2024 Gift of Time Gala raises over $1.63 million
We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our community who supported our milestone 20th Annual Gift of Time Gala presented by Nicola Wealth.
Thanks to the generosity of over 350 guests, the event raised over $1.63 million for Canuck Place, the pediatric palliative care provider for over 920 children and families in BC and the Yukon.
This year’s Gift of Time Gala saw an exciting collaboration with local B.C. artists, Tara Lee Bennett and Kari Kristensen. Their collaborative work was the inspiration behind the event’s design. Global BC’s Sonia Sunger hosted the memorable event which featured entertainment from Top Line Vocal Collective, Coastal City Ballet, and Musical Occasions. Auctioneer Fred Lee energized the room during the live auction and funding important care programs at Canuck Place.
“We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for our 20th Annual Gift of Time Gala, presented by Nicola Wealth, and for the support of our dedicated Gala Co-Chairs Michelle Porter, Shalina Lawrence, and Victoria Emslie, who led the passionate Gift of Time Committee to create such a memorable evening,” said Canuck Place Board Chair, Robert Coard. “At Canuck Place, we provide care for children with short lives and the families who love them. I want to thank Canuck Place siblings Marysa and Spencer Ho, and Lukas Domingo who so eloquently shared their family stories and care experience at Canuck Place. With the support of the Gift of Time donors, sponsors and volunteers, Canuck Place can continue to offer world-leading pediatric palliative care to families across B.C. and the Yukon.”
Canuck Place siblings Marysa, Spencer, and Lukas, shared the story of their siblings Mitchell Ho and Kristian Domingo who both received end-of-life care at Canuck Place. Longtime family friends, Mitchell and Kristian were childhood best friends. Mitchell passed away on the Canuck Place program at 11 years old after a cardiac event, and Kristian nine years later at 20 years old from cancer. Irrevocably entwined, both families were able to receive support needed at the Vancouver hospice, with the support of Canuck Place physicians, nurses, and counsellors.
“I was eight years old when we were introduced to Canuck Place with my brother Mitchell, I was 16 when Kristian passed and I started volunteering at the hospice, and 24 when I started working at Canuck Place as a Care Aide while I’m in school to become an RN. Amidst all the ups and downs that come with growing up, Canuck Place has been a constant for me throughout all that change. The consistency of their services, team, and mission provides a lot of support for me,” Canuck Place sibling, Marysa Ho shared.
She emphasized the impact of Canuck Place as a source of comfort and stability in times of loss and beyond.
“You may be thinking how strange it is to want to go back to a place that holds so much emotion and so many memories, but that is a testament to the work that Canuck Place does. It provides the comfort and safety that I sought at eight years old and ever since,” said Marysa.
Attendees bid on exclusive auction items and supported Canuck Place directly through Fund-A-Need. This year’s Fund-A-Need supports in-home care through the Enhanced Community Care Program—giving families the choice for care where and when they need it. Guests supported lighting a candle in honour of Mitchell and Kristian, and the other children who have been cared for at Canuck Place since 1995.
The funds raised from the Gift of Time Gala will support pediatric palliative care provided by Canuck Place. In the last decade, Canuck Place has seen a 61% increase in children and families on program, and last year alone there were over 4,013 community consults, which includes 24-Hour Clinical Care Line, in-hospital, in-home, and virtual care. Patients on the Canuck Place program are the most medically complex and ill children in the province and funds from the Gift of Time Gala ensure families receive the vital support they need.
Canuck Place continues to raise over 60% of operating funds through a community of donors and corporate supporters including gala sponsors Nicola Wealth, The Citrine Foundation of Canada, 360 Pacifica, Beedie, GenCap Mining Advisory, Strand, OpenRoad Group, and NexGen Energy Ltd. Together, they help give lasting memories to families and help give short lives the gift of great days.
Canuck Place siblings Spencer, Marysa, and Lukas shared their experience with Canuck Place, what the gift of time means to them, and their brothers, Mitchell and Kristian.
OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE
We are so grateful to the committee, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who dedicated their time to make this event a success.
Want to make sure you get notified when tickets for next year’s gala become available? Click here to join our mailing list.
Interested in learning more about getting involved with the event? Contact our Director of Events & Sponsorship, Courtenay Cardinal, or visit our events page for more details.