Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you so much for reaching out. We know it takes courage to ask for help, and we want you to know—it’s our pleasure to help when and where we can. Caremongering Campbell River is here for you. With a community of over 6,000 members and a dedicated team of 70+ screened volunteers, we offer support in many ways.

Here are some of the ways we may be able to help:

• Grocery support:
  If you need help with food, please see our [FAQ for food help] (insert link). We organize $100 grocery necessity shops (delivered to your door), as funding allows.
• Sourcing essential items:
  We can help locate free or low-cost furniture, clothing, kitchenware, housewares, bedding, and other basic needs through our network as well as organize delivery as volunteers with trucks and strong backs are available.
• Help finding housing or transportation:
  Our group has successfully helped people find housing, vehicles, and other critical resources during times of transition or crisis.
• Community support:
  You are welcome to post directly in our Caremongering Campbell River Facebook group if you’re in need of specific items or support. If you'd prefer to stay private, you can send a direct message to Tara Jordan or Michelle Albrecht, and we’ll do our best to coordinate help confidentially.

Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of the local community. We don’t receive any government or formal funding—just people helping people. If funds or resources aren't immediately available, we will add you to a waitlist and do our best to reach out to the community for help on your behalf.

If you have any questions or would like to connect privately, please feel free to message us directly or email admin@caremongeringcr.ca.

Our motto is “Gratitude in all directions.”  We’ve all needed help at some point in our lives and we are grateful that we have the opportunity to both provide and receive support within our Caremongering Community.

We’re so sorry you’re going through a tough time, and we’re grateful you reached out. Caremongering Campbell River is here to support local individuals and families, thanks to the generosity of our community. As funding allows, we’re able to provide one or two $100 grocery necessity shops per family per year.

To request grocery support, please send the following information to Michelle Albrecht, our food volunteer organizer:

• Name
• Phone number
• Address
• Best days/times for drop-off
• A grocery list (within a $100 budget)

Please be as specific as possible in your list. For example, instead of writing “milk,” please write “4 litres of 2% milk.” We can shop for essentials like:

• Vegetables and fruit
• Meat and dairy
• Bread, frozen food, dried and canned goods

As a general rule, we do not purchase junk food, pop, chips, sweets, or similar items.

Once we receive your information, a volunteer will contact you to confirm the grocery shop is being arranged. Please note that all support is based on available funding.

All donations come from generous individuals in our local community—we do not receive any government or formal funding. If funds aren’t available at the time of your request, we’ll add you to a waitlist and begin reaching out to the community. In most cases, we’re able to gather the needed support within a week or two.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at admin@caremongeringcr.ca. We're here to help.

We’re truly sorry that the rising cost of living is making life so difficult. Please know that you are not alone—the Caremongering Campbell River (CMCR) community is here for you.

If you’ve already received your allotted grocery shops for the year and are still in need, the best next step is to make a post in the CMCR Facebook group. Many people in our community want to help when they can, and a heartfelt post can often lead to support.

Here’s how to create an effective post:

Posts with a photo are much more visible because of Facebook’s algorithms. Posts without photos often go unseen.

Try to include:

1. A photo – of anything you're comfortable sharing (a pet, nature scene, your shoes, etc.)
2. Why you need help – a brief explanation of your current situation
3. Your general neighborhood – for example: “near Carihi School” or “close to the 7-11 on Hilchey”
4. What you need – be specific if you can (food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.)
5. Words of thanks – people appreciate knowing their support is valued
6. Tag a CMCR admin or send a message to Michelle Albrecht, Henry Albrecht, or Tara Jordan to let us know your post is up—we’ll do what we can to help boost visibility so more people see it quickly

Example Post #1:

📸 (Photo of your pet or something else personal but comfortable to share)

Hi, I’m a single mom of three working full-time, but struggling to make ends meet. We’ve already received our CMCR grocery support for the year, been to the food bank, and regularly use food share programs—but we’re still in need.

We live near Phoenix School and would deeply appreciate any help with 2% milk, bananas, apples, lunch meat, whole wheat bread, cucumbers, ground beef, cheddar cheese, canned soups or school snacks like granola bars.

