Canuck Place FAQs
Source: https://www.canuckplace.org/faqs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Canuck Place FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no cost to families. Canuck Place programs and services are made possible by our generous supporters. Financial support comes from individual donors, foundations, organizations, corporate sponsors, the Province of BC, the Federal government, and the Canucks for Kids Fund which provides 4% of overall operating funding.
Our Vancouver hospice has has six patient beds and four family suites.
Our Abbotsford location, Dave Lede House has four patient beds and four family suites.
Children accepted to Canuck Place are between 0–19 years of age. The important factor in acceptance to our program is the presence of a progressive, life-threatening illness.
Numerous factors will contribute to our team’s decision about accepting a child and their family on our program. Find more information
here
.
For urgent referrals, please contact Canuck Place directly at 604-731-4847 or toll-free within BC at 1-877-882-2288. These lines are open 24/7.
Yes! Canuck Place has a partnership with BC Ferries Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to support families traveling from Vancouver Island.
If you are traveling with BC Ferries, please request a TAP form from Canuck Place’s Intake team during the pre-admission period.
Ronald McDonald House BC Services
For over 30 years, Ronald McDonald House BC (RMH BC) has provided accommodation for seriously ill children and their families when travelling to Vancouver for major treatment. The new RMH BC has over 73 bedrooms and is a vital resource for families around the province. It gives children and families a place to stay while receiving treatment at BC Children’s Hospital.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Services
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC and the Yukon’s only pediatric palliative care provider. We provide complex care for children from 0-19 with life-threatening illnesses and their families—24-hours a day, 365 days a year, in-hospice, in-hospital, and in-home. We operate 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospice locations in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Canuck Place employs the equivalent of 32 full-time pediatric palliative specialist nurses, and 5 pediatric palliative physicians who treat over 190 complex diseases and conditions. There are over 946 children and families on the Canuck Place program across five health regions.
Canuck Place programs also include pain and symptom management, medical respite, recreation and music therapy, education and art, grief and bereavement counselling, and end-of-life care. Our 24-Hour Clinical Care Line ensures parents and caregivers always have an expert to call.
Matthew’s House plays an important role in the Fraser Valley community. Canuck Place and Matthew’s House are neighbours on the Dave Lede Campus of Care. Matthew’s House is operated by Communitas Supportive Care Society and is a respite care home for youth, aged 16-25, living with complex healthcare needs. Parents can also stay in a guest suite while their child is in care.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC and the Yukon’s only pediatric palliative care provider. We provide complex care for children from 0-19 with life-threatening illnesses and their families—24-hours a day, 365 days a year, in-hospice, in-hospital, and in-home. We operate 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospice locations in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Canuck Place employs the equivalent of 32 full-time pediatric palliative specialist nurses, and 5 pediatric palliative physicians who treat over 190 complex diseases and conditions. There are over 830 children and families on the Canuck Place program across five health regions.
Canuck Place programs also include pain and symptom management, medical respite, recreation and music therapy, education and art, grief and bereavement counselling, and end-of-life care. Our 24-Hour Clinical Care Line ensures parents and caregivers always have an expert to call.
Canuck Place Vancouver – Glen Brae
is a beautiful heritage building that was refurbished to deliver complex clinical care. Take a virtual tour of Glen Brae Manor
here
.
Canuck Place Abbotsford – Dave Lede House
is a purpose-built facility, designed specifically to provide pediatric palliative care for children and families in the Fraser Health Region and across the province. Take a virtual tour
here
.
In order to maintain confidentiality, minimize conflicts of interest, and maintain clear and supportive roles between staff and families receiving services at Canuck Place, families who have received services within the last five years are not able to apply for positions within Canuck Place. If you have any questions about the policy, you can contact our Director, Family Support Services, Kathryn Wozny at
[email protected]
or our Chief People & Culture Officer, Catherine Gordon, at
[email protected]
.
Canuck Place programs and services are made possible by our generous supporters. Financial support comes from individual donors, foundations, organizations, corporate sponsors, the Province of BC, the Federal government, and the Canucks for Kids Fund which provides 4% of overall operating funding.
