Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – Dave Lede House in Abbotsford has illuminated thousands of festive lights decorating the hospice and surrounding gardens.
The hospice held its annual Lighting of the House on Thursday evening to welcome the holiday season and celebrate the donors and sponsors who support the funding of pediatric palliative care for children and families across B.C.
Canuck Place CEO Margaret McNeil said the tradition celebrates “the love at Canuck Place and the support of the local community.”
“Lighting the hospice in the company of Canuck Place families, friends, donors and volunteers reminds us all of the value of community and the impact we can make together,” she said.
McNeil said the support from donors ensures that Canuck Place can continue to care for almost 730 children and families, with almost half residing in the Fraser Valley.
The evening featured a performance by the Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) Choir, festive activities, a visit from Santa and a special ceremony where Canuck Place family the McLeods illuminated the house and grounds.
Melissa is a Canuck Place mother whose son Oliver passed away in 2017. She shared a message of thanks at the Lighting of the House event and then flipped the light switch along with her husband Allan.
“My husband works in Langley and I work in Abbotsford so having access to Canuck Place – Dave Lede House in our community is such a gift,” Melissa said.
“I honestly don’t know where we’d be without this support. Because of it, with hard work, and donor support of Canuck Place, I can say we are in a better place.”
Canuck Place has also launched their online Light a Life holiday campaign at canuckplace.org to invite the public to contribute to Canuck Place care. The campaign runs until Dec. 31.
RELATED: Canuck Place expands services in Abbotsford
RELATED: Canuck Place kids and families celebrate Halloween
