Vancouver, B.C (March 7, 2022): The 8th annual Gift of Love Gala, presented by MNP: Conversations of Connection, Hope and Resilience, welcomed hundreds of guests from across British Columbia on March 5 for a new, interactive online broadcast hosted by Every Conversation Counts author, Riaz Meghji. The reimagined event raised over $273,000 to support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the only pediatric palliative care provider for over 800 children and families in B.C. and the Yukon.
Riaz Meghji sat down to have intimate conversations with special guests exploring themes of connection, hope and resilience. Riaz was first joined by Vancouver Canucks alumni Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who discussed their experience with resilience. Riaz was also joined by Canuck Place counsellor Deborah Davison to share valuable insight on remaining connected during times of uncertainty. Finally, Canuck Place nurse practitioner Camara van Breemen and Canuck Place mom Sharon Bulger shared a beautiful, intimate conversation with Riaz discussing the care of her son Cameron's cancer journey.
From left to right: Daniel and Henrik Sedin and Riaz Meghji
Canuck Place counsellor Deborah Davison and Riaz Meghji
Canuck Place Nurse Practitioner Camara van Breeman, Canuck Place Mom Sharon Bulger and Riaz Meghji
“Canuck Place swooped in and relieved the pressure,” said Sharon.
“No parent plans for their child to die, and no parent has any plans for when their child does die. Canuck Place was there to help us put the pieces back together. In the depths of my worst nightmare, Canuck Place held us until we could begin to stand again.”
Sharon, Zach, Cameron (in photo) and Glenn Bulger, Canuck Place family
The evening also treated guests to performances from Bukola and Langley Ukulele and a chance to win a 14k Gold Diamond Multi-Band ring from Lanka Jewels. Guests also bid on over 100 auction items from incredible donors around the province, including an exclusive two-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort. Funds were also raised through Canuck Place’s virtual Fund-A-Need program, which supports the greatest critical care needs. Cameo appearances featured Vancouver Canucks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau, and Abbotsford Canucks players, Adam Brubacher, Tristen Nielsen and Will Lockwood.
From left to right: Bukola and Langley Ukulele Assemble
The evening closed with a candle lighting ceremony in honour of Cameron and the other children cared for by Canuck Place over the past 26 years.
Gala co-chairs Aprille Ferrario, Marcie Cyr, and Suzanne Adams embraced the challenges of uncertainty, leading a passionate and dedicated volunteer committee to transform the gala into an intimate broadcast capturing the uniqueness of Canuck Place’s program to guests across the province.
The funds raised from Gift of Love will support pediatric palliative care provided at Canuck Place. Since 2015, Canuck Place has seen a 34% increase in children and families requiring pediatric palliative care and a 94% increase in outpatient care. With the money raised, Canuck Place can continue to provide quality, interdisciplinary care in the hospices, in-home, and throughout the community through the Nancy Chan Enhanced Community Care program. Canuck Place continues to raise 60% of its operating funds through community donors and corporate supporters including MNP, Graestone and Ledcor. Together, they help give lasting memories to families and help give short lives the gift of great days.
Find high-res images and segment videos via Dropbox, and for more information about Canuck Place, visit canuckplace.org.
GIFT OF LOVE GALA CO-CHAIRS: Aprille Ferrario, Marcie Cyr & Suzanne Adams
GIFT OF LOVE GALA COMMITTEE: Amy Badesha, Debbie Bass, Jennifer Cooper, Denise de Jonge, Miranda Hardy, Chrissy Nicholson, Freda Nielsen, Leisha Wiens, Baneet Braich, Jessica Summers, Sarah Tremblay, Kam Riarh, and Lauren Klade.
About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia and Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 800 children living with life-threatening illnesses and families from five provincial health regions receive Canuck Place inpatient and community care (in home/in hospital). Canuck Place operates 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospices in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, provincial 24-hour clinical care line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief, loss, and bereavement counselling, as well as end-of-life care. With donors, our talented team, including over 370 volunteers, we care for children with short lives and the families who love them. canuckplace.org
