Supporting Today's Needs:
Creating Tomorrow's Healthcare.
Critical Care
Critical Care includes all acute care – emergency, ICU and HAU, and surgery. In June 2023, the new ICU opened with all the required critical equipment funded by
community donors and has been operating at full capacity since then. We are excited to share that the HAU is on track for expected completion by summer 2025, ensuring that our community has access to the highest standard of care.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, and a transformational gift from the Windsor Plywood Foundation, we have almost achieved our fundraising goal.
As the Annual Giving Coordinator at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Jenif Roque plays a key role in engaging, stewarding, and cultivating meaningful donor relationships. His responsibilities include donor acquisition, leading the Oceanside strategy, supporting volunteer initiatives, and maintaining donor data integrity to enhance fundraising effectiveness. Jenif is committed to fostering long-term partnerships aligned with the Foundation’s mission to support innovative healthcare in the Central Island region.
Jenif holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Mumbai, India, as well as an MBA from University Canada West in Vancouver, BC.
With over two decades of experience across sectors such as telecommunications, IT, retail, and business process outsourcing, Jenif has honed expertise in customer service, business development, media planning, and market research. His six years in India’s non-profit sector saw him raise awareness and resources for education, healthcare access, gender equality, and disaster relief with organizations like CRY and Oxfam India.
Since moving to Canada, Jenif has focused on advancing donor engagement and support initiatives, leveraging his international perspective and relationship-building skills. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, embodying the Foundation’s spirit: “It’s in Our Nature to Give.”
Contact Jenif at 250-740-2651 or email
Planning for the future is an important part of what we do, and planned gifts from our generous, visionary donors help ensure better healthcare for generations to come. Planned gifts we accept include Charitable Bequests through Wills, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, Gifts of Stock and more. For more information about making a planned gift to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, please click the link below.
As a monthly giving donor, you will help build a future of healthcare excellence over time, benefiting the ones you care for most. Together, monthly donors enable long-term, sustainable planning to support the delivery of better healthcare in our community.
Making a donation in memory of a family, friend or other loved one is a wonderful way to honour their memory, while also making a gift that will keep on giving back to the community through better healthcare. Donations are also a great way to celebrate life’s important milestones such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, retirements and more.
To make a gift of securities in kind, please download this fillable form and instruct your broker to initiate the transfer on your behalf. We sell the shares immediately upon receipt, and send you a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value at the date of transfer.
As Accounting & Business Intelligence Manager, Alena helps ensure the Foundation has the accurate and meaningful financial information it needs to make informed decisions. She oversees financial operations, reporting, reconciliations, data systems and business intelligence, while also supporting the financial operations of the Foundation-owned businesses, Code Brew and Nanaimo Lifeline.
With more than nine years of experience in financial accounting, administration and executive support, Alena brings a strong combination of financial expertise, analytical thinking and attention to detail to her role. Originally from Germany, she has called Nanaimo home for the past three years and brings experience working in both Germany and Canada.
Dependable, detail-oriented, curious and collaborative, Alena enjoys finding ways to make processes more efficient and turning numbers and data into information that can genuinely help people. One of her favourite parts of her role is seeing how the work happening behind the scenes connects to a much bigger impact in the community.
Alena is passionate about healthcare because she believes everyone deserves access to excellent care. For her, strong financial stewardship is an important part of making that possible. Knowing that her work helps ensure donations are managed responsibly and ultimately supports better healthcare for people across Central Vancouver Island makes her role especially meaningful.
Outside of work, you can often find Alena staying active, enjoying the outdoors or spending time with her dog. She brings the same curiosity she has at work into her life outside the office and is always interested in learning something new, meeting new people and finding new ways to connect with her community.
Contact Alena at email
Kingsley Ejikeme is a dynamic professional with a proven track record of excellence in donor relations, data management, and operational efficiency. With over seven years of experience spanning industries such as transportation, manufacturing, retail, NGOs, and consulting, he brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptability to his role.
