Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Abbotsford kicked off the holiday season with the lighting of festive lights on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
CEO Margaret McNeil said the lighting of Dave Lede House – located on the Campus of Care on Marshall Road – is an important tradition for Canuck Place, which also has a location in Vancouver.
“With our second provincial location in operating out-patient services, this event provides us the opportunity to celebrate our supporters from around the Fraser Valley and light up the holiday season officially for Canuck Place children and families,” she said.
Petra Fellinger, Canuck Place mom to Nicholas Schwuchow, said the hospice has “amazing staff, volunteers and clinical team members.”
“We are able to be together as a family without the interruptions of everyday life and also take a little time for ourselves while the kids enjoy all the amenities at this wonderful place. The kids love coming and always have a great time. Canuck Place is truly magical. We are so grateful for their support.”
The Schwuchows were scheduled to be in attendance to “flip the switch” at the lighting ceremony but three-year-old Nicholas was too ill to attend.
Instead, Jenna Prem, a teen fundraiser for Canuck Place from Abbotsford and recent Vancouver Canucks “Hammer’s Hero,” was there to light up the holiday tree.
Those in attendance at Wednesday’s event included local donors and supporters, Canuck Place families, MLA Simon Gibson, and a number of Abbotsford city councillors.
The festive event included performances by local quartet group Four Real and a variety of activities for the kids, including holiday crafting and a visit by Santa.