Every life is precious, no matter how long it shines
When a family embarks on the journey of parenthood, they are not prepared for the unimaginable—the earth-shattering news that their child has a life-threatening diagnosis.
Premia Family – Canuck Place Light a Life
Sam and Helen Premia were faced with difficult decisions about their daughter Angelina’s care before they even had the chance to meet her. Angelina was diagnosed in utero with a rare neurodevelopmental genetic condition called Oral Facial Digital Syndrome – Type 1, which is classified as the most severe of eight different categories for this condition.
“Angelina was such a spirited, loving, hilarious soul, and a fighter by nature,” says Hannah, Angelina’s sister. “Her laugh and smiles were absolutely infectious and despite being non-verbal, she was always able to express herself so clearly, with a smile on her face and a hug for everyone around her. She was the sweetest little sister anyone could have ever asked for.”
Despite receiving a life-limiting diagnosis at birth, and the obstacles she faced in her short life, it was not until she turned 18 that Angelina was first introduced to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. In June 2021, the Premias received the devastating news that Angelina had chronic kidney failure associated with her genetic condition. Without any curative options, Helen and Sam made the decision to pursue compassionate comfort care, prioritizing Angelina’s quality of life and making memories together as a family.
“This was the hardest decision we have ever had to make,” explains Helen. “The Canuck Place team was very professional, caring, and gave us all the information, helping us as we were trying to process everything. They made us feel very comfortable, walked us through all the options, and were very patient with us.”
As the only pediatric palliative care provider for children 0-19 in BC and the Yukon, Canuck Place walks alongside many families like the Premias, caring for children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Canuck Place services include medical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, a provincial 24-Hour Clinical Care Line, music and recreation therapy, education and art, grief and bereavement counselling, and end-of-life care. All at no cost to families.
Canuck Place provides care in-hospice from their two locations in Vancouver and Abbotsford, as well as community-based care in-hospital and in families’ homes.
As families face uncertainty with their child’s serious illness, many choose to have care in the comfort and familiarity of their home. To meet this need, Canuck Place provides support through consultations in-home, virtual care through the 24-Hour Clinical Care Line, and end-of-life care through the Enhanced Community Care program.
“Here at Canuck Place we know there’s a time and place for hospital, there’s a time and place for interventions and medicalized care,” explains Canuck Place Nurse Practitioner, Camara van Breemen. “But we also know there’s a time and place for comfort, for the child and family to be in the place and location where they feel safe and secure.”
In-home care looks different from day-to-day, family-to-family, depending on the unique needs of the child and the trajectory of their illness.
For the Premia family, it was important to honour Angelina’s request to spend her final days at home, surrounded by her loved ones. It was during this time, that Canuck Place nurse practitioner Rachel Neufeld and Camara supported the whole family as they navigated Angelina’s rapidly changing condition, from helping with dietary needs and medications, to pain management, and ensuring she was comfortable.
“Camara and Rachel walked us through every single step and small change as Angelina’s health deteriorated. They always checked in on our family, and came to our home when we needed them,” says Helen. “We are so thankful to both Camara and Rachel. They come in our thoughts often when we think of Angie.”
As Angelina neared end of life, Sam, Helen, and Angelina’s two sisters Hannah and Sharon, participated in memory-making together. They had professional photos taken and made a beautiful family video that they all cherish to this day. Canuck Place recreation therapists helped them make hand molds, and also pendant necklaces with Angelina’s fingerprint.
“It was only after receiving her fingerprint in a necklace following her passing that I can truly say how cherished that piece is,” Hannah explains. “It brings me comfort knowing I have a little piece of Angelina physically with me still.”
Through cherished memories, shared experiences, and sacred mementos, Canuck Place helps children and families make precious memories together, and celebrate life.
“When I looked at the pendant or hold the hand molds, it’s like holding my baby’s hand again and it brings back so many sweet memories of my angel,” shares Helen.
Light a Life with Canuck Place
Losing a child to a life-threatening illness is a journey. Following Angelina’s end-of-life care, her family continues on the Canuck Place program through bereavement counselling. On average, a family remains in grief care for an average of three years following the devastating loss of their child. The Premia family takes comfort in knowing that when their grief feels unbearable, or the emotions too big, Canuck Place counsellors are there to help them find strength in tender places.
At Canuck Place, every life is precious no matter how long it shines, and more families like the Premias need Canuck Place’s support. This past year alone, Canuck Place saw a 31% increase in community-based, in-home and in-hospital care.