As Gift & Data Coordinator, Kingsley excels in managing donor databases, streamlining processes, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance data integrity and donor engagement. He holds a degree in Accounting with Finance (Hons), an MBA, and certifications in data analytics, equipping him with the analytical and strategic skills to excel.
Known for his strong customer-focused approach and ability to build lasting relationships, Kingsley is passionate about delivering exceptional service and fostering impactful collaborations. Guided by his belief that “Faith is the stabilizing power of destiny,” he approaches challenges with resilience and a commitment to excellence.
When he’s not making a difference professionally, Kingsley enjoys exploring new adventures, discovering cuisines, and indulging in gaming.
Cancer Care
Our work continues to support local cancer care in Nanaimo, including specialized pathology equipment to examine tissue biopsies for suspected cases of cancer. We’re also helping to move forward the project around a regional cancer center, keeping patients closer to their support networks. This essential area of care is long overdue, and has affected so many families on the island.
Community and Family Health
This area gives focus to children’s health, family doctor recruitment support with the Division of Family Practice, occupational health, palliative care, senior’s care, and education as well as other support for our nurses. We have already had excellent success in this area, with the recruitment of new doctors, and more on the way. Several key partnerships are already in place, and we continue to pursue additional alliances to expand our circle of impact.
Heart and Stroke Care
This area of care includes a new cath lab and equipment, as well as several recent equipment purchases such as echocardiology machine & TEE probe, cardiac ultrasound, a cardiac stress test system, two wireless ECG machines, an echo stretcher, power chairs for our pacemaker clinic, and a Holter scanning system. Costs were also covered for additional staff training on advanced cardiac life support, and heart dysrhythmia.
Innovation
It is only through innovation that we can ensure we maintain the highest standards of care for our community. “We have always done it that way” is not an acceptable answer for our team. We know that to be a driving force in improving healthcare in Central and North Vancouver Island, we must constantly seek new and innovative ways to pursue our vision.
We continue to press for innovation in the areas of advocacy, laboratory services, medical imaging, medical professional education, and pharmacy, among others.
And once again, mutually beneficial partnerships grounded in the desire to improve healthcare outcomes are key to the Foundation having an impact well beyond our traditional resources.
Mental Health
We continue to seek out ways to improve and expand medical detox, VI scan (Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect program), and youth wellness outreach. These essential areas are interwoven with other areas of care, and we seek ways to innovate and create greater impact.
As Gift and Data Coordinator , Joemar combines his love of organization, problem-solving and data with the opportunity to support healthcare in his community. From gift processing and database management to reporting and data integrity, his work helps ensure the information behind the Foundation’s fundraising is accurate, organized and meaningful.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, Joemar has called Nanaimo home since 2016. He brings a strong background in nonprofit administration, fundraising, finance and database management to his role. Before joining NDHF, Joemar worked in advancement and fundraising with organizations including the Vancouver Island University Foundation, Nanaimo Community Hospice Society and United Way Central and North Vancouver Island.
Joemar especially enjoys digging into data and discovering the story behind the numbers. Whether he’s spotting trends, uncovering opportunities or helping provide information that supports decision-making, he enjoys knowing his work behind the scenes can contribute to something much bigger.
Healthcare philanthropy is particularly meaningful to Joemar because he has seen firsthand how generosity from the community can improve the equipment, technology and care available at a local hospital. Knowing that the information he manages can ultimately help translate donor generosity into real outcomes for patients and healthcare teams keeps him motivated in his work each day.
Outside of work, Joemar enjoys biking with his twin boys, trail running around Ammonite Falls and building Gundam models and LEGO sets. He also speaks four languages and is skilled in wushu, a Chinese martial art.
As for his favourite Code Brew drink? Joemar admits he doesn’t have one just yet, but he’s always open to a good recommendation.
