Submitted. On Wednesday, December 7th, 2016, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – Dave Lede House in Abbotsford kicked off the holiday season with the lighting of thousands of festive lights decorating the hospice grounds with donors, partners, friends and family members.
Pictured: Fraser Valley Canuck Place child Nicolas (centre) attended the Canuck Place Lighting of the House event in Abbotsford to help illuminate the grounds and participate in festive activities involving music, cookie decorating and visits from holiday elves. Photo by Leida Hartmann-Wong
The event, sponsored in part by Chances Abbotsford and Cottonwood Mall, was a celebration of the community of caring supporters in the Fraser Valley who contribute to the funding of pediatric palliative care for children and families across BC.
“This is the third annual Lighting of the House event at Canuck Place Dave Lede House and is a special tradition celebrating the support of the local community,” said Margaret McNeil, Canuck Place CEO. “These lights represent giving light and hope to over 670 children and families on the Canuck Place program, with over 40% residing in the Fraser Valley. As the province’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider we care for children with life-threatening illnesses made possible in part by our valued donors in the Fraser Valley who attended to show their support for Canuck Place families.”
The evening featured a performance by Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts – Sumas Jazz Band & Choir, festive activities including a visit from Santa courtesy of Twins Cancer Fundraising, as well as a special ceremony where Fraser Valley Canuck Place child Nicolas, along with his family, flipped the switch to illuminate the house and grounds. For Nicolas’ mother Preta, this memorable event reminds her of how Canuck Place has made an impact in their lives.
“Canuck Place is truly magical. From the minute we arrive, we are surrounded by amazing staff, volunteers and clinical team members,” said Petra Fellinger. “The respite support provided allows us to be together as a family without the interruptions of everyday life and also take a little time for ourselves while the kids enjoy all the amenities at this wonderful place. We are so grateful for their support.”
Canuck Place has also launched their online Light A Life campaign at www.canuckplace.org to invite the public to join the donors at this event in contributing to Canuck Place care. This campaign complements the Lighting of the House event and will run until December 31st, 2016.
Fraser Valley Canuck Place child Nicolas and family joined Canuck Place Children’s Hospice CEO, Margaret McNeil, to ‘flip the switch’ and officially light the house. (Left to right: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice CEO Margaret McNeil (second to left), Canuck Place Nicolas in power chair (centre) with family).Photo by Leida Hartmann-Wong