ATCMA Update: Community Healing Support in Tumbler Ridge Continues to Grow

ATCMA is pleased to share meaningful updates from the ongoing Community Healing Space initiative in Tumbler Ridge. What began as a grassroots effort to support a community in need is quickly becoming a powerful example of collaboration, generosity, and the strength of Traditional Chinese Medicine in action.

First Few Days

The Community Healing Space opened with intention and respect. The morning began with a smudging ceremony led by a local Elder, setting a grounded and meaningful tone for the work ahead.

The space has quickly became a place for people to land, rest, and experience calm amidst difficult circumstances. Volunteers helped everything flow smoothly, meals were lovingly prepared to keep practitioners nourished, and the broader community stepped in with signage, logistical support, and encouragement. The space was warmly received and deeply appreciated.

Irina has partnered with:

• Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) for structure, resources, and support

• Kaslo Community Acupuncture Society for funding coordination and exposure

• The Tumbler Ridge Public Library to facilitate tax-deductible receipts (see below for how to donate)

• Local RMT Yvonne, who helped establish the treatment space

This is community care in its truest form.

Several additional RMTs have expressed interest in joining (including one committed for two upcoming weekends), and one acupuncturist from Vancouver Island has also reached out. The momentum is growing — but more support is still needed.

Generous Support from Cyto-Matrix

We are also grateful to share that Cyto-Matrix has generously donated $2,000 to support Irina’s work in Tumbler Ridge. This contribution directly strengthens the sustainability of the Healing Space and demonstrates the broader natural health community’s commitment to standing alongside those in need.

Thank you, Cyto-Matrix, for your leadership and generosity.

How You Can Help

Volunteer:

If you are a Licensed B.C. Acupuncturist interested in contributing your time and skills to support the people of Tumbler Ridge, please contact Irina Cividino directly at 780-228-0879 or irina@sproutacupuncture.ca.

Donate:

Financial contributions will help cover travel, accommodations, meals, and — if funding allows — practitioner honorariums.

To donate:

1. Visit: https://tumblerridgelibrary.org/donate/

2. Select “Yes, I want to dedicate my donation”

3. Choose “In Honour of”

4. Enter “Physical Therapy”

(These steps are essential to ensure funds are directed to this initiative.)

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

The Tumbler Ridge Community Healing Space is a beautiful reflection of what happens when practitioners, organizations, and community members come together in service. Traditional Chinese Medicine is not only about individual treatment. It is about community resilience, shared care, and showing up when it matters most.

ATCMA is proud to support and amplify this work.

If you are able to volunteer or contribute financially, we encourage you to step forward. Together, we can continue to bring meaningful, grounded healing to Tumbler Ridge.