Deko Maow is an Administrative & Medical Research Coordinator whose work sits at the intersection of healthcare, information science, and organizational leadership. A graduate of the University of Victoria’s Bachelor of Science program in Health Information Science, Deko brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to supporting the executive team at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. In her role, Deko provides high-level coordination and research support to executive leadership, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and enabling informed, strategic decision-making. She manages complex calendars and communications, prepares executive-level reports and presentations, and conducts in-depth research on medical equipment, healthcare priorities, and organizational needs. Her work strengthens the Foundation’s ability to assess funding requests, plan strategically, and align investments with community health priorities.
Deko also plays an integral role in supporting the Board of Directors, coordinating meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, managing onboarding, and ensuring effective governance processes. Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy ensure that both executive and board activities are conducted with professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. Deko is known for her calm professionalism, collaborative spirit, and ability to bring order to complex, fast-moving environments. She is often the connecting point between departments, ensuring seamless communication, supporting donor-facing teams, and helping create a welcoming and efficient experience for staff, visitors, and community partners.
Behind her administrative expertise is a genuine passion for improving healthcare through better data, thoughtful coordination, and purposeful organization. Every project she supports contributes to the Foundation’s mission of enhancing patient care and ensuring that local healthcare systems are equipped to meet community needs.
As Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Karigan helps bring the Foundation’s campaigns and stories to life. From campaign implementation and donor-facing materials to social media, digital communications and the Foundation’s website, she helps ensure the impact of giving is communicated clearly, creatively and consistently across the community.
Originally from Saskatchewan, Karigan moved to Nanaimo to attend Vancouver Island University, where she earned her Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design in 2024. Since making the Island home, she has built her career around marketing, communications and design, with experience spanning agency work, real estate, sports and community organizations.
Creative, curious and outgoing, Karigan is especially drawn to the storytelling side of marketing. One of her favourite parts of her role is taking a campaign, idea or story and finding the best way to bring it to life. Whether she’s developing campaign materials, behind a camera, updating the website, designing for an event or finding just the right words for a donor story, she enjoys having a hand in so many different aspects of the Foundation’s communications.
Karigan’s passion for healthcare is strengthened by having family members who work at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Hearing firsthand about the difference new equipment, programs and resources can make for healthcare teams and their patients gives her a unique perspective on the Foundation’s impact. Knowing that the work happening behind the scenes at NDHF is helping change lives throughout the community motivates her to make sure those stories are shared.
Outside of work, Karigan is usually reading, golfing, spending time with friends and family or working on another creative project. She’s also always up for a trip to Winners and rarely turns down a Dr. Pepper.
Her go-to Code Brew order is a London Fog with oat milk.
Contact Karigan at karigan.diggins@islandhealth.ca.
Natasha joins the foundation for the summer as an events coordinator and aims to help create a more nurturing and just community for everyone. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Economics and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria. Natasha is excited to expand her involvement in philanthropy and exploring how intersectional healthcare is with economics and the environment. Natasha’s experience with the Rotary Interact Club, customer service, activity coordination, and studies in finance have prepared her for building connections with community members and donors to recognize their meaningful impact. She grew up in Parksville and now lives in Cedar, on the traditional, unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Outside of work, she enjoys figure skating, hiking and volunteering with ecological restoration groups.
Wendy is a dedicated leader with more than twenty years of experience in the non-profit sector. She grew up in Nanaimo and in July 2026 relocated back after many years in Victoria to join the Foundation as Director of Development. Returning to build philanthropic support for healthcare in the community that shaped her makes the work especially meaningful.
She brings a wealth of experience from organizations including Victoria Hospice and The Land Conservancy of BC, where she held progressively senior roles in fundraising and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has led high-performing teams and successful initiatives that strengthen donor relationships, increase engagement, and deliver meaningful impact for individuals and families. Her approach is grounded in building authentic connections and a strong belief in the power of community to create lasting positive change.
In her role as Director of Development, Wendy leads the Foundation’s annual fundraising efforts, working closely with the community to inspire philanthropy and advance healthcare across Central Vancouver Island. Known for being collaborative, relationship-focused, optimistic, and community-minded, her favourite part of the role is connecting people with opportunities to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and families.
