Savour Life at Canuck Place’s 10th Annual Gift of Time Gala

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will celebrate the 10th annual Gift of Time Gala presented by TELUS on Saturday, September 27th at the Westin Bayshore. The event has raised over $6 million dollars for critical care for province wide programs provided by Canuck Place to children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.

The spectacular gala features original centrepieces created by artist Sid Dickens and children at Canuck Place, red glass Venetian candelabras, musicians, performers and the highlight presentation story from a family who has received care from BC recognized pediatric palliative care provider.

“It is always an incredible evening,” said Margaret McNeil, CEO at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. “We are so grateful for the support of the guests and our event partners. My favourite part of the evening is when we hear from Canuck Place families.”

Savour Life at Canuck Place’s 10th Annual Gift of Time Gala

The family stories are remarkable and focus on themes about humanity. It is not about saving lives but about how to savour life.

Partners, supporters, and donors, hear life-altering challenges from families like the Laurencos. Lindsey Lourenco passed away at Canuck Place in March 2013 at the age of 18. Lindsey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the tender of age of 13 and she received treatments for cancer when it returned repeatedly.

When the cancer came back the fifth time, Lindsey made the brave decision to stop treatments and enter the Canuck Place program. Her best friend and her sister Lindsey spoke to gala guests in 2013. “Lindsey was the bravest, strongest and most beautiful person I will ever know. I am still in awe of all the amazing things she accomplished while silently suffering with so much pain and fear. I will always be so proud to be her sister. Lindsey is my hero, my inspiration and the positive voice inside my head.”

With the help of Canuck Place, Sadie and her parents, Tony and Darlene shared Lindsey’s last few weeks and created lasting memories. “The nurses, the doctors, the social workers, the volunteers, everyone made sure we had every need met. Did we have any questions? Were we comfortable? Did we want to talk to someone? Did we need a break? Did we need a hug? Would you like to spend some time with Poppy, the beloved Canuck Place therapy dog? I felt like every person at Canuck Place sincerely cared about my sister, me, and my whole family’s happiness and well-being,” said Sadie.

“Canuck Place was there for us and continues to be there for us. I lost my sister, but what happened to our family could happen to anyone. Please give to Canuck Place for your children, your friend’s children, for BC’s children.”

The 2014 Gift of Time gala represents TELUS’ ninth year as presenting sponsor. This tremendous contribution and continuous support through the gala and other investments has helped Canuck Place Children’s Hospice to provide clinical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour phone consultation support and in-house clinical care, art and education, recreation therapy, grief and loss counselling and end-of-
life care.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is a not-for-profit organization that raises 80 percent of its operating budget through generous gifts from individuals, community organizations and partners. Currently, Canuck Place is reaching only 25% of the estimated 1400 children in BC who need our care. Gift of Time is one event that will make a difference. It is with the support and commitment of organizations like TELUS that Canuck Place has been able to provide clinical care for two decades to children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider. Over 560 newborns, children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families receive care from CPCH through outreach programs and two provincial hospice locations; Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include clinical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour phone consultation support and in-house clinical care, art and education, recreation therapy, grief and loss counselling and end-of-life care. Through the investment of the community and our talented team and over 325 energetic volunteers we make a lasting difference in the lives of children and the families who love them.