Donations to Canuck Place can be made in 3 ways:
By secure online donation
By cheque made payable to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and mailed to 1690 Matthews Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
By credit card or EFT payment over the telephone. Call 604-731-4847 or toll free in BC at 1-877-882-2288
You can also include Canuck Place in your
Will or life insurance policy,
give a
gift of securities
, or become a
Courage Builder Monthly Donor
. Explore
other ways to give
here.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Society
is a charitable society registered simply as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Registration #
133867523 RR 0001
, and is the “operational” entity, providing care to kids and families in our two hospices, in-hospital and at-home. Whereas,
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Foundation
was created in June 2000 (Registration #
863704920 RR 0001
) and was established to receive bequests, legacies, donations, gaming revenue, property and to hold and safeguard those funds in support of the activities of CPCH, the “Society”. All donations that come through CPCH Foundation are used exclusively to support CPCH care.
Unfortunately, we are unable to coordinate direct giving to the children and families in our hospices. We would be happy to help you find another way to show your support.
See
other ways to give
or
in kind giving
for more information on how you can donate resources to Canuck Place
Yes! By giving even a small portion (1%) of your estate to Canuck Place, you have the power to make a significant impact in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses—while still leaving 99% of your estate to your loved ones.
Visit our
Legacy Giving
page for more information on how to leave a gift on your will.
You can sign up to
fundraise for Canuck Place
in any way that works best for you. Or contact
[email protected]
to learn more about corporate sponsorship or how we can support your fundraiser.
Yes, Canuck Place partners with a third-party fundraising organization – Donor Direct Consulting. Our trusted partner is a committed group of fundraising representatives who make phone calls, knock on doors, and canvass public areas in selected BC communities about opportunities to support Canuck Place.
If you have any questions or concerns about a phone call or a canvassing visit you received, please email
[email protected]
Learn more about door-to-door fundraising
Canuck Place holds several 50/50 raffle draws per year
Canuck Place 50/50 draws are advertised by email, direct mail, radio ads, newspaper ads, digital ads, Facebook and other social media channels
You can be certain it is a legitimate ad if it links to or references our official ticket sales website, canuckplaceraffle.com, and/or advertises our official phone sales line at 604-730-3316
50/50 winners are always contacted directly by Canuck Place staff via phone and email. You will never be contacted by text message, asked to click a link, or charged any fees
Questions about the Canuck Place 50/50 program can be directed to
[email protected]
Visit the
50/50 website
for more information
You are free to adjust or cancel your monthly gift at any time. Please contact
[email protected]
or call 778-726-0983.
Please allow 30 days notice to ensure no additional donations are processed.
Alternatively, you can also cancel your direct debit or credit card gift directly through your bank. To obtain a sample cancellation form, or information about your right to cancel a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Agreement, contact your financial institution or visit
www.cdnpay.ca
.
You can update or view your donation information by visiting your
Donor Portal.
If you donate online,
you will receive an electronic receipt for your donation. Tax receipts are issued immediately for online donors, to the email address provided when making their gift.
If you donate by cheque or donate by credit card over the telephone,
you will you will receive an electronic tax receipt if you provide us (or have have provided in the past) with your email address. If you wish to receive a tax receipt via mail, you can contact us at
[email protected]
.
If you are a monthly donor,
your selected monthly donation amount will be charged to your credit card on the first or the fifteenth of each month. An annual receipt totaling your monthly gifts will be mailed to you in February.
If you find an error on your receipt or need a duplicate, contact us at
[email protected]
.
Depending upon the situation, in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency’s guidelines, a tax receipt may be issued if “no benefit” was incurred.
To request a duplicate tax receipt, update your mailing address, update your email address, and/or to change the frequency of our communications, please email us at
[email protected]
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information and adheres to legislated privacy requirements. Any personal information we collect is used for donor-related and tax-receipting purposes. We may periodically contact you to keep you informed about our activities and other mission-related communications. We do not sell, trade or rent out any names or personal information.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice takes concerns/feedback received from partners and donors very seriously and undertakes due investigation into each concern received. We are open to receiving feedback and are committed to addressing and resolving complaints in a timely, respectful, and fair manner.
