Since childhood, Port Alberni’s Katrina Kiefer has always loved a trip to the movies as an escape, since it provided a comfortable space for her as a shy, introverted girl.

“I had some emotional issues. So when we went to the movies together it was a very emotionally safe place, and I could be with friends and I didn’t necessarily need to hold the conversation,” said Kiefer, who is now the executive director of the Port Alberni branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Now Kiefer’s love of the movies is taking on a whole new role. The non-profit is taking on operations of Port Alberni’s historic movie theatre, to run it as a social enterprise that will help fund the charity’s mental health programs going forward.

“We never thought of this. This is a really unique opportunity,” K

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