Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Abbotsford kicked off the holiday season on Thursday with the lighting of thousands of festive lights decorating the grounds.
The event brought together donors, partners, friends and family members to celebrate supporters in the Fraser Valley who contribute to the funding of pediatric palliative care for children and families across B.C.
CEO Margaret McNeil said donors ensure that Canuck Place can continue to care for more than 715 children and families in the Canuck Place program, with over 40 per cent residing in the Fraser Valley.
This was the fourth annual Lighting of the House event at the location next to Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
“These lights represent the light and love found at Canuck Place … We’re so thankful to have the community join us to help light the house and launch the holiday season,” McNeil said.
The evening featured a performance by the Mennonite Educational Institute Choir, festive activities including a visit from Santa, and a special ceremony where Canuck Place family the Cunninghams flipped the switch to illuminate the house and grounds.
Dwayne Cunningham is the father of Lumina, who is on the Canuck Place program, and this event reminds him of how Canuck Place has made an impact in their lives.
“Canuck Place provides trusted counsel, expert care, and medical respite for our whole family,” he said.
“They are with us at home during times of fear and stress as well as at the hospice from the moment we walk through the doors.”
“We have eaten, slept, laughed and cried at Canuck Place and its warmth has brightened our lives in indescribable ways. Not every moment is easy, but every single moment is beautiful and part of that beauty is because of the loving, professional care that we receive from Canuck Place.”
Canuck Place has also launched their online Light a Life campaign at canuckplace.org.