Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need volunteers to help at with LaFF?

Yes, we believe it takes a community to support a family in raising a child, so we like to give individual citizens, community organizations and businesses the opportunity to participate in ways that are enriching for all involved.

LaFF currently is not accepting new volunteers…please check back soon

Please see our Volunteer section for more information or get in touch with us.

How much does is cost to attend LaFF?

We encourage a minimum donation of $4.00 per family for all family programs. Adult programs we encourage a minimum donation of $4.00 per person. For convenience, we have punch cards available for a minimum $20 donation, which allows 6 visits - access these at programming through a LaFF staff member.  Talk to any of the LaFF staff for more information or to access a sponsored pass. Donations can be made either by cash at programming or by direct e-transfer to @donations@familyandfriends.ca

How do I become a member of the LaFF Society?

Yes, see our Join Us section for information on becoming a member..

Where is Aggie Hall?

Aggie Hall is located at 1110-1st Ave, across the street from the Country Grocer store in Ladysmith. Contact Us!

Is LaFF a registered charity?

Yes, LaFF is a registered Society in BC. Our Society Number is S-33538.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my general donation?

Yes. Tax receipts are issued for donations over $20, mailing address required.

Does LaFF receive any government funding?

Yes. LaFF receives general support funding from the Province of British Columbia , Ministry and Children and Family Development, and BC Gaming. We also receive support in-kind from the Town of Ladysmith.

Who else funds LaFF?

Check out our supporters!

LaFF currently enjoys financial support from such organizations such as: Island Savings Credit Union, the United Way Central & Northern Vancouver Island Region, as well as both donations and gifts-in-kind from local businesses and service agencies.

Please see the our supporters section for more details.


Guidelines

Covid Guidelines

Due to the nature of the Covid viruses, guidelines are always changing. We follow the British Columbia provincial government guidelines to prevent the spread.

Guidelines for LaFF Parents/Caregivers and Children

  • Ask older children to be safety leaders for the younger ones.
    Give them a good reason to state the reasons behind safety rules and to understand how it is helpful to give everyone room to play.  This is especially important as our centre hosts a wide age range and a spectrum of developmental abilities.

  • Supervise the children that you bring to LaFF programming.
    Parents/caregivers must be aware of children’s locations, behaviours and interactions with other children.

  • Promote positive conflict resolution.
    One of the strengths of a family & friends resource program is that it introduces children to situations in which they will need to communicate and establish boundaries.  They often need the support of adults to learn these skills.  Ask the staff for helpful hints if you are finding the learning process frustrating or slow.  Sometimes a new phrase is all that is needed to kick-start the changes.

  • Keep materials to the areas in which they belong.
    Food and drink need to stay at the tables.  Play dough and craft materials are intended to remain near their activity areas.  Cleanliness and safety are important for all of us.

  • Encourage games and activities that do not include play fighting.
    For example, scratching tigers and monsters.  These games escalate easily and usually end up with an injury.  Please intervene quickly if you notice children playing aggressively or in any unsafe manner and encourage children to play a “friendlier” game.

  • Support other adults in supervising.
    If a child’s behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable, then let the parent or caregiver know what you have seen.  We all have a role to play in raising kids safely.  The staff can provide ideas to make this a good experience for all.

  • Wear shoes at the Aggie Hall.
    Many groups utilize the hall and the cleanliness of the floor is not guaranteed.

  • Wash hands when you come in and before helping with the food prep.
    This simple act can significantly reduce the transmission of colds and other viruses.

  • Maintain children’s safety by ensuring that no one climbs on table trolleys, chair stacks or the stage.
    LaFF also requests that the kitchen be an adult-only area.

These guidelines are a work in progress and reflect input from many of our members. Additional suggestions and comments are always welcome!

Dealing with Behaviour Issues at LaFF

Here are a few suggestions on dealing with situations.  Please talk to other parents and caregivers or a staff person if you need other suggestions.

Triple-P Parenting Program

The Triple-P suggests simple routines and small changes that can make a big difference to your family.  It helps you understand the way your family works and uses the things you already say, think, feel, and do in new ways that:

  • Create a stable, supportive and harmonious family

  • Encourage behaviour you like

  • Deal positively, consistently and decisively with problem behaviours

  • Build positive relationships with your children, so that conflict can be resolved

  • Plan ahead to avoid or manage potentially difficult situations

  • Take care of yourself as a parent or caregiver

  • Use the words that tell how you want the child to behave, e.g., “Be gentle” or “Use your words”

Ladysmith Family and Friends (LaFF) Privacy Statement

In compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act that came into effect in British Columbia on January 1, 2004.

Ladysmith Family and Friends Society collects personal information (name, address, phone number, email address, etc.) to:

  • Provide you with information about LaFF programs, events, etc.

  • Forward the Ladysmith Family and Friends newsletter to you

  • Inform you of activities in which you may participate

  • Comply with the record keeping requirements of the Societies Act of B.C

  • Provide city information to Town of Ladysmith for statistical purposes

Your personal information is kept in confidence and is used only for the purposes stated above.

We will not use your personal information for any other reason without your expressed consent.   Our website does enable cookies on your system to track our numbers of visits and repeat users.  This information is kept in confidence and used only for the purpose of tracking site usage. 

The Ladysmith Family and Friends’ Privacy Officer will be responsible for keeping Directors informed on privacy issues and will allow members reasonable access to their personal information.  We will make every effort to keep your information up to date and will investigate all complaints.  Complaints or inquiries can be addressed to:

Privacy Officer

Ladysmith Family and Friends Society

PO Box 1830

 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1B4