Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

SOMOS Comox Valley

Effective Date: May 2026

Privacy Policy

SOMOS Comox Valley ("SOMOS," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information through our website, www.somoscomoxvalley.ca, in accordance with British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

1. Information We May Collect

We may collect personal information that is necessary to communicate with you or provide information about our community and events. This may include:

  • First name

  • Last name

  • Email address

This information may be collected when you submit a contact form, sign up for our newsletter, RSVP for an event, enter a giveaway or contest, or otherwise contact us through the website.

By submitting your information, you acknowledge that it will be collected and used for the purposes explained at the point of collection and in this Privacy Policy. Consent to receive marketing communications is requested separately where required.

Please avoid submitting sensitive personal information through website forms.

2. How We May Use Your Information

We may use your information to:

  • Respond to your inquiries

  • Share updates about SOMOS events and initiatives, if you have subscribed

  • Communicate regarding community activities, partnerships, or volunteer opportunities

  • Administer giveaways and contests, including verifying entries, selecting winners, and contacting participants regarding their entries

  • Improve our website and community services

Participation in a giveaway or contest does not automatically subscribe you to our newsletter. Marketing communications are optional and require separate consent.

We do not sell or rent your personal information or share it with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

3. Third-Party Services

Our website is hosted by Squarespace, which may collect certain technical information necessary to operate and maintain the website.

We use Cakemail, a Canadian email marketing service, to manage our newsletter and subscriber list. If you subscribe to the SOMOS newsletter, information such as your name and email address may be stored and processed through Cakemail for the purpose of sending you email updates. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time using the unsubscribe link included in our emails.

Our website may also include links to third-party platforms, including:

  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • Event registration platforms

  • Donation pages operated by trusted partner organizations

These services operate independently and have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies before providing personal information.

4. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use analytics tools to better understand website traffic and improve the visitor experience. These tools may collect information such as:

  • Pages visited

  • Navigation patterns

  • Device and browser type

Analytics tools may use cookies to improve website performance. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect some website functionality.

5. Safeguarding Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

Information submitted through this website may be stored and processed through service providers we use to operate the website and communicate with subscribers, including Squarespace and Cakemail.

6. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you or to request corrections if any information is inaccurate.

To make a request, please contact us through the Contact page on this website. We will respond in accordance with British Columbia's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with applicable legal requirements.

Newsletter subscriber information is retained while your subscription remains active. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in our emails.

Giveaway and contest information is retained only as long as necessary to administer the promotion, distribute prizes, and address related inquiries.

You may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal requirements.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available on this website.

Terms of Use

By accessing and using www.somoscomoxvalley.ca, you agree to the following Terms of Use.

1. Use of This Website

This website is provided for informational purposes to share information about SOMOS Comox Valley, including community events, initiatives, partnerships, and resources.

You agree not to use this website for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage, disable, or interfere with the website or its operation.

2. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, photographs, logos, branding, and other materials, is the property of SOMOS Comox Valley or is used with permission.

This content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.

Photographs and other materials contributed by community members, volunteers, or partners remain the property of their respective owners unless otherwise indicated.

3. Accuracy of Information

We make reasonable efforts to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date. However, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any content.

Event details, schedules, and other community information may change without notice.

4. External Links

This website may include links to external websites, social media platforms, community partners, or fundraising organizations.

These websites operate independently and have their own terms and privacy policies. SOMOS Comox Valley is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external websites.

5. Limitation of Liability

Use of this website is at your own risk. SOMOS Comox Valley is not liable for any damages or losses that may result from the use of, or inability to use, this website or its content, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

6. Changes to These Terms

These Terms of Use may be updated from time to time. The most current version will always be available on this website.

7. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or these Terms of Use, wish to access or correct your personal information, or have concerns about how your information is handled, please contact:

Privacy Officer: Ana Miller, Owner & Founder of SOMOS Comox Valley

Contact: Through the Contact page at www.somoscomoxvalley.ca

We will respond to privacy inquiries in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.

Last Updated: November 4, 2026