Marking the start of the holiday season, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice hosted its annual Lighting of the House celebration on November 30th.

Under the beautiful starry skies, over 60-thousand sparkling lights were switched on for the first time by Connor, a young man on our program, with Henrik Sedin, friend of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and the Vancouver Canucks captain.  View photos

The magical display of lights would not be possible by our hard working volunteer Garden Crew, Annette Hurd for her design management, employee teams from the Vancouver Canucks, TELUS, RBC, Spectra Energy & BC Hydro!

Thank you to the event participants:

• the Vancouver Bach Choir for providing the beautiful sounds of the season;
• the graceful Goh Ballet ballerinas from their Nutcracker performance;
• Starbucks, Sherridee Lee Catering, and Canadian Maple Delights for the warm treats and beverages; and
• Meadowlands Horticultural Inc. for the poinsettias given out to guests.

The Lighting of the House has been a time honoured tradition that began with our founders 17 years ago when the Hospice opened, albeit with more modest displays and fewer lights.   But just  as the demand for our services has grown and the number of children and families we serve have significantly increased, so have the lights.

CEO Filomena Nalewajek noted that the lights: 

• represent  the embracing warmth inherent in the care we provide to the children and families in our province;
• symbolize the hope for a future where no child will ever die in pain or suffering, and 
• speaks to our Vision – to extend our reach to all of the children in our province who need our services.

It is through the generous support of volunteers and staff, corporate partners and individual donors, government supporters, healthcare professionals and our families and their inspiring kids that Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is able to continue to provide world-class pediatric palliative care.

Happy Holidays everyone!  

Note: the public is welcome to view the light display from the street / sidewalk.     Please respect the privacy of our families and be respectful of our neighbours by not entering the Canuck Place property or blocking nearby driveways.
 

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