Wendy is passionate about healthcare because it matters so deeply to a person’s quality of life. She believes that access to exceptional healthcare close to home has the power to transform outcomes for patients and families, and she is inspired every day by the generosity of donors and the dedication of healthcare professionals who make that possible.
Outside of work, Wendy is always up for an adventure, whether exploring Vancouver Island or travelling to a tropical location. A fun fact about Wendy is that she once sailed from Brazil to Barbados. Her favourite Code Brew drink is a simple, but delicious, Americano.
Contact Wendy at wendy.innes@islandhealth.ca.
Tulah Boyko is a Nanaimo local with strong ties to the community and a passion for supporting the growth of local healthcare. She is currently a University of Victoria student pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care.
Tulah is excited to join the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as a summer Events Coordinator, where she assists with the planning, execution, and community engagement of upcoming events. With her background in public-facing roles, Tulah brings strong communication skills and a natural ability to connect with people.
The Foundation is please to accept Electronic Funds Transfer. To arrange an electronic funds transfer please contact our office in advance at 250-755-7690 to ensure you receive your charitable tax receipt.
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Janice is a people first senior leader known for building relationships. Born and raised on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC she has deep roots within her community. Janice holds a certificate in Community Leadership through Vancouver Island University and has received her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. She has over 30 plus years’ progressive leadership experience in corporate, a national non-profit, higher education and community volunteering. Janice currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation where she oversees Development and Communications.
Known for jumping in and exceeding results Janice has been recognized for employee engagement and business development, raising millions for charity and her community throughout her career. Her work with teams, volunteers, donors and stakeholders has earned local, provincial and national recognition. Her national contributions include representing BC in the development of a National Volunteer Engagement Strategy for over 120,000 volunteers and representing the province of BC in a National Strategy Renewal initiative for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Locally Janice was instrumental in launching central Vancouver Island’s first volunteer support group for women supporting women that have survived Heart Disease and Stroke.
Janice is passionate about her community, she has served on several diverse boards and community round tables offering her natural collaborative style and ability to strategically work toward solutions with proven results. Janice is very proud to be a Past President of the Zonta Club of Nanaimo as well as Past Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee and Board Secretary with the Haven Society, Past President for the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak and Past Chair of the Community Impact Committee for non profits.
A huge animal lover she is a supporter of the Elephant Sanctuary, and she currently serves as Board Chair with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, and Director with Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation.
Contact Janice at 250-739-5765 or email
Barney Ellis-Perry has over thirty years of fundraising and constituent engagement experience, spending 14 years with his alma matter UBC where he held several key fundraising and alumni relations positions including Director of Alumni Engagement Campaign and Director of Alumni Relations. In 2022, Barney returned to his home province of BC after working in the US for eight years to lead the Hospital Foundation in the role of CEO. Barney’s most recent position was as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee. Prior to Vanderbilt, Barney was the Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations at the international fundraising consultancy GG+A. In 2014, Barney was recruited from UBC to be the CEO of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Alumni Association.
Barney’s proudest accomplishment at UBC was successfully designing, launching, and co-leading UBC’s Start an Evolution Campaign, the world’s first dual-goal campaign for a major university with goals of raising $1.5 billion and of doubling active alumni engagement by 2015.
Barney is excited to be working in support of healthcare as his time in the USA reinforced his belief in the power of the Canadian Healthcare system. The healthcare needs of the Central and north Island community present an intriguing challenge that Barney believes can benefit from a more engaged community of donors and advocates.
Excited to back on the best coast, Barney is enjoying all that the Island has to offer spending as much time near, on, or in the water as possible!
