“Any gaps in the system, whether for newcomers, for seniors, for youth, [we] try to fill those gaps,” explains executive director Norm Leech. “Underlying that is understanding that probably when people are facing challenges, the hardest way [to do so] is facing them alone. And so we see that as our role to make sure that they don’t ever have to feel alone.”

Solidarity is needed more than ever with Frog Hollow’s first fundraiser, Nourish & Thrive 2026, to be held on November 21, 2026.

With the hope of reconnecting people to nature, the land, and each other, as well as making new friends and building community, Nourish & Thrive 2026 aims to provide for the needs of the neighbourhood and the community by ensuring no one feels alone.

Solidarity in the community

“Humans, compassionate humans, want to help,” says Leech in describing the dedication and fellowship that Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House’s staff, volunteers and communities share with each other. “We offer that opportunity for people who maybe received help in the past and want to give back by helping others.”

However, Leech is also concerned that Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House may become a victim of its own success.

“We’ve become successful in helping a lot of people in multiple sectors. We’ve been successful doing it very cost effectively,” he says.

He also talks about how governments or funders have discovered that if they ask Frog Hollow to do more for the same amount, they will and that the staff would do the same with less.

“It’s become an unfortunate cycle,” says Leech. “We’re being continuously asked to do more with less.”

Although Leech and his colleagues have managed and maintained operations in Frog Hollow, the toll has become apparent with the reduction of staff, programs, services and supplies.

“We still want to help as many people as we can. But our budgets are suffering and are stretched beyond our capacity to manage effectively,” he says.

Hence a fundraiser, Nourish & Thrive 2026, that becomes a means by which Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House can continue supporting the community, enable them to provide more resources and to hopefully bring back the staff that had to leave.

Having fun at a fundraiser

“This fundraiser is not the end solution,” says communications coordinator Ancel Zhu. “It’s not going to be our solution. But we wanted to take advantage of this gathering to bring attention to this specific community that we’re invested in.”

What makes Nourish & Thrive truly special is the fact it is being hosted in Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. Rather than renting a hotel or any fancy venue, the workers of Frog Hollow wanted to have this gathering in the space used in everyday activities.

“At any given day, you will see children learning and playing, seniors gathering, neighbours sharing meals – people of all ages connecting through our program,” says Zhu.

Among the numerous events visitors will encounter during Nourish & Thrive are wellness activities, live music performances from volunteering artists, Indigenous medicines pendant workshops, art galleries and a silent auction for donors who want to bid for the attractive and local items of Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House. Whether bringing family or friends, visitors should remember to bring a cellphone for the silent auction which is purely online.

Even after Nourish & Thrive is over, everyone can still opt to support Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House vis-à-vis its many programs and support services.

“We want to help people to thrive,” says Leech. “And part of that is to learn some simple, land-based techniques to manage the challenges today.”

Whether its donating funds to Frog Hollow or partaking in one of the various programs and initiatives they do like holiday campaign and making traditional hampers, Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House’s website provides more details to explore: www.froghollow.bc.ca

For more information on Nourish & Thrive, click here: www.froghollow.bc.ca/mainevents/nourish-thrive-2026-frog-hollow-annual-fundraiser