After 14 years of providing a safe and welcoming space for students, Gibby’s at Quw’utsun Secondary School will be closing its doors on May 1.
Gibby’s was founded by Sandi Gibson, a local businesswoman and a former social services worker seeking a change, in response to a vision shared by former principal Grant Foster.
Foster expressed the need for a space where students could feel safe and supported.
What began as a small effort to provide comfort to students quickly grew into an integral part of the school community.
In its early days, students would come to Gibby’s seeking a moment of connection and Gibson would offer hot chocolate and muffins while they talked, ensuring they felt heard and cared for.
Teachers soon recognized the impact of this and suggested expanding the offerings to include soup, sandwiches, and other food items.
Over time, Gibby’s transformed from a safe space into a full food-service program that became woven into the fabric of the former Cowichan Secondary School.
“We thank Sandi for all of her work and congratulate her on her many successes,” said current principal Darcy Hoff. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
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The annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign is coming back to the Cowichan Valley, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
From April 28 to May 4, the iconic chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing drawing out a smile will be available for $2 each at a number of local Tim Hortons locations, including the ones on Trunk Road, Beverly Street, Bench Road, Berkey’s Corner and Lake Cowichan.
Not only do customers get a delicious cookie, 100 per cent of the proceeds from these special cookies will be donated to Nourish Cowichan, which is dedicated to providing nutritious school-based meals to the children of the Cowichan Valley, and the Clements Centre for Families.
Pre-order sales are available by contacting one of the participating charities, or the store directly.
“Treat your friends, family or co-workers and, Every Smile Counts!” Tim Hortons said.
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Community Futures Cowichan will be hosting a free “Navigating Uncertainty Workshop” for small business owners on April 29.
CFC said it’s hosting the full-day workshop, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Clements Centre in Duncan, because small businesses need real support, and not just advice, in today’s business climate.
“Uncertainty may be the new normal, but your business can still thrive even when it feels like chaos all around,” the CFC said.
“In this interactive workshop, you'll gain practical strategies to navigate change with confidence, adapt quickly, and seize new opportunities.”
Food and beverages will be available at the workshop.
Register online or call 250-746-1004.
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Stonebridge Law will host a free estate-planning seminar on April 24
The law firm’s experienced team will walk you through the essentials of building a thoughtful, comprehensive estate plan.
The session will offer practical guidance, legal insights, and actionable steps to help you protect your loved ones and plan with confidence.
“Planning ahead is one of the most important gifts you can give your family, and we’re here to help make it easier,” Stonebridge Law said.
“Take the first step toward peace of mind, for you and your family."
The seminar will be held at the Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn, 6457 Norcross Rd., from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Go to Stonebridge Law’s website to register.
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Tourism Cowichan is inviting all its registered stakeholders to the 2025 Annual General Meeting on April 24.
Come celebrate the past year’s achievements at Tourism Cowichan, hear from the board and staff, and enjoy guest presentations from Export Navigator’s Brady Calancie who will speak on tariff impacts, and Go2HR’s Peter Charles who will speak on workplace mental health.
Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available.
If you have questions about your stakeholder status at Tourism Nanaimo, you can email info@tourismcowichan.com.
The AGM will be held at 4 p.m. at The Oceanfront Suites in Cowichan Bay.
Go to www.eventbrite.ca/e/tourism-cowichan-society-2025-agm-tickets to get tickets.
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In these uncertain financial times, business people from the Cowichan Valley and across the province are encouraged to attend the BC Chamber of Commerce’s 73rd annual AGM in Nanaimo on June 3-5.
The gathering will feature Premier David Eby, who will address delegates, and join the chamber’s president and CEO Fiona Famulak for an exclusive fireside chat.
This signature event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from across the province to explore how collaboration drives innovation and resilience.
“This is a must-attend event for those looking to engage with decision-makers and help shape the future of B.C.’s economy,” the chamber said.
For more information, go to jjones@bcchamber.org.
