The event, founded by the Lede Family and the England family, raised over $800,000 to support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, B.C. and the Yukon’s only pediatric palliative care provider for over 800 children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Over 200 philanthropic guests joined car collectors for an exclusive showcase of over 40 rare classic and contemporary cars. The sunny afternoon, was emceed by Katherine Coutinho, Ledcor’s Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, and attendees were welcomed by Kevin England and Dave Lede. Canuck Place Chief Executive Officer, Denise Praill and Chair of the Canuck Place Board, Bob Smart shared their gratitude with all the guests for their support of complex care.
Canuck Place mom, Crystal Jones, shared her family’s journey with Canuck Place, honouring her son Sawyer Trace Jones, who received medical respite and end-of-life care at Canuck Place in September 2021. The family continues to receive support in bereavement counselling with Canuck Place clinicians.
“Canuck Place gave our whole family more time with our sweet Sawyer,” said Crystal. “When we did not know how much time we had left, the team at Canuck Place helped guide us to live each day making the most of Sawyer’s life that he had left here on earth,” said Crystal."
Crystal Jones, Canuck Place Mom
From left to right: Dave Lede and Kevin England; Kevin England, Denise Praill, Bob Smart, Katherine Coutinho, and Dave Lede
From left to right: Bentley, Crystal, Sawyer, Landen, and Dave Jones
Throughout the afternoon, invitees enjoyed delicious canapés by Edge Catering, as well as beer, cocktails, and wine. Attendees also voted on their favourite car of the event, which was the 1958 Chevrolet Impala model, owned by Ron Stevenson, Vice Chair of Ledcor Group.
The afternoon also featured Canuck Place’s Fund-A-Need program, which raises funds to support the greatest critical care needs. Finally, the program concluded with the Sawyer’s Cup Award presentation, which holds a very special meaning.
In the summer of 2021, Kevin England brought his Ford Model T to Canuck Place Glen Brae hospice in Vancouver. He gave rides to the children staying in the hospice. During this visit, he met the Jones family. Kevin learned that the Jones family are car enthusiasts who, at the time, were in the process of restoring a car of their own. While Sawyer was receiving care, his two older brothers were given the opportunity to go for a ride in the Model T. With this experience, Kevin witnessed how valuable these memories were to children and families at Canuck Place and was inspired to give back. The Classic & Contemporary Car Invitational moved ahead with a new sense of purpose. After Sawyer’s passing, Kevin named the trophy handed out at the event, ‘Sawyer’s Cup’.
From left to right: 1958 Chevrolet Impala, winner of the Sawyer’s Cup award; Paul Zalesky, Canucks Alumni Cliff Ronning, Geoff Courtnall, Ron Stevenson, Dave, Crystal, Landen and Bentley Jones with ‘Sawyers Cup’; Ron Stevenson in his winning car
The funds raised from the successful 2nd annual Classic & Contemporary Car Invitational will support pediatric palliative care provided at Canuck Place. Canuck Place has seen a 14% increase outpatient care and in-patient admissions has increased 33% in the past year. With the funds raised, Canuck Place can continue to provide quality, complex care in the hospices, in-home, and throughout the community through the Nancy Chan Enhanced Community Care Program. Canuck Place continues to raise a significant portion of operating funds through community donors and corporate supporters, and signature fundraising events. Together, they help give lasting memories to families and help give short lives the gift of great days.
Find high-res images via Dropbox, and for more information about Canuck Place, visit canuckplace.org.
From left to right: Bentley, Dave, Landen, and Crystal Jones
CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY CAR INVITATIONAL CO-CHAIRS: Dave Lede and Kevin England
CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY CAR INVITATIONAL COMMITTEE: Carlota Lee, Christie Garofalo, Devina Zalesky, Drew Hall, David Hoff, Karen Bruk, Kirk Stevenson, Lyle Langlois, Michele Huebner, Monica Soprovich, Paul Zalesky, Rahul Khanna, Sharlene Ludwig, Sharon Cooper, Tracey Wade, and Zhara Salisbury
About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia and the Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 830 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, research initiatives, our talented team, patient partners, and over 370 volunteers, we care for children with short lives and the families who love them. canuckplace.org
Media Contact: Anna Stuber
anna.stuber@canuckplace.org | 604-562-0722
anna.stuber@canuckplace.org | 604-562-0722