From now until December 31, every gift received this holiday season will be triple matched, thanks to generous partners. With you, Canuck Place helps short lives shine bright. Light the way. Give today.
Enjoy a holiday experience like no other as the Bright Nights train is back on track in Stanley Park this 2023 holiday season! Ride the train through the magical forest, alight with thousands of sparkling lights, all while supporting a great cause.
You can still visit the site by donation without a train ticket, and enjoy the beautiful light displays and entertainment in the festive forest setting.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
Date: November 30, 2023 to January 6, 2024
Open nightly from 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Closed December 25
Location: Pipeline Road in Stanley Park (follow signs to Miniature Railway)
Admission to the site: Free, suggested donation to the BC Burn Fund.
Train Tickets: For purchase online starting November 9, 2023. Train tickets are not sold on-site and must be purchased in advanced for designated ride time.
UPDATE Nov 29th: Bright Nights Extended! A successful Technical Safety BC inspection confirmed the use of one locomotive and five train carriages. An additional 17,000 tickets will be available exclusively online beginning Thursday, November 30 at 9:00am. More info here.
You can also bid on a 5-pack of tickets in the Stanley Park Ecology Society’s silent auction online here until December 15th.
Visitors can once again ride through the Stanley Park winter wonderland on the Bright Nights miniature railway, which was not operational last year due to mechanical issues.
Bright Nights Train in Stanley Park Back on Train
“We are thrilled that the Stanley Park Train will be operational for Bright Nights,” Mayor Ken Sim said in a press release today. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to community champions for their generous philanthropic support in the restoration of this beloved holiday attraction. Specifically, we express our gratitude to the Beedie Foundation, Peter and Joanne Brown Foundation, Diamond Foundation, The Lyall Family, Jeff Stibbard, and The 625 Powell Street Foundation for their invaluable contributions.”
“We understand how cherished Bright Nights is for Vancouver families, and we are delighted that the train will be a feature of this event. We appreciate the patience and support of the community as the train’s restoration work was completed. We are excited for families to come and enjoy Bright Nights and create memories for years to come.”
The vintage 1961 train equipment required specialized parts that were challenging to acquire and necessitated specialized work to complete. The restoration work was accomplished through a collective effort involving staff and private donors who generously funded the project.
Without a Train Ticket
Take in the vibrant colours of thousands of twinkling lights throughout the forest. Stroll through the plaza to enjoy even more lights, whimsical displays, and the crowd-pleasing vintage fire truck. Make sure you check out the live entertainment on your way to the North Pole workshop, where you can snap a pic with Santa and his fire fighter friends.
BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund
A favourite holiday tradition for the community and fire fighters alike, Bright Nights is also the single largest fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life-supporting, and life-enriching services to burn survivors and their families from across the province. The Park Board has donated more than $2.5 million to the Burn Fund since Bright Nights began in 1998.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
Help ensure everyone can stay warm and dry this season by dropping off winter clothing and other essentials to these organizations around Vancouver:
Where to Donate Warm Clothing in Vancouver
Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre Location: Drop-in Centre (302 Columbia St, Vancouver) Location: Drop-in Centre (25 E Hastings, Vancouver) Location: Emergency Shelter (412 E Cordova, Vancouver) Location: Warming & Respite Space (265 E Hastings, Vancouver) Items Needed: Leggings, jeans, hoodies, t-shirts, socks, shoes, bras, and outerwear. View the full wish list here along with specific drop-off instructions for each location.
Aunt Leah’s Place Location: 8380 Street George Street #101, Vancouver The Donation Centre is open for donation drop-offs, by appointment only, call 604-230-0941. Items Needed: In Season pants, shirts, jackets, shoes, hats, belts for all genders/sizes.
Union Gospel Mission Location: 601 East Hastings Street, Vancouver UGM’s Donation Centre is located inside the UGM Thrift Store. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm at the front door of the Thrift Store or in the Loading Bay in the back alleyway off Heatley Ave. Items Needed: Socks, underwear, hats, gloves, shoes, long underwear, shirts, sweatshirts, pants, and outerwear (larger sizes are preferred).
NightShift Street Ministries Location: 10635 King George Boulevard Drop off clean, bagged clothes weekdays, Monday-Friday, between 9:30am and 4:30pm. Items Needed: Lightly used men’s and women’s jeans, hoodies, and jackets. New underwear, socks, tops, shoes, and blankets. Winter coats, boots, scarves, and gloves. View their full wish list.
