On January 31st, February 14th, February 28th, and March 14th, the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees, in partnership with the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society (VIHNS), will host Connection Corner: A Hispanic Seniors Circle, a welcoming space created especially for Spanish-speaking seniors.

Building on the success of the Crafting and Connecting program, this series offers a safe, supportive, and friendly environment where participants can share their stories of resilience, connect with others, and build meaningful friendships while navigating life in Canada.

Throughout the sessions, participants will enjoy a warm and engaging experience featuring:

• Opportunities to connect with fellow seniors in a culturally familiar and inclusive space.
• Meaningful conversations that celebrate life experiences, resilience, and community.
• A supportive environment designed to reduce isolation and foster a sense of belonging.
• Bilingual interaction in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility and comfort.

Family members and caregivers are also welcome to register on behalf of a loved one, helping ensure that more seniors can benefit from this enriching experience.

More than just a gathering, Connection Corner is a space for connection, understanding, and community-building—where every story matters and every participant is valued.

With its focus on inclusion, cultural connection, and well-being, this initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of VIHNS and its partners to support and uplift Hispanic seniors across Vancouver Island.

📍 Location: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road (LAM Room)
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
📅 Dates: Every-other Saturday – January 31st; February 14th; February 28th; March 14th
💰 Cost: Free

For more information:
📞 +1 (672) 204 0747
📧 hola@vihns.ca

On September 27th, 2025, the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society (VIHNS) hosted a Business Breakfast at La Taquisa in Victoria, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, and community members eager to explore new strategies for business growth in Canada.

From 8:00 to 10:00 am, attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast while engaging in insightful discussions on how to finance or acquire a business in Canada.

The event featured special guest Ramón Ramírez, Partner at Chinook Business Advisory, who shared valuable insights and practical strategies to help participants navigate opportunities within the Canadian business landscape.

The morning provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to:

• Learn about financing and acquisition strategies

• Connect with like-minded professionals from the Hispanic community

• Exchange ideas and experiences to foster growth and collaboration

• Build lasting relationships within Victoria’s vibrant entrepreneurial network

With a spirit of collaboration and ambition, the Business Breakfast offered a welcoming space to learn, connect, and grow together as a community.

We thank all participants and partners for making this inspiring morning a success.

On August 27th, 2025, the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society (VIHNS) hosted a Free Online Networking Event in Spanish, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening of connection, collaboration, and opportunity.

From 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Zoom, participants engaged in dynamic conversations, exchanged ideas, and built valuable relationships, all in an inclusive, Spanish-speaking environment that celebrated the richness of the Hispanic community on Vancouver Island.

The event provided a welcoming space for attendees to:

• Expand their professional and personal networks
• Discover new opportunities for collaboration and growth
• Share knowledge, experiences, and resources
• Strengthen bonds within the vibrant Hispanic community

With inspiring exchanges and a spirit of support, the Online Networking Event highlighted the importance of coming together to learn, connect, and create a brighter future.

We thank all participants and supporters for making this event a meaningful success.

On May 24th, 2025, we hosted the first Hispanic Business Breakfast of the year, an engaging and inspiring morning dedicated to connection, learning, and empowerment within our community.

Held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the event brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and service providers from across the region. Participants shared experiences, exchanged ideas, and expanded their professional networks, fostering collaboration among Hispanic professionals.

A highlight of the morning was a presentation delivered in Spanish by LAinsightconsulting, offering valuable guidance on how to start a business in British Columbia and navigate corporate taxes for small enterprises. This informative session provided practical strategies and essential insights for new and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The agenda also included time for open discussion and networking, reinforcing our commitment to ongoing professional growth and mutual support within the Hispanic business community.

Events like this continue to be a cornerstone of our mission, building connections, strengthening knowledge, and creating opportunities for a thriving and inclusive future.

On May 19th, 2025, members of the Vancouver Island Hispanic community will proudly participate in the 125th Thrifty Foods Victoria Day Parade, presented by CHEK TV. This annual event, beginning at 9:00 AM along Douglas Street in downtown Victoria, provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and share our rich cultural heritage with the broader community.

During this vibrant celebration, we will:

– Showcase the diversity of Latin American cultures through traditional dress, music, and joyful participation
– Unite community members across generations in a public display of heritage and pride
– Highlight the growing presence and contributions of the Hispanic community on Vancouver Island

We welcome all members of our community to take part free of charge. Participants are encouraged to wear traditional clothing or the colors of their national flags. No prior experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and a festive spirit. (Strollers for young children are welcome; however, pets are not permitted.)

Those already registered through a community leader should continue coordinating directly with them. Others can register independently by Wednesday, May 14 at 11:59 PM, and will be connected with a group.