You can find more information on our
concerns/feedback policy
in our resources. If you wish to submit a concern or complaint, you may use our
online form
or email
[email protected]
.
You can update or view your donation information by visiting your
Donor Portal.
Once you fill our your registration information, you will be sent a confirmation email, which will have a link to confirm your Donor Portal account. Once you confirm your email address, your Donor Portal will be activated.
On your Donor Portal, you can:
Update your contact or payment details
View any past or current online recurring gifts
Download your annual statement
Make a new donation
Make a new recurring gift
Modify or cancel your active recurring gifts
Manage saved payment methods
If you have any problems accessing or setting up your Donor Portal, you can contact Helen Yu at
[email protected]
or
778-900-4629
We are so grateful for your generosity. Your fundraiser will help Canuck Place continue to care for over 920 children with life-threatening illnesses, at no cost to their families.
Fundraising for Canuck Place is easy!
Simply create an online fundraising page in a few easy steps at
my.canuckplace.org
Customize your page and share it with friends, family, and your social networks. Fundraising pages offer a quick and secure way for them to support Canuck Place programs. Together, you and your supporters can keep families together and ensure no moment is missed.
Need help? Reach out to
Caitlin Jung
. We’ll help you create something unique, memorable, and successful.
There are so many ways to involve your business or workplace in supporting Canuck Place.
Fundraising for Canuck Place is a great way to engage employees, raise your social responsibility profile, and align your brand with a well respected charity.
Our
Corporate Giving
page has some helpful resources on marketing causes, employee giving, and sponsorship opportunities. You can also reach out to
Caitlin Jung
for inquiries.
Ready to start fundraising? Create an online fundraising page and
start collecting donations now
.
Canuck Place has a wealth of resources to support your fundraising efforts. Visit
my.canuckplace.org
or email
[email protected]
for more information.
We have a limited inventory of promotional and branded materials to share, and as a result are unable to meet all requests. Please reach out to our team about available resources.
We’re eager to help you celebrate your fundraiser to the best of our abilities.
Social media is a great way to engage with us so tag @CanuckPlace on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to highlight your fundraiser.
Once you’ve registered your fundraiser with us, we’re happy to share special branding with you to support your fundraising efforts.
The Canuck Place Children’s Hospice logo is a registered trademark; unauthorized use is prohibited. Please send all event materials featuring our name and/or logo to the Canuck Place communications team for review PRIOR to publication or distribution. Email:
[email protected]
.
If you would like to request to have a Canuck Place staff member or ambassador at your event, please let us know at least six weeks in advance. Due to the large volume of requests, we are unable to fulfill every request.
We will do our best to have a representative attend if it’s possible so
send us an email
to get the conversation started.
The Vancouver Canucks, through the Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF), are a major donor to Canuck Place. We cannot provide players, alumni, or Fin the mascot for events, as they already generously give their time to participate in CFKF events to raise funds for Canuck Place.
Our priority is always the care and privacy of the children and families on our program.
Therefore no outside visitors are permitted, to protect our children with complex medical conditions.
Please consider the following logistics when planning an event:
Insurance
Terms and Conditions with respect to Insurance Coverage: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice special/sporting event insurance policy
does not
extend to your event or fundraiser.
Check with your venue or insurance provider to determine what is necessary for your event.
Food Safety
Some venues require temporary food permits that can easily be acquired through your local Health Authority. Check to see if your event requires a permit.
Lotteries and Raffles
Holding a raffle, 50/50, or any percentage draw as part of your event? You’ll need to apply for a gaming license online from the BC Government’s Gaming Branch. We can provide you with a letter of acknowledgement to help you in your application.
For further details visit
http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/index.htm
Safety at Events
Once you have decided what you are going to do to raise funds for Canuck Place, you also need to think about the finer details. Please take measures to ensure your event is within the law and SAFE FOR ALL participants.
In just a few steps, you can create your own fundraising page for your campaign
here
Once you’ve signed up, your page can be customized with stories, photos and information about your fundraiser.
Need help?
Just
send us an email
and we can help you get your page up and running
No problem! Our system will walk you through the steps to reset your password. If you have any issues resetting your password contact
Clayton Whitt
.
