Gift of Love Gala raises more than $275,000 for Canuck Place

The Gift of Love Gala has raised more than $275,000 for the children’s hospice, Canuck Place.

More than 300 guests showed up at the third annual gala presented by MNP at Abbotsford’s Quality Hotel & Conference Centre last weekend. In formal attire, guests arrived at the prohibition-themed gala to support Canuck Place, BC’s pediatric palliative care provider.

Breakfast Television Co-host, Riaz Meghji emceed the sold-out event which staff, sponsors, volunteers, and guests attended.

Together, Gala Co-Chairs Jennefer Vanderpol and Lisa Fershau led an outstanding volunteer gala committee, connecting the Fraser Valley community which helped make this event so successful.

All funds raised go to programs at Canuck Place which provide care to newborns, children, and teens with life-threatening illnesses. Funds also go to outreach programs for families and two provincial hospice locations in Abbotsford and Vancouver.

“Over 40% of the children and families in the Canuck Place program reside in the Fraser Health Region so having this community support is truly special.

“The funds raised at this event by our guests and community partners ensure we can continue to provide complex clinical care to children with life-threatening illnesses and help meet the growing need around the province,” said Canuck Place CEO Margaret McNeil.

During the gala, parents Petra Fellinger and Rolf Schwuchow from Abbotsford told their moving story of how the Canuck Place program has helped their four-year-old son Nicolas.

Rolf Schwuchow and Petra Fellinger/Gift of Love Gala

“Nicolas’ medical care can be labour intensive so being able to come to Canuck Place and have the nurses, doctors and volunteers step in is a huge weight off our shoulders. This means we can simply focus on savouring the time we spend together. This time is a gift,” said Petra.

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of the Gift of Love Gala