This is a valuable chance to come together in a spirit of unity, joy, and cultural pride. Spots are limited, so we encourage early registration.

Let’s make this event a vibrant celebration of who we are and where we come from.

On Thursday, March 20th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, the Langford Business Centre came alive with the energy of our Hispanic community on Vancouver Island during a one-of-a-kind networking event conducted entirely in Spanish.

Using a dynamic and engaging speed dating methodology, participants had the opportunity to:

-Make Key Connections – Dozens of Hispanic professionals and entrepreneurs came together to expand their networks, opening the door to new opportunities and meaningful collaborations.

Exchange Ideas – Attendees shared projects, knowledge, and experiences, while discovering fresh perspectives and strengthening their presence within the community.

Explore Growth Opportunities – Many walked away with promising leads and potential partnerships to boost both their personal and professional journeys.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable night full of positive energy, collaboration, and connection. Stay tuned for our next event—we’re just getting started! 

On March 8th, 2024, the II Foro de la Mujer Hispana was held at Royal Roads University in collaboration with Charlas Entre Mujeres. This inspiring event brought together Hispanic women to share stories, discuss leadership, and strengthen community connections.

Hosted by the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society.

*Session in Spanish

Seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD) affects many people during the winter months in Vancouver Island due to a lack of natural light and other environmental factors. This webinar aims to provide valuable information and practical strategies to understand and manage this challenge, helping you improve your emotional well-being and quality of life during this time of year.

Pilar: Learning

Facilitator: Dennis Del Rio Carbo

Dennis is a psychologist with an extensive professional and academic career:

Training: Psychology from the Mexican University of Distance Education (UMED). Specialties in Person-Centered Approach and Gestalt Psychotherapy from the Gestalt Institute-Humanist University.
Diplomas: Psychoanalysis, narrative and poetry at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM).
Professional experience: He has been a psychologist and professor at the Anglo-Mexican University Center (CUAM) and has worked in community psychological care with the UAEM. He participated as a group psychotherapist in addiction rehabilitation clinics and has worked in private practice since 2004.
Current: He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Yorkville University, works in private practice in Victoria, BC, and is a volunteer at the Vancouver Island Counseling Center for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR).

Description: Continuing our commitment to fostering connections, the November Networking Event is another chance for the Hispanic community in Victoria to come together. Join us for an evening of camaraderie, shared experiences, and the opportunity to expand your network in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

The Vancouver Island Hispanic Network, in collaboration with SEA Cider, hosted a celebration of Día de los Muertos on November 2, 2024, bringing the Mexican tradition of honoring departed loved ones to the wider Vancouver Island community. Set against the backdrop of SEA Cider’s orchard, this cultural event provided an immersive experience, showcasing the symbolism, history, and significance of Día de los Muertos.

Visitors explored beautifully adorned altars, each filled with photos, candles, and traditional marigold flowers, and learned about the rich meanings behind these ofrendas. The event featured live music, traditional dance performances, and a variety of Mexican dishes, including the iconic pan de muerto, paired with SEA Cider’s crafted ciders. Families and individuals alike enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, filled with the warmth of shared stories and memories, while connecting across cultures.

This gathering served as a bridge between communities, allowing Vancouver Island residents to partake in one of Mexico’s most revered traditions, fostering understanding, remembrance, and unity.

Continuing our commitment to fostering connections, the September Networking Event is another chance for the Hispanic community in Victoria to come together. Join us for an evening of camaraderie, shared experiences, and the opportunity to expand your network in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Continuing our commitment to fostering connections, the September Networking Event is another chance for the Hispanic community in Victoria to come together. Join us for an evening of camaraderie, shared experiences, and the opportunity to expand your network in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Back by popular demand, our May Hispanic Business Breakfast is another opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs, and service providers to gather, enjoy a delightful breakfast, and engage with a compelling speaker. This recurring event is a cornerstone of our community, fostering continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Vancouver Island Hispanic Job Fair, a groundbreaking event dedicated to connecting the vibrant Hispanic community with exciting career opportunities across Vancouver Island. This unique job fair aims to bridge the gap between talented Hispanic professionals and forward-thinking employers who value diversity and inclusion.

We were honored to collaborate with the Construction Foundation of BC to facilitate this event.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society is a pivotal gathering that brings together members, stakeholders, and supporters of the organization. This event serves as a platform to reflect on the achievements of the past year, discuss key initiatives, and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the society. It is a unique opportunity for the Vancouver Island Hispanic community to come together, share experiences, and foster a sense of unity and collaboration.

An enriching and inclusive experience at the Hispanic Communities Open Space event. Taking place over three hours, this gathering utilizes the open space methodology to create a space for the community to connect and share perspectives on a variety of topics. It’s a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, build relationships, and contribute to the collective growth of our community.