Community organizations in the region area are coming together again to offer our most vulnerable residents access to emergency services, items of necessity, and life saving resources under one roof.

The 6th Annual Project Connect Health Fair will take place Thursday, Oct. 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Parksville Community Centre.

The event, organized by the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness, was designed to connect residents in need to service providers, businesses and volunteers who are dedicated to eradicating homelessness and the stigmas surrounding it. Service providers such as Island Crisis Care Society, Forward House Community Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, The Career Centre, Mental Health & Substance Use, Ministry of Social Development, and SOS, along with approximately 30 other businesses and community groups, will be on hand to give a hand up to our most vulnerable citizens.

The event will offer free haircuts, hearing exams, foot care, public health testing, information on programs, healthy food, hygiene items, portraits and many other valuable services, all donated from service providers and the community.  A veterinarian will also be on hand for those who have pets providing pet food, flea care, vaccinations and food.  The Parksville Community Centre has also sponsored the event, making it possible for it to be free for attendees.