Resources
We Are Here to Help
Island Kids Cancer Association is one of many critical avenues of support. We encourage you to learn more about the organizations that are available for you and your family.
Resources for Families
Transportation Support
Travel Assistance Program
(TAP) Government program that helps to alleviate some of the transportation costs. Forms can be attained through hospital clinic or social worker, and referral is necessary from physician or nurse practitioner. Escort is eligible if patient is 18 yrs or under; or incapable of travelling independently for medical reasons.
Comfy Kids Car Program
Vehicle is provided to families supporting their children with cancer on Vancouver Island. This program is only accessible through Island Kids Cancer Association and for those families residing on Vancouver Island who require transportation to and from their child’s medical appointments at either Victoria General Hospital or BCCH.
Hope Air
Travel support for medical appointment and treatments. Applications are based on a case by case basis on a confirmed appointment covered by your provincial healthcare plan and demonstrated financial need.
Angel Flight
Air transportation for children with cancer. Passangers must be fully mobile and able to climb into the plane unassisted. Note: there is NO medical assistance on board. Please contact hospital social worker, as waiver must be signed by physician.
Wheels for Wellness
Volunteer drivers will drive to any out of town non emergency medical appointment that exceeds 60 km one way from your point of departure. 48 hrs advance notice is required to book vehicle and driver.
Accommodation Support
Jeneece Place
Location, Victoria, BC — A home where children and their families can stay while receiving medical care in Victoria. This building on the grounds of Victoria General Hospital. Referrals are necessary, and support is for families with children 0–19.
YANA — You Are Not Alone (for Comox Valley Residence)
Community organization offering help to Comox Valley families who need to travel for medical treatment for a child or for a pregnant mother. Yana assists with booking stays at Jeneece Place when families are required to be in Victoria. Apartments within walking distance from BC Children’s Hospital are also provided if needed.
Children’s Health Foundation — Bear Essentials Program
Location, Victoria, BC — Assists with the costs of health related travel and equipment for Vancouver Island kids under the age of 20. Referring health care professionals are required to apply.
Ronald McDonald House
Location, Vancouver, BC — House provides accommodation for families supporting their seriously ill children across BC. Stays are min 3 nights and guests must be parents / legal guardians of child under the age of 19. Referring health care professionals are required to apply.
Easter Seals House
Location, Vancouver, BC — Provides accommodation for families whose children have medical appointments or treatment. Within walking distance to BC Children’s Hospital (approximately 1 km). Offering in suite kitchenettes, snack shop, children’s playroom, wifi, and housekeeping services.
BC Family Residency Program
Provincial program offering subsidies for families with a child aged 18 years and under who require care at BC Children’s Hospital or Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children. Families must be BC residents and have medical coverage under the medical services plan of BC.
Financial Assistance
Jordan's Principle
Under Jordan's Principle, First Nations children can access the products, services, and support they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs that First Nations Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA children and youth and those with disabilities may have.
Help Fill a Dream
Assists Vancouver Island families whose child is under the age of 20, has a life-threatening / critical illness, focusing on a child’s mobility, health and well-being. Referrals given by qualified health care professionals.
Children’s Health Foundation
The Bear Essentials program assists with the costs of health care related travel and equipment for Vancouver Island kids and youth under the age of 20. They do not fund the following: dental work, medications, consumables, and resources such as therapies. Through referral only.
IKCA Family Financial Assistance Program
A childhood cancer diagnosis can be financially devastating. IKCA provides short-term funding to help a family cover expenses to help manage income, housing, food, childcare, medical or other needs. Constant travel to and from appointments and taking care of the critically ill child means families will often be faced with reduced income and additional expenses. The unique circumstances of residing on Vancouver Island means increased costs and burdens, and decreased accessibility for recipients whose children are receiving treatment at BC Children’s Hospital.
BC Palliative Care Benefits Program
Provincial program supporting individuals of any age who have reached the end stage of a life threatening disease or illness and who wish to receive palliative care at home or wherever the person is living. Registrations are to be submitted by physicans or nurse practitioners.
Childhood Cancer Family Support
Provincial organization providing financial aid, addressing loss of income, travel costs and medication requirements. CCFS works closely with BC Children’s Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital and Victoria General Hospital.
Childhood Cancer Canada
Financial support and resources for individuals 39 and under. Emergency fund program provides $250 to family / patient as a onetime payment. Healthcare provider required for application process. Survivor scholarship and benevolent fund also available.
TLC Fund for Kids
Funds are raised to aid in the wellness and quality of life for all children in the Capital Regional District ages 18 and under. The fund can assist a single child or go towards helping a group. Families may apply for funding.
Variety the Children’s Charity
Grants are available for children 0–19 who require specialized therapies, adaptive equipment, custom orthotics, and tutoring bursaries are available for children with learning disabilities. Referral from health care professional required and notice of assessment from previous year’s financial statement.
Believe in the Gold
Financial assistance available to cover medical costs as outlined in the Canada Revenue Agency (established medical expenses). Travel costs covered up to $500 / yr and meal coverage for both patient and caregiver.
Shine Through the Rain Fund
Financial assistance program for Canadian Citizens who are currently in treatment to a max of $1,500 per person per year. Admission criterion: annual income of less than $60,000 annually. Application must be completed by social worker.
Thrive Alive Foundation
Thrive Support Program supports those who need access to cancer treatments or services not normally covered by government or healthcare plans. Eligible applicants must be considered low income for their community (according to stats Canada).
Mental Health and Wellness
Anxiety Canada
Reducing the barrier of anxiety through resources and programs to help people better understand and manage anxiety. Programs available for adults / children through online group therapy, courses, videos, podcasts, and anxiety app.
BCALM — BC Association for Living Mindfully
Victoria, BC — Mindfulness stress reduction and management for children, youth and adults. Dedicated to education, research, and advocacy around the benefits of mindfulness in homes, schools and in workplaces throughout BC.
Foundry BC
Vancouver Island Locations — Victoria, Courtenay, and Campbell River. Young people ages 12–24 are offered health and wellness resources services and supports online and through integrated service centres in communities across BC.
West Coast Kids Foundation
Provincial organization located in Vancouver BC offering programs that include food support through BC Children’s Hospital and home deliveries. Virtual and in person connections for kids, youth, siblings and adult care givers.
IKCA's Touchstones Program
Touchstones Mental Health and Wellness Program is focused on mental health support, minimizing barriers, and helping families find the service providers and/or specialized therapists that may be a fit for their specific needs.
Inspire Health
Victoria, BC — Supportive cancer care that provides patients (aged 16 and older) and families with programs and services such as counselling, meditation, nutrition workshops, and cooking classes. No referral necessary and free of charge.
Canadian Mental Health Association
Kids Help Line for kids and teens ages 20 and under — 24 hrs a day:
1-800-668-6868
24 hr crisis line:
1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support:
310-6789 (no area code needed)
Support for youth in BC — online chat from noon — 1AM.
For Further Information, Please Reach Out
"*" indicates required fields