18th ANNUAL GIFT OF TIME GALA RAISES OVER $1.78 MILLION FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE AT CANUCK PLACE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

Vancouver, B.C (October 31, 2022):  The 18th annual Gift of Time Gala presented by Nicola Wealth welcomed over 600 guests to the Parq Vancouver on Saturday, October 29. The event raised over $1.78 million to support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the only pediatric palliative care provider for over 830 children and families in BC and the Yukon.

Global BC’s Sonia Sunger hosted the memorable event which featured entertainment from youth performers from the MEI Screaming Eagles Marching Band and ShowStoppers, and dancing with DJ Marvel. Auctioneer Fred Lee energized the room during the live auction and funding important needs at Canuck Place.

“The community and connection displayed at Gift of Time was led by our Gala co-chairs, Heather Finlayson, Lucy Greer, and Robyn Lalani,” said Chief Executive Officer, Denise Praill. “They inspired a passionate and dedicated volunteer committee and hosted a memorable and impactful evening. Their leadership and commitment was pivotal to the success of the event.” The evening was also made possible thanks to incredible Canuck Place volunteers who continue to support the gala each year.

Canuck Place parents Erin and Federico Angel shared the story of their baby boy, Alejo, who received end-of-life care at home through the Canuck Place Enhanced Community Care program. With the support of Canuck Place nurses and counsellors, the Angel family were able to make precious memories together at home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Attendees bid on exclusive auction items, as well as supported Canuck Place directly through Fund-A-Need. Guests also participated in a candle lighting ceremony, lighting a candle in honour of Alejo and the other children who have been cared for at Canuck Place over the past 28 years.

The funds raised from the Gift of Time Gala will support pediatric palliative care provided at Canuck Place. Last year Canuck Place had a 33% increase in inpatient admissions of children and families requiring pediatric palliative care and a 14% increase in outpatient community care. Patients on the Canuck Place program are the most medically complex and ill children in the province and funds from the Gift of Time Gala ensure families have special moments.

Canuck Place continues to raise 60% of our operating funds through community donors and corporate supporters including Nicola Wealth, the Citrine Foundation, GenCap, RBC, Alive Publishing Group, and Woodtone. Together, they help give lasting memories to families and help give short lives the gift of great days. Find high-res images of the event via Dropbox and for more information about Canuck Place visit canuckplace.org.

GIFT OF TIME GALA CO-CHAIRS: Heather Finlayson, Lucy Greer, and Robyn Lalani

GIFT OF TIME GALA COMMITTEE: Ann Gallery, Elyssia Patterson, Faisal Vallani, Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, Lauren Hershfield, Mimi DeSerres, Michelle Porter, Rebecca Rawlinson, Sarah Ho, Sarah Lo, Shalina Lawrence, Stephanie Bonn, and Victoria Emslie

GIFT OF TIME GALA DESIGN COMMITTEE: Amy Campbell, Emily Lazare, and Sophie Burke

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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 in-hospice 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 our 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