Navigate to the login screen and select “Forgot password
Donations made through your online fundraising page are received by Canuck Place immediately.
If you have collected cash or cheque donations, they can be dropped off in person to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Or you can mail your donations (please do not mail cash) to:
Vancouver
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
1690 Matthews Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
Abbotsford
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – Dave Lede House
32772 Marshall Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 1J6
Please ensure cheques are made payable to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Tax receipts will be issued under the
Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines
in relation to third-party community fundraisers. For further information please see below.
Donors who make their gifts through your online fundraising page will automatically receive an electronic tax receipt.
If you collect cash and cheque donations from your fundraiser, you can submit them, along with our
Donation Remittal Form
to:
Vancouver
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
1690 Matthews Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
Abbotsford
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – Dave Lede House
32772 Marshall Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 1J6
Please ensure you have complete donation amounts, full names, addresses, and telephone numbers for donors who require tax receipts.
Tax Receipt Guidelines
We cannot issue a tax receipt to you, the event organizer, for public donations collected at your fundraiser. As per
Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines
, Canuck Place’s responsibility is to ensure that official donation receipts are only issued to donors for the eligible amount of the gift. This means organizers of an event cannot claim a tax receipt for donations made by the public because the organizers are not the original donor. Only the original donors can claim a tax receipt.
Event expenses may not be deducted from tax-receiptable donations.
All donations requiring a tax receipt must be received in full by Canuck Place. Canuck Place will not reimburse you for any expenses incurred; all financial control is the responsibility of the event organizer. Canuck Place is dedicated to being fiscally responsible and we recommend that your event expenses not exceed 20 per cent of the total event revenue.
If you haven’t received your tax receipt, or if you need a duplicate copy issued, please contact
[email protected]
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Society
is a charitable society registered simply as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Registration #
133867523 RR 0001
, and is the “operational” entity, providing care to kids and families in our two hospices, in-hospital and at-home. Whereas,
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Foundation
was created in June 2000 (Registration #
863704920 RR 0001
) and was established to receive bequests, legacies, donations, gaming revenue, property and to hold and safeguard those funds in support of the activities of CPCH, the “Society”. All donations that come through CPCH Foundation are used exclusively to support CPCH care.
Anyone who is 16 years of age or older can apply for any role except for family volunteering, which requires volunteers to be 18 years of age or older.
Our volunteer community includes students, working professionals, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and everything in between! We welcome volunteers with varying backgrounds and experiences, and value the diverse skills and perspectives they bring. No previous experience in healthcare is needed to apply.
Click
here
to view our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging statement.
Apply.
Fill out and submit an
online application
.
Please note: applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are selected based on current needs. Due to this, there may be a delay between when you apply and when we contact successful applicants.
Interview
. If we move forward with your application, you will receive an invitation to interview with a staff member of the Volunteer Services Team. This conversation helps us to get to know you and determine if the role would be a good fit. It is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about the volunteer program at Canuck Place.
Submit onboarding paperwork
. After a successful interview, you will be asked to complete and submit several onboarding forms. We will also provide a code to complete your criminal record check and contact one of the references listed on your application.
Attend training
. Most volunteer roles require attending our two-hour general training session facilitated by the Volunteer Services Team. Family Volunteers are required to complete a more comprehensive 25-hour training program, which is usually offered once per year.
Schedule your probationary shifts
. New volunteers are asked to schedule their shifts for their first three months of volunteering in advance. This helps us plan coverage and ensures you feel supported as you get started.
Attend a buddy/training shift
. Your first volunteer shift in-house is completed alongside an experienced volunteer or staff member who will introduce you to the space and walk you through the flow of a typical shift. After completing a buddy shift, you may begin volunteering independently or request an additional buddy shift if you would like more support.
Our team will be checking in with you throughout the onboarding process and are always happy to answer any questions along the way.
Due to a high level of interest, our recruitment process is selective and competitive. Intake cycles vary by site as they are conducted on an as-needed basis to best support the identified needs of our children, families, and staff. This process helps us ensure we are providing a meaningful and positive experience for those we serve as well as for our volunteers.
