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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
23 May 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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Details
Description
About the Family
We are a warm and welcoming family of four, connected to our local community and guided by a holistic lifestyle. The children attend a Waldorf school, and creativity, nature, and mindful living are important parts of our daily life.
Dad works full-time (widowed), so we’re looking for some extra support to help keep our home and garden running smoothly.
Help Needed
Most of the help is focused on cleaning and organizing projects inside the house, with some yard and garden work as well. If you’re handy, there are also a few small maintenance projects that would be wonderful to complete.
About the Kids (childcare is not expected, though light support when Dad is home would be appreciated)
• 12-year-old daughter – quiet, clever, and creative. She enjoys crafts, art, math, and dance.
• 9-year-old son – gentle, funny, and easygoing. He loves bike riding, remote control cars, building projects, and Lego, and all sports (especially soccer).
• 7-year-old daughter – full of energy and very caring. She enjoys playing with stuffed animals, beading, puzzles, painting, helping in the kitchen, and riding her bike.
We live close to the Koksilah River.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Interests
Art & design
Photography
Events & social
Self development
Vegetarian or vegan
Plant care
Languages
Gardening
Animals
Hiking
Dancing
Camping
Yoga / Wellness
Fitness
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural Exchange
The family has Irish, Canadian, and Japanese heritage. You will benefit from cultural exchange experiences involving these cultures, cuisine, and language. We also have lots of books on nature, gardening, permaculture, mushrooms, and cooking. There is a lot to explore. You will also learn more about permaculture gardening and can add your creative touch to the evolving landscape of the property.
You will be made to feel part of the family, working together in the garden/household, playing together, and sharing meals. We look forward to spending time with you.
The Area
A beautiful rural community with lots going on, especially for nature and food lovers, Check out the Cowichan Valley Voice for event listing, or the local tourism info site. Loads of trails nearby for biking, walking, hiking, rivers to swim, lakes to kayak, mushroom hunting, disk golf, farm stands, etc.
The Land
Small (2/3 acre), quiet, rural property with views of rolling hills, forests, and beautiful sunsets every evening.
Permaculture approach to land management, including a food forest in the 4th year of development, a flower garden, a Japanese garden, and a small forested area.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for a helper who would enjoy experiencing Canadian culture while becoming part of our family life. The support we need includes a variety of tasks such as household organization, cleaning, gardening, and occasional small DIY or maintenance projects depending on your skills and interests.
Our ideal helper is independent, proactive, and comfortable stepping into the rhythm of family and community life. Good organizational habits and a tidy approach are appreciated, and any experience with gardening, carpentry, or general maintenance is a wonderful bonus.
Main Focus
• Gardening and outdoor projects
• Household organization and cleaning
• Small DIY or maintenance tasks (based on skill level)
Time Commitment
5 days per week, 4–5 hours per day in exchange for 3 meals a day, wifi, laundry.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Irish: Intermediate
Amharic: Beginner
Japanese: Beginner
Accommodation
We have a private bedroom in our family home for our helpers to stay in.
We live rurally in Cowichan Station, on a small acerage, with beautiful views and lovely sunsets.
It is a 10-15 minute drive from down town Duncan.
We share family dinners all together most days of the week. We would love to share this meal with you. When sharing a meal together is not possible, food ingredients will be provided for you to make your own meal.
For breakfast, everyone generally fends for themselves. During the summer, we all eat lunch together as a family.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
If travelling with your camper van we have a parking spot on the lower level of the property with well water and a 60 amp ( I think) hook up on a level gravel area.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Hobbs - he is a kitten (10 months)
He is a cute tabby kitten
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (1)
The main tasks were cleaning the house, including the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. In addition to cleaning, we shared meals and snacks together, providing opportunities to interact with local people. One of the most… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
The main tasks were cleaning the house, including the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. In addition to cleaning, we shared meals and snacks together, providing opportunities to interact with local people. One of the most… read more
