David Lede Campus of Care to support BC families

ABBOTSFORD – Health Minister Michael de Jong announced today that the site, home to the new Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Abbotsford Hospice Society and Matthew’s House, will be named the Dave Lede Campus of Care,

These three unique and caring agencies are building on the same campus that will be named after Dave Lede, head of the Ledcor Group of Companies in recognition of his donation totalling of $5 million through the Dave Lede Family Charitable Foundation. The donation includes $2.5 million that was previously announced for the second Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, as well as an additional $2.5 million for the campus of care that will benefit all three agencies.

The City of Abbotsford has contributed land adjacent to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, which will be shared by the three organizations in a campus of care model.

The new campus of care will bring together three unique services on one site:

Abbotsford Hospice Society will provide hospice services for Abbotsford residents as young as 19 years of age. The Hospice Society’s building will be named Holmberg House in honour of a local resident, David Holmberg Jr., whose family has made a significant contribution to the construction of the hospice.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice provides specialized pediatric palliative care services for British Columbia children and support for their families. The second Canuck Place in Abbotsford is underway with completion anticipated by late 2012. The new building is being named Dave Lede House, the lead donor of the capital campaign.

Matthew's House will provide respite for children with complex medical challenges. It is the first of its kind in Abbotsford and will offer children a safe, welcoming place where they can stay, while allowing their parents time to rest. Construction is set to begin early-2012.

The Province provided one-time grants of $1.5 million to the new Canuck Place site in 2010 and $3.5 million to Abbotsford Hospice site in 2011.

Completion of the Dave Lede Campus of Care is expected in 2013.


Quotes:

Michael de Jong, Minister of Health
“Abbotsford Hospice Society, Canuck Place and Matthew’s House are three very special agencies that are there for families when they need help at very challenging times. Families in Abbotsford and across B.C. will receive better care as a result of the generosity in the community that has pulled together to make the David Lede Campus of Care a reality.”

David Lede, chair and CEO of Ledcor Group of Companies
“It is a privilege for me and my family to support this campus of care initiative in Abbotsford and to be associated with three amazing organizations who will provide hospice care for both sick children and those later in life in need of help and their families.”

Debbie Lehmann, executive director, Abbotsford Hospice Society
“This is an exciting milestone as we move towards the reality of building the first adult hospice residence in Abbotsford. I would like to acknowledge the support of the Holmberg Family David Lede and the Ministry of Health.”

Filomena Nalewajek, CEO of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
“We are very grateful for the generosity of the community and the support of the Ministry of Health. Our newest Canuck Place Children's Hospice in Abbotsford will bring our programs and services closer to more B.C. children and their families living in the Fraser Valley and B.C. Interior. We are very grateful for the generosity of David Lede and the guidance provided by the construction and management staff of Ledcor who have been instrumental in steering the design of a world class campus of care.”

Doug & Andrea Froese, parents of Matthew after whom Matthew’s House is named
”We are excited about what the future holds, as we work together with our partners, with government ministries and with our generous donors to create this respite opportunity for children and their families. It's an honour to be a part of such a unique group bringing much needed care to this community.”