19TH ANNUAL GIFT OF TIME GALA RAISES OVER $1.55 MILLION FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE AT CANUCK PLACE CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

Vancouver, B.C. (September 26, 2023):  The 19th annual Gift of Time Gala presented by Nicola Wealth welcomed over 500 guests to the Parq Vancouver on Saturday, September 23. The event raised over $1.55 million to support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the pediatric palliative care provider for over 871 children and families in BC and the Yukon.

This year’s Gift of Time Gala, saw an exciting collaboration with BC artist, Gabryel Harrison. Her painting Spring is Constant was the inspiration behind the event’s design. Global BC’s Sonia Sunger hosted the memorable event which featured entertainment from youth performers from the MEI Screaming Eagles Drum Line and Bukola, and dancing with DJ Marvel. Auctioneer Fred Lee energized the room during the live auction and “Fund-a-Need” program which funds important care programs at Canuck Place.

“We are so incredibly grateful for our Gala co-chairs, Michelle Porter, Lucy Greer, and Robyn Lalani, and the exceptional Gift of Time Committee who contribute their creative, passion each year to make the evening so impactful and memorable,” said Chief Executive Officer, Denise Praill. “We also extend our deepest gratitude to Canuck Place parents, Wes and Marie Toews for sharing their Canuck Place care story and beautiful daughter Sophia with the room. And of course, the evening was also made possible thanks to our generous sponsors and incredible Canuck Place volunteers who continue to support the gala each year."

Canuck Place parents Wes and Marie Toews lovingly shared the story of their baby girl, Sophia, who received both perinatal care and end-of-life care at home through the Canuck Place Enhanced Community Care program. With the support of Canuck Place nurses and counsellors, the Toews family were able to make precious memories together both at home and at the Vancouver hospice, 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 Sophia 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 by Canuck Place. Last year Canuck Place had a 63% increase in family members staying in our hospices for medical respite care, a 31% increase in community-based and in-hospital care, as well as an 80% increase in care provide in-home, through the Enhanced Community Care Program. 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 its operating funds through a community of donors and corporate supporters including gala sponsors Nicola Wealth, Pacific Property Group, GenCap Mining Advisory, RBC, and Strand. 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: Michelle Porter, Lucy Greer, and Robyn Lalani

GIFT OF TIME GALA COMMITTEE: Brandy Ridout, Briana James, Chantal Darvell, Elyssia Patterson, Faisal Vallani, Jaclyn Dayson, James Temple, Katie Dunsworth-Reiach, Marayna Dickinson, Mimi DeSerres, Polly Reitze, Rebecca Rawlinson, Sarah Ho, Sarah Lo, Stephanie Bonn, Tita Cool, Victoria Emslie

GIFT OF TIME GALA DESIGN COMMITTEE: Peter Wilds, Rebecca Rawlinson

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About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC and the Yukon’s pediatric palliative care provider. Over 871 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 family partners, and over 261 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