Lookout Housing + Health Society Location: Russell Housing Centre (740 Carnarvon St, New Westminster) Location: North Shore Shelter (705 West 2nd St, North Vancouver) Location: Front Room Resource Centre (10667 – 135A St, Surrey) Items Needed: Jackets, rain coats, boots, socks, gloves, hats, and rain ponchos. Clothing donations can also be made online through the Amazon Wish List.
Realtors Care Blanket Drive Location: Various locations at participating real estate offices to be announced Items Needed: Blankets, sleeping bags, winter clothing (coats, jeans, pants, sweaters), scarves, gloves, hats, new socks and underwear.
East Van Roasters Pajama Drive Location: East Van Roasters (319 Carrell St, Vancouver) Items Needed: On Thursday, November 30th, donate new and unworn women’s pajama sets in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL to East Van Roasters. As a token of gratitude, you’ll receive a complimentary hot beverage in exchange for your donation.
If you have any suggestions to add, please leave a comment so we can include the organization. Thank you!
Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) invites arts and craft lovers to the annual Heart to Home Holiday Market happening November 25th and 26th.
Heart to Home Holiday Market. Photo by Scarlet Black
Holiday Market at Surrey Arts Centre
Location: Studio Theatre at Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Ave, Surrey)
Date: November 25 and 26, 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Admission: Free
The Heart to Home Holiday Market features over thirty artists from Surrey and around the Lower Mainland, as well as from further afield such as the Gulf Islands. Shoppers will find ceramics, jellies and cookies, skincare, apparel, jewelry, paintings, and much more. Vendors such as chocolatier Ladner Artisan Chocolates and meet new vendors including Sapphorica Creations and Brenda’s Cottage Crafts are returning this year.
Adding to the ambience, enjoy live musical performances by Lisa Rae Simons on Saturday and Ranj Singh on Sunday. Simons plays a mixture of classic rock, blues, and R&B, while Singh blends Eastern rhythms and melodies with Western folk-rock.
SAGA members receive 15% off, and if you’re not a member already, you can become one on-site or online. For those who would rather shop from home, SAGA’s gift shop is also available online. From November 25 through to December 18, use the code H2H@H at checkout for 15% off.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
Vancouver’s stages are ready to light up for the holiday season with festive performances that will delight audiences of all ages. Celebrate the magic of the season with this lineup of shows:
Christmas Presence by Pacific Theatre
Holiday Theatre in Vancouver
Pacific Theatre
Christmas Presence Date: December 10 to 12 & 17 to 19, 2023 Location: Pacific Theatre (1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver) Details: Pacific Theatre’s favourite Christmas tradition. With poems and prose that range from the heartfelt to the hilarious mixed in with songs both old and new, Christmas Presence is an intimate and warm way to usher in the holiday spirit. Different performers every night.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Date: November 23 to December 23, 2023 Location: Pacific Theatre (1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver) Details: Peter and Lucy Pevensie are all grown-up… but upon returning to a most peculiar wardrobe, they are caught up once more in the wintry world of Narnia. Ron Reed’s beloved interpretation of C.S. Lewis’s magical tale has delighted more than ten thousand audience members since its premiere, and Sarah Rodgers’ imaginative 2018 production returns for the 40th anniversary season.
Massey Theatre
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy Date: November 28 & 29, 2023 Location: Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave, New Westminster) Details: When catastrophe strikes at James and Jamesy’s Christmas tea party, flooding the world with tea, the duo conjure wildly funny solutions to stay afloat, and sweep the audience out to sea in this jolly holiday escapade.
Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas Date: December 10, 2023 Location: Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave, New Westminster) Details: Zachary Stevenson is the leading man from the hit musical The Buddy Holly Story, he is the main attraction and host for this special Christmas concert. Stevenson will be joined by the Chicago-based trio The Lovettes with their show-stopping salute to the female icons and girl groups of the 50s and 60s featuring a special tribute to Tina Turner. For over a decade, The Lovettes have been putting their own twist on the ladies who shaped Rock and Roll music.
The Nutcracker Date: December 17, 2023 Location: Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave, New Westminster) Details: It’s Christmas Eve, a time when dreams may come true. Drosselmeyer, the godfather to Clara, brings gifts and magic to her parents’ home for the annual Christmas party. His special gift to Clara is a large Nutcracker soldier. When she falls asleep after the party, Clara is cradling the Nutcracker in her arms and begins to dream. In her dream, her Nutcracker soldier fights a battle and transports her on a sleigh through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and people from far away lands. Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season with RCYB’s full length ballet, featuring a cast of 100+ dedicated and enthusiastic dancers under the direction of Keitha Campeau.
