From left to right: Artists Tara Lee Bennett and Kari Kristensen; Coastal City Ballet Performers; Global BC’s Sonia Sunger, evening host and Fred Lee, evening auctioneer
"We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for our 20th Annual Gift of Time Gala, presented by Nicola Wealth, and for the support of our dedicated Gala Co-Chairs Michelle Porter, Shalina Lawrence, and Victoria Emslie, who led the passionate Gift of Time Committee to create such a memorable evening.”
Canuck Place Board Chair, Robert Coard
“At Canuck Place, we provide care for children with short lives and the families who love them. I want to thank Canuck Place siblings Marysa and Spencer Ho, and Lukas Domingo who so eloquently shared their family stories and care experience at Canuck Place. With the support of the Gift of Time donors, sponsors and volunteers, Canuck Place can continue to offer world-leading pediatric palliative care to families across B.C. and the Yukon.”
Canuck Place Board Chair, Robert Coard
From left to right: Robert Coard; Canuck Place Board Chair, Gift of Time Committee; John and Claire Nicola, presenting sponsors
“I was eight years old when we were introduced to Canuck Place with my brother Mitchell, I was 16 when Kristian passed and I started volunteering at the hospice, and 24 when I started working at Canuck Place as a Care Aide while I’m in school to become an RN. Amidst all the ups and downs that come with growing up, Canuck Place has been a constant for me throughout all that change. The consistency of their services, team, and mission provides a lot of support for me.”
Marysa Ho, Canuck Place Sibling
“You may be thinking how strange it is to want to go back to a place that holds so much emotion and so many memories, but that is a testament to the work that Canuck Place does. It provides the comfort and safety that I sought at eight years old and ever since.”
Marysa Ho, Canuck Place Sibling
From left to right: Canuck Place siblings Marysa and Spencer Ho, and Lukas Domingo
From left to right: Canuck Place Nurse Pracitioner, Camara van Breemen lights candles with Marysa and Spencer Ho, and Lukas Domingo
The funds raised from the Gift of Time Gala will support pediatric palliative care provided by Canuck Place. In the last decade, Canuck Place has seen a 61% increase in children and families on program, and last year alone there were over 4,013 community consults, which includes 24-Hour Clinical Care Line, in-hospital, in-home, and virtual 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 receive the vital support they need.
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