OBLT Initiatives

When we hear about a need, if we can, we respond. Our initiatives are our creative way of answering a shortfall or a gap. These are not ongoing programs but are a method of gathering resources to strengthen areas that fall within our mandate. Sometimes, these initiatives turn into events that carry on for years, other times they are temporary. Here are some that we are currently doing. We love to make a difference when and where we can!

OBLT Cares 

Reaching out to seniors and families with children aged birth to 5 years old in our community during this special time of need.  Sign up to collect your care package (max 2 per month) that includes meal ingredients, recipes, resources and special surprises.

No referral is needed.

For more details or to sign up, please call 250-947-8242 or email admin@oblt.ca

 

 

Books for Babes

Books for Babes was born in February 2002 and have been delivered to over 3,000 families in Oceanside when they have a newborn. Island Health, Regional District of Nanaimo, Oceanside BLT and community volunteers join together to present a special gift for new parents:  a bag lovingly hand made, with a book or two and community resources inside.  These bags are delivered by Public Health Nurses on their home visit to parents and new babies.

Why do we do this?  Researchers tell us that a critical time for learning is between birth and 3 years of age. Early quality experiences help to determine how a baby’s brain develops.

Babies that are read to, sung to, talked to and played with develop strong vocabulary and language – the basis for reading and writing. They learn important social skills and they build the most vital muscle of all: attachment.

Conversation Cards

This OBLT project came from the minds of Oceanside Early Childhood Educators and other professionals who wanted to share learning from the heart.  These cards go into the Welcome to Kindergarten bags in select school districts all over the province and in Ontario.

Inspired by the programs at the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education in Vancouver, these were written to compliment the work that they are doing.

They are a tool for parents to use with solid research behind the concepts.  Photographs of local Vancouver Island animals are used to start a story that appeals to children 3 years and older to explore Heart-Mind learning.

In addition, we want parents and children to talk together, share feelings, ideas, memories and connect.  At the dinner table, in the car, in the grocery line up, there is always a moment to talk.

A box of cards can be purchased for $10 plus S&H. To order yours, please contact admin@oblt.ca.

“A good heart is better than all the heads in the world.” 

– Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton (1828)