SOS was started by three local women in 1968. They were concerned that the needs of local school children were going unmet, and seniors required assistance with basic necessities. They called on their friends and neighbours and formed SOS. In 1969, SOS Thrift Shop was opened to provide a secure funding base for the Society’s vital programs and services. Volunteers continue to be the backbone of SOS. Over the decades SOS has expanded, thanks to community support. Programs and services have evolved with the changing needs of the community. Today SOS provides dozens of free and subsidized programs to residents of all ages living in District 69 (Nanoose Bay to Bowser). SOS is truly the essence of the word Community.