Contact Barney at 250-713-1702 or email
As the CFO for the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Sue is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Foundation, providing support to the Board and CEO by overseeing financial, HR, and policy activities. She also manages Estate administration on behalf of the Foundation and provides financial and management oversight for two for-profit businesses. Sue believes in people-first leadership and holds both the CPA and FCPHR designations and has long allied her expertise in both professions to the betterment of bigger pictures.
Previously serving as VP & CFO with the Yukon Workers Compensation Health & Safety Board, Sue holds the two professions to be intrinsically linked— both key to creating safe workplaces and sustainable success.
In 2022, Sue was appointed Chair of CPHR Canada and continues to serve as Past Chair of CPHR BC & Yukon. She joined the Board in 2013 and served as Chair from 2017. Recognized as a Fellow CPHR in 2018 for her contributions to the HR profession, Sue remains a strong national and global proponent of Canada’s premier HR designation—and lifelong learning.
Sue completed the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is set to become President of the North American Human Resource Management Association in Summer 2023.
In her parallel professional life, Sue was appointed Chair of the Board of the Credit Counselling Society in March 2022 and has previously served as President of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) of Yukon and as a Director of the CMA Society of Canada.
A constant community philanthropist, Sue has volunteered her unique skills throughout her professional life. She has served as a Governor for Queen Margaret’s School on Vancouver Island, Treasurer for Encore! Women’s Choir and as a Director of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.
Contact Susan at 250-755-7936 or email
Tina Moreira is a skilled relationship builder and community connector with a passion for creating positive change. Born and raised in the community of Spences Bridge, BC, Tina obtained her business degree from Thompson Rivers University and began building connections across various roles and industries before settling in Nanaimo where she is grateful to call home.
With a talent for connecting people and building strong relationships, Tina has held previous positions with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Numinus Bioscience as well as through her volunteer work including a key committee member of the quickly growing Nanaimo IWD gala.
Tina firmly believes in the importance of philanthropy through community engagement. She is committed to creating positive change through her work and supporting the health and well-being of the Nanaimo community.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending time with her two children and her dog, skiing, golfing, and volunteering in her community. Supporting her network of friends and making a positive impact in the lives of those around her is of utmost important to her, and she cherishes moments spent with loved ones.
Tina’s passion for community engagement and philanthropy, along with her talent for relationship building and community connection, will be instrumental in meeting the Foundation’s needed critical care fundraising goals. She is excited to continue making a difference through her work with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.
Contact Tina at 250-667-8462 or email
Karen has a passion for working with people who want to make a meaningful impact in our Mid-Island Community, which led her to joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as Development Administrator in September 2020. With almost two decades of experience in both long-term care and children’s organizations, Karen has a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector and the power of collective action to create a better world for all.
In January 2023, Karen began her new role as Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Grants. Karen works with our Foundation Team to develop strategies to increase operational efficiency and expand funding opportunities. She also fosters relationships with our grantors and seeks out new funders to help with our mission of supporting health-care excellence in the Mid-Island area.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, and being out in nature on this stunning Island she chose as her home almost 30 years ago. Hiking the trails, swimming in the rivers and ocean, or nurturing her garden, Karen loves to immerse herself into all the beauty Vancouver Island has to offer.
Contact Karen at 250-755-7950 or email
Brittany began her career with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as Accounting Manager and has continued to grow her skills, knowledge, and leadership within the organization. Today, she serves as the Foundation’s Director of Finance & Administration. Brittany is currently working toward obtaining their CPA designation and is passionate about continuing to learn, grow, and find new ways to contribute.
What Brittany values most about working in a philanthropic organization is knowing that the work has a purpose beyond the organization itself. Healthcare touches every person and every family at some point in their lives, and Brittany feels fortunate to be able to contribute to improving healthcare in the community. She has a particular passion for improving access to primary care physicians and helping create a healthcare system where people can access the care they need – when they need it.
Brittany is motivated by the belief that the work they do every day can help make healthcare better for the people who live here. Whether strengthening financial processes, finding better ways to use data, supporting responsible decision-making, or helping ensure philanthropic dollars have the greatest possible impact, they enjoy knowing that the work behind the scenes ultimately helps move something much bigger forward.
