At the Parksville–Qualicum Community Foundation, we believe that strong communities are built one connection at a time. A recent Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) project led by local resident Sheila Parry is a wonderful example of how a small investment can spark meaningful change and lay the groundwork for a safer, more connected neighbourhood.
With support from the NSG program, Sheila organized a Block Party and Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness (NEP) reconnect event, bringing together residents who, in many cases, had never done more than exchange a wave in passing.
Neighbours stepped out of their daily routines to share food, have meaningful conversations, and form new connections. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Everyone was invited, and everyone felt included.
Beyond the joy of simply coming together, the event served a deeper purpose: strengthening the neighbourhood’s emergency preparedness plan. By reconnecting residents and fostering trust between neighbours. Knowing your neighbours is an essential part of being ready to support one another in times of need.
The response has been enthusiastic. Neighbours left inspired, and there is already growing interest in making this an annual tradition — a testament to how much the community valued the experience.
Projects like this reflect exactly what the Neighbourhood Small Grants program is designed to support: resident-led initiatives that bring people together, build local capacity, and strengthen the bonds that make a neighbourhood truly feel like home. PQCF is grateful to Sheila Parry and all the neighbours who came together to make this event such a meaningful success.
About Neighbourhood Small Grants
The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program supports local residents to build stronger connections and foster a sense of belonging where they live. NSG is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: when people feel connected to their neighbourhood, they are more likely to take part in activities that strengthen their community.
Neighbourhood Small Grants offer up to $500 for resident-led projects that bring people together socially, encourage skill-sharing, and build local capacity. These small investments often lead to big outcomes — new relationships, shared experiences, and lasting neighbourhood traditions.
If you have an idea that could help bring your neighbourhood together, we encourage you to apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant.
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