Island Kids Cancer Association helps to hold up the entire family unit when the weight of a childhood cancer diagnosis, the stress of travelling long distances for treatment, or the feelings of loss and grief become too much to bear. We become a part of a family’s support circle in their time of need. We provide emotional, social and practical support throughout the cancer journey, including during treatment, post-treatment survivorship, and palliative care and bereavement. 

Our primary initiatives include:

- Working with community partners to develop and facilitate nature-based outings, activities and retreats for children and their families to promote connection, social engagement, physical activity and fun. - Supporting children during treatment by making sure the Child Life specialist has a cupboard full of toys, games, arts and crafts to help keep kids busy during long chemotherapy appointments, and stocking the pediatric oncology clinic at Victoria General Hospital with healthy snacks. - Providing comprehensive mental health support for children and youth with cancer, as well as their family members.- Providing emergency gas and grocery cards to families supporting a child in treatment and sometimes follow-up to offset the additional stress of unexpected and on-going additional living expenses.