One of Brittany’s greatest joys is making people laugh and sharing a good laugh with their amazing co-workers. Brittany believes some of the best workplaces are built on relationships, trust, collaboration, and people who genuinely enjoy working together. She feels fortunate to be part of a team that brings all of that to the workplace.
Moving to Nanaimo from Ontario was an intentional decision to build a life that was connected to both community and the outdoors. Outside of work, Brittany takes full advantage of everything Vancouver Island has to offer. Enjoying hiking, kayaking, biking, gardening, and exploring the small towns, beaches, and islands around Nanaimo. Brittany love’s getting away and discovering somewhere new, but also appreciates the simple things, like spending time outside, connecting with nature, and enjoying the community she is fortunate enough to call home.
Contact Brittany at 250-740-2651 or email
Chelsea was born and raised in Nanaimo and has a long and proud family history on Vancouver Island. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree from Vancouver Island University (VIU) in 2015, she remained at VIU as an employee and joined the Advancement & Alumni Relations department, where she built strong relationships with donors to VIU for the better part of a decade. During this time, she received the Community Impact Award from CUPE Local 1858 for her years spent on the CUPE Executive as First and Second Vice-President, and her volunteer work as President of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society.
Chelsea thrives when she can advocate for others and believes in giving back. She has served as a Board Member for the Lion’s Club – Saturna Island Chapter, was a fundraising team lead for the MS Society of Canada and lead two head shaving fundraisers in support of the BC Cancer Foundation and Locks for Love.
In addition to her degree, Chelsea holds a certification in Applied Business Technology and has an extensive background in writing for business and impact. She has held high-level customer service and hospitality roles for over 20 years; work she has always gravitated to as a details-oriented person who loves to be of service to others.
Like so many people in our community, Chelsea has a very personal connection to Island Health. Her mother benefitted from the support of Island Health’s Home Support Workers whose care allowed her to remain at home during her long battle with MS. Chelsea is grateful for the opportunity to champion Island Health’s many wonderful initiatives by joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation team.
Contact Chelsea at 250-740-2622 or email
As Manager of Business Enterprises & Foundation Liaison, Clinton King oversees the Foundation’s business enterprises and serves as a key connection between NDHF and Island Health. His varied role includes project management, collaboration, events and helping turn ideas into initiatives that support healthcare across the community.
Clinton joined the Foundation in March 2020 as Manager of Code Brew, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. What began with leading the hospital café has since evolved into a much broader role, allowing Clinton to bring his extensive management and leadership experience to projects throughout the Foundation and hospital.
Clinton grew up on a cattle ranch near 100 Mile House, B.C., where his love of horses, animals and the outdoors began. He earned a degree in Business Management from the University of Alberta while working on a large horse ranch. In 1997, he moved to Vancouver Island, eventually settling in Nanaimo in 2002. His career has included leadership roles with Earls and Home Depot, and he also completed a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology through the University of Victoria.
For Clinton, one of the most rewarding parts of his role is being part of something bigger and knowing that his work can make a meaningful difference. He is passionate about community, volunteering and supporting the healthcare teams, patients and families who make the hospital such an important part of the region.
Outside of work, Clinton enjoys gardening, camping, hiking, singing and spending time with animals. A lifelong dog lover, he has spent many years rescuing, fostering and rehabilitating dogs.
Despite spending years overseeing a café, Clinton keeps his Code Brew order simple: a regular English Breakfast Tea with milk.
Contact Clinton at 250-755-7691, ext 52244 or email
As Manager of Code Brew, Christian brings years of hospitality and coffee experience to the Foundation-owned café, along with a genuine love of working with people. From leading the Code Brew team to connecting with customers throughout the hospital, Christian’s favourite part of his role is working with the many different personalities he encounters each day.