Because we receive a large volume of applications, there may be a delay between when you apply and when we contact successful applicants. If you have not received an interview request within six months, your application may not be aligned with our current needs and will be removed from our system. You are welcome to reapply at any time.
To prepare for your interview, we recommend exploring the Canuck Place website to learn more about the organization and the programs we offer (see
About Us
and
Our Program
). You can also review the descriptions of the volunteer roles on the
Volunteer page
to get a sense of what each position entails.
We may ask about your previous experiences, anything you included in your application, and your emotional readiness and comfort level in a hospice environment.
Bring any questions you may have about volunteering or our program to your interview – we are happy to answer them and help you learn more about what volunteering at Canuck Place looks like.
In-house volunteers (any role other than special-event volunteering) are asked to commit to a regular weekly or biweekly schedule and must complete at least two shifts per month
.
Shifts are typically 3 – 3.5 hours long and are available at various set times between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M., giving volunteers
flexibility
to choose shifts that work well with their schedule. All volunteers must make a minimum one-year commitment to their role. Vacations, short-term
leaves,
or other accommodations must be communicated in advance.
No, as a volunteer you will never provide care to our children that requires licensing (even if you have formal training). The focus of the volunteer roles is on companionship and creating spaces where our children and families can live life to the fullest.
Families who are currently on program
Canuck Place children and families currently on program or receiving services are not eligible to engage in volunteer opportunities.
Should a child currently on program or family member receiving services wish to explore other family engagement opportunities with Canuck Place, and/or learn more about ways to get involved or “give back”, information can be accessed by visiting
family engagement opportunities.
Families who are no longer receiving Canuck Place services
Children who have graduated from the Canuck Place program and/or family members who have received services in the past may choose to come forward and apply to volunteer their time, after a minimum of one year has passed since receiving services, or minimum four years after the child has died for bereaved family members.
All volunteer applicants, including bereaved family members, must successfully complete the Canuck Place screening/interview and application process to be considered for volunteer roles. Should a former patient or family member successfully complete the volunteer application process, it is important to consider that as a Canuck Place volunteer, the relationship with the organization and its interest-holders (staff, families, volunteers, and donors) will look differently than that of a family member receiving services. Although personal experiences can uniquely enhance volunteer roles, Canuck Place Volunteer Services is responsible for ensuring that volunteers (regardless of personal experience) put the needs of children and families on program first. Volunteer Services staff reserve the right to accept or decline volunteer applicants, regardless of previous experience, based on screening and assessing suitability throughout the application and selection process.
Yes, volunteers are welcome to cross-train for more than one role after successfully completing their three-month probationary period. Volunteers interested in taking on another role can
submit
a request to the Volunteer Services Team, who will coordinate and schedule the necessary training
.
Yes, there are opportunities for groups of volunteers to contribute to our organization. For more information about corporate volunteering, please visit the
Corporate Volunteering
page or email
[email protected]
.
At this time, we do not offer short-term or
hours
-based volunteer tenures. Canuck Place relies on long-term and consistent volunteers hired based on the needs of the children and families we serve.
Canuck Place takes enormous pride in our volunteers and appreciates them in a variety of ways. We offer continuing education opportunities, host
special events
to celebrate our
volunteers,
and provide chances to win event tickets throughout the year. Volunteers are welcome to join the families and staff in-house for lunch or dinner before or after their volunteer shift – and of course, enjoy our famous Canuck Place cookies!
Parents:
To use this service, please contact the Canuck Place Intake coordinator:
Phone: 604-742-3476
Email:
[email protected]
Physicians:
For urgent or end-of-life referrals or inquiries please page the Palliative Care Physician on call at 604-875-2161.
Everything we do is surrounded by care for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. More care, more time together, more memories.
Our training and education opportunities focus on pediatric palliative care, pain and symptom management, and pediatric advance care planning. We train health care professionals and the public in BC and the Yukon, nationally, and internationally.
Explore Current Training Opportunities
For nurses and PCAs, orientation is co-organized with the new hire. It takes into account the clinical and organizational learnings, as well as identifying person-specific learning opportunities.
