Smallbox Software Canuck Place Lighting of the House

Shawn Bouchard, November 30, 2009 at 8:55 PM

The Lighting of the House is an annual tradition that brings the community together to get in the spirit and celebrate the contribution of donors, sponsors, staff, and volunteers in making Canuck Place such a special place.

Hot chocolate, candy canes, Québecois "tire" (a winter treat made by pouring maple syrup on snow) and baked goodies greeted guests as we walked around the grounds of Canuck Place to take in the 60,000+ Christmas lights that adorn the gardens and house.

Vancouver Bach Choir sang traditional holiday hymns and warmed up the audience before the President of the Canucks for Kids fund, Paolo Aquilini and family, had the honour of officially lighting the house.

British Columbia's Minister of Health Services, Kevin Falcon and Vancouver-Quilchena MLA and Finance Minister Colin Hansen were also present as official guests.

In her remarks, Canuck Place Chief Executive Officer Filomena Nalewajek noted the continuing need for Canuck Place services. She announced that Canuck Place recently secured a piece of land in Abbotsford and will soon begin a campaign to raise the funds necessary to build a new 10-bed purpose-built facility to serve the needs of residents of the Fraser Valley.

Thanks to the generosity of individual and corporate donors, Canuck Place is able to provide specialized pediatric palliative care for children living with a life-threatening illness and support for their families and children at no cost. The Lighting of the House is a reminder of the important role Canuck Place plays in our community and to all the people that contribute to its ongoing success.