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Christian has called the city home for 27 years, with a seven-year chapter in Montréal from 2014 to 2021. While there, he built his hospitality experience working in management at Moxies Montréal before becoming Head Barista at W Montréal. He also attended the Montréal Coffee Academy, further developing the skills and knowledge he now brings to Code Brew. In 2021, an opportunity to join Code Brew brought Christian back home to Nanaimo.
For Christian, working within a hospital environment also has a personal connection. His older sister is a psychiatric nurse, and his mom worked as a healthcare aide. Seeing their experiences and the work they put into caring for others gave him a strong appreciation for healthcare workers and the important role they play in the lives of patients and families. Through Code Brew, Christian is proud to contribute to an organization that supports healthcare in the community he grew up in.
Outside of work, Christian stays closely connected to Nanaimo’s sports community. He serves as the Island Ball Hockey Association’s Director of Officiating and Player Safety and is the Equipment Manager for the Nanaimo Buccaneers. He is also proudly French Canadian, a connection strengthened by his years living in Montréal.
Despite his extensive coffee knowledge, Christian’s go-to Code Brew order keeps things classic: a Vanilla Latte.
Contact Christian at 250-755-7691, ext 52244 or email
As Donor Experience Coordinator at NDHF, Emily Tait loves connecting with donors, going out into the community, and supporting her team in a variety of ways. Honest, adaptable, kind and extroverted, Emily thrives in a role where no two days look quite the same and where building meaningful relationships is at the heart of what she does.
Emily’s connection to the Foundation began long before she joined the team. She first started volunteering with NDHF as a teenager, giving her the opportunity to see the impact of local generosity firsthand. Before joining the team, Emily gained experience in event coordination with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, further strengthening her connection to the community.
Born in Prince George, Emily moved to Nanaimo when she was six years old and has called the city home for the past 27 years. Her deep roots in the community are part of what makes her so passionate about supporting healthcare on Central Vancouver Island. To Emily, healthcare is something that truly touches everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, and she is proud to help support a cause that has an impact on so many people.
Outside of work, Emily billets players for the Nanaimo Clippers and has an impressive talent for remembering song lyrics. Give her just a few words and there’s a good chance she can finish the song. She also knows nearly every word to every episode of Friends, making her a particularly strong teammate for trivia night.
Her go-to Code Brew order is an Iced Vanilla Latte, but there’s a catch: it must be made the “Emily” way.
Three years after joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Cheryl now serves as Senior Gift Planning Officer, leading the Foundation’s Legacy Giving program. She is passionate about helping donors create a meaningful, lasting impact on local healthcare through gifts in their wills and other planned giving opportunities. Cheryl also oversees estate administration, ensuring each legacy gift is handled with care and respects the donor’s wishes.
A West Coast girl at heart, Cheryl moved to Vancouver after earning a BA in English from the University of Alberta. She began her career in publishing and communications before joining Compton International Fundraising, where she managed capital campaigns for clients in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Victoria.
Over the past 25 years, Cheryl has helped local, national, and international charities secure the resources they need to improve lives. Her fundraising career has spanned healthcare, social services, human rights, and environmental conservation. Most recently, she spent 12 years with the Nanaimo-based Georgia Strait Alliance, rising to Director of Development and helping the organization diversify and more than double its revenue.
Cheryl is an active member of her community and profession. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Vancouver Island Chapter of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners and has volunteered in leadership roles with amateur sports, dance, and school organizations throughout the Central Island for more than 15 years.
Since making the Central Island home in 2000, Cheryl and her husband have built their lives in the region, raising their two children, both born at NRGH. Today, she lives in Saltair, where you’ll often find her exploring local trails with her new puppy, Mabel, and senior dog, Toby.
Supporting local healthcare is deeply personal for Cheryl. She is proud to use her fundraising expertise to help strengthen the hospital and healthcare services that have been so important to the health and well-being of her family, friends, and community.
Favourite Code Brew drink: Iced green tea with lemon syrup.
Contact Cheryl at 250-755-7690 or email.