Typically PCAs have 4–6 orientation shifts. Nurses can have 6–12 orientation shifts, typically 6–8.
After initial onboarding shifts, there is intentional and collaborative efforts to provide supportive learning experiences by the team and leadership, as well as professional development opportunities, especially within the first year to advance clinical practice.
At Canuck Place, we have a great team and everyone supports each other.
Our benefits plan and health and wellness spending account support nurses to access physical and mental health supports that best meet their needs. These benefits are
offered organization-wide, and the leadership team connects individually with staff to help direct them to additional supports they may need.
Our team also organizes team debriefs to hear directly from nurses how care both for families and for staff can be improved.
Definitely not! There are moments of intense sadness and grief, and also many more moments of joy, laughter, and meaning. Working with children throughout the trajectory of a serious illness and their families is often emotionally rewarding work.
Sick Time
Sick time accumulated from previous employers is not carried over when starting employment with Canuck Place. However, to ensure we live our Canuck Place values of care and support, if new staff become unable to work due to a serious illness/injury that meets long-term disability criteria, a contingency sick bank is available.
Vacation Time
Canuck Place will permit employees to start with the same vacation allocation per their previous British Columbia employer subject to written evidence of that entitlement being submitted. *Canuck Place does not carry over employee vacation banks.
We highly value expertise in pediatrics and palliative care as they are crucial assets in our field. Essential knowledge and skills include:
Patient and family-centered care
Advance care planning
Effective communication
Teamwork
Managing complex patient cases
Pain and symptom management
Handling grief, loss, and bereavement
Additionally, personal attributes such as compassion, resilience, being a team player, passion, advocacy, adaptive and active listening are key qualities that benefit both our team and the patients and families we serve.
How can you help?
There are so many ways to give. You can support complex care for children with life-threatening illnesses and families in BC and the Yukon. With your help, Canuck Place will support them in living the end of life as fully as the beginning.
Donate
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Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help you find the answers you're looking for
What topic are you looking for?
There is no cost to families. Canuck Place programs and services are made possible by our generous supporters. Financial support comes from individual donors, foundations, organizations, corporate sponsors, the Province of BC, the Federal government, and the Canucks for Kids Fund which provides 4% of overall operating funding.
Our Vancouver hospice has has six patient beds and four family suites.
Our Abbotsford location, Dave Lede House has four patient beds and four family suites.
Children accepted to Canuck Place are between 0–19 years of age. The important factor in acceptance to our program is the presence of a progressive, life-threatening illness.
Numerous factors will contribute to our team’s decision about accepting a child and their family on our program. Find more information
here
.
For urgent referrals, please contact Canuck Place directly at 604-731-4847 or toll-free within BC at 1-877-882-2288. These lines are open 24/7.
Yes! Canuck Place has a partnership with BC Ferries Travel Assistance Program (TAP) to support families traveling from Vancouver Island.
If you are traveling with BC Ferries, please request a TAP form from Canuck Place’s Intake team during the pre-admission period.
Ronald McDonald House BC Services
For over 30 years, Ronald McDonald House BC (RMH BC) has provided accommodation for seriously ill children and their families when travelling to Vancouver for major treatment. The new RMH BC has over 73 bedrooms and is a vital resource for families around the province. It gives children and families a place to stay while receiving treatment at BC Children’s Hospital.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Services
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC and the Yukon’s only pediatric palliative care provider. We provide complex care for children from 0-19 with life-threatening illnesses and their families—24-hours a day, 365 days a year, in-hospice, in-hospital, and in-home. We operate 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospice locations in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Canuck Place employs the equivalent of 32 full-time pediatric palliative specialist nurses, and 5 pediatric palliative physicians who treat over 190 complex diseases and conditions. There are over 946 children and families on the Canuck Place program across five health regions.
Canuck Place programs also include pain and symptom management, medical respite, recreation and music therapy, education and art, grief and bereavement counselling, and end-of-life care. Our 24-Hour Clinical Care Line ensures parents and caregivers always have an expert to call.
