Services
Supporting Our Community Since 1984
PEDVAC has become an important resource for the people of Port Elgin and the surrounding area. Every day we work hard to enhance the well-being and resilience of the community by offering the following services:
Access to Food
No one should struggle to put food on the table, but with the rising cost of food, people are relying more and more on PEDVAC for assistance when it comes to feeding themselves or their families. Our food programs are designed to help lessen the strain.
Food Bank Hours : Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10am to 3pm
Please call to schedule an appointment 506 538 7638
Our Food Bank
The heart of our organization, our food bank provides essential nourishment to those facing food insecurity. Through generous donations and partnerships, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
The Lunch Program
A warm meal can make a world of difference. That is why we have been funding a hot lunch program at Port Elgin Regional School for more than 30 years. Running daily throughout the school year, our hot lunch program ensures that no child in our community goes hungry. And in the summer, we partner with Food Banks Canada to ensure our youth have access to nutritious snacks through the After the Bell program.
PEDVAC Christmas Box Campaign
Through our annual Christmas Box campaign, we help lift spirits and spread good cheer by providing families and seniors in our community with all the fixings for a festive dinner, gifts to open, and special treats to enjoy – because everyone deserves to celebrate this special time of year.
Empowering Youth Programs
Through a range of dynamic programs, from our hot lunch program and literacy support in schools, to skills training and job and internship opportunities, we help set youth up for future success while instilling in them the values of teamwork, compassion, and social responsibility.
SEED Program
The Student Employment Experience Development (SEED) program provides funding to employers to create summer job opportunities for students. The program provides eligible students with a summer job of up to twelve (12) weeks in duration with a New Brunswick employer between April 22nd and August 30th 2024.
Program Objectives
• Provides a wage subsidy to non-profit organizations, First Nations communities and municipalities to help them provide summer employment to students;
• Provides a work experience for students, experiential learning, mentoring and coaching;
• Helps students develop and build transferable skills and/or find employment in their field of study;
• Enhances students’ employment prospects upon completion of their studies; and
• Enables post-secondary students to finance the continuation of their education.
Mount Allison University- Thriving at Work Program
Mount Allison offers exceptional opportunities to join businesses and organizations locally and internationally for paid internships that will allow you to gain hands-on experiences. Internships are open to student from all disciplines and academic years.
Essential Services & Life Skills Classes
PEDVAC is proud to offer services that help individuals in our community make healthier lifestyle choices and learn everyday skills needed for work and life.
Health & Wellness Support
Through a partnership with the UNB School of Nursing’s Community Nursing practicum, PEDVAC hosted several Bachelor of Nursing students who provided health screening clinics and wellness activities, such as “crafternoons,” self-care days, and other informational programming to clients, staff and community members in 2023/2024. This highly successful partnership is expected to continue in the future, with new groups of students choosing PEDVAC each year as their Community Placement.
The Boutique Store: Open Monday to Friday 9-4pm & Saturday Noon to 4pm
Our thrift store, is a treasure trove of reasonably priced clothing and household items, from furniture to electronics. Plus every purchase made at The Boutique goes back into funding vital programs and services that help people in our community.
Have gently used clothing or housewares to donate? Bring it in and we’ll help it find a new home.
Cooking Classes
Knowing how to cook not only fosters self-sufficiency but also promotes healthier eating habits. Gain the practical knowledge and meal inspiration needed to thrive in the kitchen with our cooking classes.
Income Tax Returns
We offer free income tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families so that they can access valuable tax credits and refunds.
Craft Classes
Pedvac is happy to host a variety of afternoon or evening events that can be as simple as card making, sea glass art, or candle making. Keep an eye on our calendar and local postings for upcoming events.