help our organization continue to deliver services in these difficult times

• Toddler Drop-In has been suspended until further notice
• Room to Grow will be closed until further notice
• New Life Long Learning Program Seminars to be rescheduled
• The Kitchen will continue to operate, with the following changes:
  • Take out service only
  • Containers provided
  • No food donations being accepted
  • Financial donations welcomed (see below)
  • Volunteer driver delivery of meals upon request (10 – 2:30 Monday, Wednesday & Friday 250 335-0023)

We will continue to monitor the situation, and follow the guidance of local, provincial, and federal governments and health authorities. Further decisions will be made based on changing conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing considerable disruption around the world, including financial hardship for non-profit organizations such as ours. Supply chain disruptions, and the inability to accept food donations will make operating the Kitchen increasingly more difficult in the weeks and months to come. Meanwhile, the importance of providing meals and supporting our most vulnerable will increase.  Cancelling programming and eliminating rental revenue from Room To Grow will also negatively impact our organization. We were in the midst of planning a fundraising event, which will no longer be possible for the foreseeable future. Difficult times can bring out the best in people, and in communities. If you would like to support HIES, we are happy to accept donations by E-transfer, all amounts over $50 will receive a tax receipt. Please send donations to hiesboard@gmail.com or cheques to HIES 2100B Sollans Road, Hornby Island, V0R1Z0

About HIES:

HIES (Hornby Island Education Society) is a registered non-profit charitable organization. We operate numerous community programs on Hornby Island, and are the organization that supports the community school designation of the Hornby School. It’s because of our community school designation that our school, both previous and the one to be rebuilt, has a multi-purpose room and a full size gym available for community use. HIES currently supports Child Youth & Community Programming, the Natural History Center, the Kitchen at Joe King Park, Room To Grow, and we recently launched a Life Long Learning program, which will have to be temporary, suspended due to COVID-19. We acted as stewards of the School Renewal Fund, which collected nearly $100K for the new school, and have advocated alongside other stakeholders to ensure our community school was rebuilt to satisfy the needs of Hornby Island. HIES has deep roots in the community, and is critical to many of the programs which ensure quality education, and a quality of life for the residents which call this beautiful island their home. Please consider helping today, on behalf of the Board, we thank you.