Matthew’s House plays an important role in the Fraser Valley community. Canuck Place and Matthew’s House are neighbours on the Dave Lede Campus of Care. Matthew’s House is operated by Communitas Supportive Care Society and is a respite care home for youth, aged 16-25, living with complex healthcare needs. Parents can also stay in a guest suite while their child is in care.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC and the Yukon’s only pediatric palliative care provider. We provide complex care for children from 0-19 with life-threatening illnesses and their families—24-hours a day, 365 days a year, in-hospice, in-hospital, and in-home. We operate 13 patient beds and 8 family suites through two hospice locations in Vancouver and Abbotsford. Canuck Place employs the equivalent of 32 full-time pediatric palliative specialist nurses, and 5 pediatric palliative physicians who treat over 190 complex diseases and conditions. There are over 830 children and families on the Canuck Place program across five health regions.
Canuck Place programs also include pain and symptom management, medical respite, recreation and music therapy, education and art, grief and bereavement counselling, and end-of-life care. Our 24-Hour Clinical Care Line ensures parents and caregivers always have an expert to call.
Canuck Place Vancouver – Glen Brae
is a beautiful heritage building that was refurbished to deliver complex clinical care. Take a virtual tour of Glen Brae Manor
here
.
Canuck Place Abbotsford – Dave Lede House
is a purpose-built facility, designed specifically to provide pediatric palliative care for children and families in the Fraser Health Region and across the province. Take a virtual tour
here
.
In order to maintain confidentiality, minimize conflicts of interest, and maintain clear and supportive roles between staff and families receiving services at Canuck Place, families who have received services within the last five years are not able to apply for positions within Canuck Place. If you have any questions about the policy, you can contact our Director, Family Support Services, Kathryn Wozny at
[email protected]
or our Chief People & Culture Officer, Catherine Gordon, at
[email protected]
.
Canuck Place programs and services are made possible by our generous supporters. Financial support comes from individual donors, foundations, organizations, corporate sponsors, the Province of BC, the Federal government, and the Canucks for Kids Fund which provides 4% of overall operating funding.
Donations to Canuck Place can be made in 3 ways:
By secure online donation
By cheque made payable to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and mailed to 1690 Matthews Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
By credit card or EFT payment over the telephone. Call 604-731-4847 or toll free in BC at 1-877-882-2288
You can also include Canuck Place in your
Will or life insurance policy,
give a
gift of securities
, or become a
Courage Builder Monthly Donor
. Explore
other ways to give
here.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Society
is a charitable society registered simply as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Registration #
133867523 RR 0001
, and is the “operational” entity, providing care to kids and families in our two hospices, in-hospital and at-home. Whereas,
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Foundation
was created in June 2000 (Registration #
863704920 RR 0001
) and was established to receive bequests, legacies, donations, gaming revenue, property and to hold and safeguard those funds in support of the activities of CPCH, the “Society”. All donations that come through CPCH Foundation are used exclusively to support CPCH care.
Unfortunately, we are unable to coordinate direct giving to the children and families in our hospices. We would be happy to help you find another way to show your support.
See
other ways to give
or
in kind giving
for more information on how you can donate resources to Canuck Place
Yes! By giving even a small portion (1%) of your estate to Canuck Place, you have the power to make a significant impact in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses—while still leaving 99% of your estate to your loved ones.
Visit our
Legacy Giving
page for more information on how to leave a gift on your will.
You can sign up to
fundraise for Canuck Place
in any way that works best for you. Or contact
[email protected]
to learn more about corporate sponsorship or how we can support your fundraiser.
Yes, Canuck Place partners with a third-party fundraising organization – Donor Direct Consulting. Our trusted partner is a committed group of fundraising representatives who make phone calls, knock on doors, and canvass public areas in selected BC communities about opportunities to support Canuck Place.
If you have any questions or concerns about a phone call or a canvassing visit you received, please email
[email protected]
Learn more about door-to-door fundraising
Canuck Place holds several 50/50 raffle draws per year
Canuck Place 50/50 draws are advertised by email, direct mail, radio ads, newspaper ads, digital ads, Facebook and other social media channels
You can be certain it is a legitimate ad if it links to or references our official ticket sales website, canuckplaceraffle.com, and/or advertises our official phone sales line at 604-730-3316
50/50 winners are always contacted directly by Canuck Place staff via phone and email. You will never be contacted by text message, asked to click a link, or charged any fees
Questions about the Canuck Place 50/50 program can be directed to
[email protected]
Visit the
50/50 website
for more information
You are free to adjust or cancel your monthly gift at any time. Please contact
[email protected]
or call 778-726-0983.
