The story of SOS began with three women having a conversation around a kitchen table. Over the last 51 years SOS has grown to become an integral part of our community, created by community, and supported by community. But it wasn’t easy. 

The new SOS 50th Anniversary commemorative book entitled Celebrating a Caring Community, tells the amazing story of SOS, from its beginnings to its recent 50th Anniversary celebrations. This project took 3 years to complete, involving a professional writer (Neil Horner) and publishing team (Behind the Book), and brings in voices of clients, staff, volunteers, program participants, community leaders, partners and more. It also reveals the saga of the Thrift Shop before it found its current home at the bustling Hirst Street location. 

Celebrating a Caring Community is for sale at local Mulberry Bush Bookstores, at the SOS Thrift Shop and at SOS Community Services Centres in Parksville and Qualicum Beach. The cost is $20 and supports SOS programs and services.