I’m home from work by 4 PM every day, and any food dropped off would mean the world to us. Thank you so much. ❤️

(Tag a CMCR admin so we can help highlight your post.)

Example Post #2:

📸 (Photo of nature, your neighborhood, or something you’re okay sharing)

Hi, my family and I live in Campbellton and are really struggling to get by on my disability income, which just barely covers rent.

We don't have any food allergies and would be grateful for any food donations—canned goods, meat, veggies, fruit, bread, or anything else you can spare.

We don’t have a vehicle, so home drop-off would help so much. I’m home most of the time as I am on disability since I was injured at work and don’t get out much.  Thank you in advance to anyone who can help. 🙏

(Tag or message a CMCR admin so we can help spread the word.)

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need help putting your post together. You can also email us anytime at admin@caremongeringcr.ca.

You are part of a caring community—and we’re here for you.

1. I’m starting over with nothing in an empty one-bedroom rental next month. What can I do to get help from Caremongering Campbell River?

First of all—welcome to your new beginning. We know starting from scratch can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you however we can.

The best way to get help furnishing your new home through CMCR is to write a clear and heartfelt post in the Caremongering Campbell River Facebook group. The more detail you provide, the easier it is for community members to offer specific help.

Here’s what to include in your post:

• A photo (this increases visibility—something simple like a pet, a nature view, or your empty space is fine)
• A short explanation of your situation
• What you’re looking for (e.g., bed, dishes, couch, towels, etc.)
• Your general location (e.g., “near Merecroft” or “by the Dogwood and Hilchey bike path”)
• Thanks to the community
• Tag a CMCR admin (Michelle Albrecht, Henry Albrecht, or Tara Jordan) or send a message so we can help boost your post

📸 (Include a photo—of a pet, your new place, nature, or anything you're comfortable sharing)

Example Post:
Hi everyone,
I’m moving into a one-bedroom rental at the start of next month and starting completely from scratch. I don’t have any furniture or household items and would be so grateful for any help as I get set up in my new home.

If anyone has gently used items they no longer need, I’m currently looking for:

• A bed or mattress (single, double, or queen)
• Bedding, pillows, and towels
• Kitchen supplies (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc.)
• Table and chairs
• Couch, armchair, or any seating
• Small dresser, storage bins, or shelving
• Lamps or small appliances

I’ll be living near Merecroft and don’t have a vehicle, so any help with delivery would mean the world.
Thank you so much to anyone who can help or share this post. I truly appreciate this amazing community. ❤️

@Michelle Albrecht @Tara Jordan @Henry Albrecht – tagging just to help boost my post.

1. The first step is to provide a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check that’s less than two years old. You can get this done at the Campbell River RCMP detachment. The cost is $10 with our official volunteer letter, or $50 without it. To request a letter, email us at admin@caremongeringcr.ca. If you don’t have access to a printer, we can mail you a printed copy or arrange a pickup.

The check typically takes 1–7 days to process. Once you receive it, please scan and email it to admin@caremongeringcr.ca, drop it off in person, or mail it to our group founder:

Tara Jordan
674 Homewood Road
Campbell River, BC
V9W 3N5

After that, we’ll ask for two references—ideally one personal and one professional—from people who’ve known you well for at least two years. You’ll also complete our volunteer application form.

Once everything is in place, we’ll give you a quick call to chat about how you'd like to help. CMCR volunteers are welcome to participate as often or as occasionally as they like—there’s no fixed commitment, and you’re free to take on tasks that match your availability and interests.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out to admin@caremongeringcr.ca. We’re happy to help!

1. Yay! You’re screened and ready to roll—welcome to the Caremongering Campbell River (CMCR) volunteer team! We’re so glad to have you with us.

From here on, any time you see a post in the CMCR Facebook group requesting a screened volunteer, feel free to step in whenever you have the time or interest. There’s no pressure—just help out when it works for you.

Also, if you know of anyone in our community who could use support, please direct them to CMCR. They can either post directly in the Caremongering Campbell River Facebook group, send a private message to Tara Jordan or Michelle Albrecht or email admin@caremongeringcr.ca.

