Submitted –
For Immediate Release
Dec. 15, 2015
$11,000 donation from Envision Financial puts finishing touch on Canuck Place library
ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — The Envision Financial Community Endowment granted $11,000 to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, British Columbia’s pediatric palliative care provider to more than 600 newborns, children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.
The funds supported the purchase of furniture for the Canuck Place library and family lounge at Dave Lede House in Abbotsford, the organization’s second provincial hospice location. The gift is one of 33 grants the Envision Financial Community Endowment has awarded to organizations delivering programs to vulnerable populations this year.
“The completion of these two rooms in David Lede House is the culmination of four years of co-operation between our organizations, starting with the $150,000 capital contribution, as well as donations of $33,200 in grants from 2011 to 2015,” said Seline Kutan, executive director of the First West Foundation, the philanthropic arm of First West Credit Union of which Envision Financial is a regional division.
This quiet space includes a library filled with children’s books and resources, including grief and bereavement books, and a relaxing respite for employees in the form of a nursing lounge and staff room.
“With the support of the Envision Financial Community Endowment and the First West Foundation, children, families and staff at our Dave Lede House hospice have an inviting, warm and quiet space to go,” said Susan Poitras, coordinator of counselling and bereavement at Canuck Place.
“We really wanted to help nourish the well-being of both patients and employees at Canuck Place,” said Susan Byrom, Senior Manager of Community Investment at Envision Financial. “Knowing the Envision Financial Community Endowment has furnished rooms our organization funded in 2012 closes the circle for us—we’re committed to contributing where we can to support the important work Canuck Place does for B.C.’s sickest kids and their families.”
Photo Caption: Monica Ismirnioglou and Shayan Saed, who participate in a bereavement program run by Canuck Place, enjoy the furnishings in the hospice’s new library. Both the library and the staff lounge at Canuck Place’s Dave Lede House in Abbotsford were furnished with funds from the Envision Financial Community Endowment.
About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 600 newborns, children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families receive care from CPCH through outreach programs and two provincial hospice locations: Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour phone consultation support and in-house clinical care, art and education, recreation therapy, grief and loss counselling and end-of-life care. Through the investment of the community, our talented team, and over 325 energetic volunteers we make a lasting difference in the lives of children and the families who love them. www.canuckplace.org
About Envision Financial
Envision Financial is a premier provider of banking, investment and insurance services for residents and businesses throughout the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland and Kitimat regions. As a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 53 branches and 40 insurance offices throughout the province, Envision Financial brings innovative products, an extensive branch network and local decision making to the banking experience. For more information on Envision Financial, visit www.envisionfinancial.ca.
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Media Contact
Jason Brown
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
First West Credit Union
604.539.7415
jbrown@firstwestcu.ca