The Canucks Place Children’s Hospice Family Day – Celebrating 15 Years

Posted on August 29, 2010 in Uncategorized

Today I got a chance to spend my afternoon at the Canucks Children’s Hospice Family Day at the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice provides specialized pediatric palliative care for children living with a life-threatening illness and offers support for their families throughout British Columbia.

The event was a celebration of the Hospice’s 15th year of helping BC children and families embrace life.

Today the kids were out in full force, enjoying the entertainment and activity zones with their family and friends. On hand was an art exhibition, a craft section, a face painting booth and a Memory Lane – A collection of pictures and Canucks memorabilia from the past 15 years.

It was humbling experience to see so many underprivileged kids enjoying themselves outdoors and interacting with the crowds. When speaking to some of the families, they all agreed today’s event was a huge lift in their spirits and great way for them to get outside and meet their friends.

Later in the afternoon, guests were treated to a BBQ sponsored by MarketPlace IGA and food stations held by various sponsors.

On hand providing some tasty dessert items was the Pan Pacific Culinary Team, including Executive Chef Daryle Nagata and Pastry Chef, Hans Pirhofer.

Chef Daryle and Hans were on hand offering several treats including fresh marshmellow and macaroon smores dipped in chocolate sauce.

Mmmm…Have a look!

Before the afternoon came to an end, Canucks Hospice CEO, Filomena Nalewajek spoke about how far the Hospice has come in the last 15 years and how many families their program has touched. Canuck Place offers a comprehensive continuum of care to over 370 children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout British Columbia. The program is unique in that it offers world-class health care within a home-like environment.

Canuck Place encourages each child to ‘embrace life’ and believes in enhancing the quality of whatever time a child may have left by empowering them to live fully and joyfully.