Thanks to our generous community, we have resources available to support any family in need in Campbell River, including:

• One to two $100 grocery shops per year
• Support in finding housing, vehicles, or other essentials
• Regular food bank deliveries
• Organizing and delivering free or affordably sourced used household items, (ie. blankets, kitchenware, furniture, baby items, clothing, rugs, etc)
• Community kitchen meals or sharing extra food
• Helping with birthdays for children in need
• Various other ideas of creatively supporting our community are always welcome.

Thanks again for being part of this amazing community!

1. Hi there, and thank you so much for checking in!

Yes, absolutely—please feel free to drop things off directly for anyone in need. We have hundreds of wonderful people who help informally every year, and just as many who receive support this way through Caremongering.

The screened volunteer process is specifically for those handling financial donations or working closely with vulnerable individuals on tasks like in-home support. For general kindness and community help—like dropping something off—you're more than welcome to pitch in anytime.

And if you're ever interested in joining the screened volunteer team, we’d love to have you! There’s no required commitment—some people help once a year, others help whenever they’re available. If you’re up for it, just send over:

• A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
• The names and phone numbers of two references (one personal, one professional if possible)

Once that's in, we will do a brief telephone interview and you'll be ready to rock! When help is needed, we’ll reach out to screened volunteers, and you’re free to respond if you have time—or not, if you don’t.

I have items to donate to Caremongering Campbell River (furniture, clothing, sports equipment, and kitchenware). What’s the best way to get them to those most in need?

Thank you so much for your generous offer to donate—your support makes a real difference for families and individuals in need.

The best way to get your items directly to those who need them most is to post them on our Caremongering Campbell River – Free Stuff Facebook page. Here's how you can do that effectively:

Option A: Offer Delivery (If You’re Able)

• Post your items with photos and a brief description.
• Mention you're able to drop off for those who don’t have transportation.
• This is often the fastest way to connect with people who are truly in need.

Option B: Arrange Pickup From Your Location

• Post your items with your general neighbourhood and note that it’s first come, first served for pickup.
• Please include a timeline or deadline for when items need to be picked up (e.g. “must be picked up by Sunday at 4pm”).

Option C: Request Volunteer Help With Pickup

• If you’re unable to deliver or need help moving larger items, you can reach out to the CMCR Admin Team:
  • Michelle Albrecht
  • Henry Albrecht
  • Khadija Laur
  • Tara Jordan
    They may be able to help coordinate a volunteer with a truck, depending on availability.

Thank you again for your kindness and for thinking of the CMCR community! 💛

Both groups are part of the same caring community, but they serve different purposes:

🧡 Caremongering Campbell River (Main Group)

This is our community support group.
It’s where people can:

• Ask for help with challenges they’re facing (e.g. food support, housing help, advice, emotional support, household needs)
• Offer help to others
• Share resources, updates, and important local information
• Connect with screened volunteers or access support from the admin team

This group is focused on community care, conversation, and coordination of support.

As our membership grew past 5,000 in 2024, we realized it was important to keep this space centered on connection, outreach, and direct support for those in need.

Because posts offering free items were filling up the feed, some urgent requests from vulnerable individuals were being missed. To help manage this, we created a separate group—Caremongering Campbell River – Free Stuff—specifically for sharing and requesting free items like furniture, clothing, and household goods.

We kindly ask that all free item posts now go in the Free Stuff group, so this main page can stay focused on helping people through conversations, resource-sharing, and emotional or practical support.

Thank you for helping us keep both spaces meaningful and supportive for everyone. 💛

💚 Caremongering Campbell River – Free Stuff

This is our give-and-receive items group.
It’s used specifically for:

• Donating or requesting free items (e.g. furniture, clothing, kitchenware, baby gear, etc.)
• Sharing extra food
• Giving things away to help others directly
• Finding items you might need. Requests for items you are in need of can be made on both the Free Stuff and general Caremongering CR pages.

This group is all about sharing physical goods and reducing waste while supporting those who are in need.