Please allow 30 days notice to ensure no additional donations are processed.
Alternatively, you can also cancel your direct debit or credit card gift directly through your bank. To obtain a sample cancellation form, or information about your right to cancel a Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Agreement, contact your financial institution or visit
www.cdnpay.ca
.
You can update or view your donation information by visiting your
Donor Portal.
If you donate online,
you will receive an electronic receipt for your donation. Tax receipts are issued immediately for online donors, to the email address provided when making their gift.
If you donate by cheque or donate by credit card over the telephone,
you will you will receive an electronic tax receipt if you provide us (or have have provided in the past) with your email address. If you wish to receive a tax receipt via mail, you can contact us at
[email protected]
.
If you are a monthly donor,
your selected monthly donation amount will be charged to your credit card on the first or the fifteenth of each month. An annual receipt totaling your monthly gifts will be mailed to you in February.
If you find an error on your receipt or need a duplicate, contact us at
[email protected]
.
Depending upon the situation, in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency’s guidelines, a tax receipt may be issued if “no benefit” was incurred.
To request a duplicate tax receipt, update your mailing address, update your email address, and/or to change the frequency of our communications, please email us at
[email protected]
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information and adheres to legislated privacy requirements. Any personal information we collect is used for donor-related and tax-receipting purposes. We may periodically contact you to keep you informed about our activities and other mission-related communications. We do not sell, trade or rent out any names or personal information.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice takes concerns/feedback received from partners and donors very seriously and undertakes due investigation into each concern received. We are open to receiving feedback and are committed to addressing and resolving complaints in a timely, respectful, and fair manner.
You can find more information on our
concerns/feedback policy
in our resources. If you wish to submit a concern or complaint, you may use our
online form
or email
[email protected]
.
You can update or view your donation information by visiting your
Donor Portal.
Once you fill our your registration information, you will be sent a confirmation email, which will have a link to confirm your Donor Portal account. Once you confirm your email address, your Donor Portal will be activated.
On your Donor Portal, you can:
Update your contact or payment details
View any past or current online recurring gifts
Download your annual statement
Make a new donation
Make a new recurring gift
Modify or cancel your active recurring gifts
Manage saved payment methods
If you have any problems accessing or setting up your Donor Portal, you can contact Helen Yu at
[email protected]
or
778-900-4629
We are so grateful for your generosity. Your fundraiser will help Canuck Place continue to care for over 920 children with life-threatening illnesses, at no cost to their families.
Fundraising for Canuck Place is easy!
Simply create an online fundraising page in a few easy steps at
my.canuckplace.org
Customize your page and share it with friends, family, and your social networks. Fundraising pages offer a quick and secure way for them to support Canuck Place programs. Together, you and your supporters can keep families together and ensure no moment is missed.
Need help? Reach out to
Caitlin Jung
. We’ll help you create something unique, memorable, and successful.
There are so many ways to involve your business or workplace in supporting Canuck Place.
Fundraising for Canuck Place is a great way to engage employees, raise your social responsibility profile, and align your brand with a well respected charity.
Our
Corporate Giving
page has some helpful resources on marketing causes, employee giving, and sponsorship opportunities. You can also reach out to
Caitlin Jung
for inquiries.
Ready to start fundraising? Create an online fundraising page and
start collecting donations now
.
Canuck Place has a wealth of resources to support your fundraising efforts. Visit
my.canuckplace.org
or email
[email protected]
for more information.
We have a limited inventory of promotional and branded materials to share, and as a result are unable to meet all requests. Please reach out to our team about available resources.
We’re eager to help you celebrate your fundraiser to the best of our abilities.
Social media is a great way to engage with us so tag @CanuckPlace on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to highlight your fundraiser.
Once you’ve registered your fundraiser with us, we’re happy to share special branding with you to support your fundraising efforts.
The Canuck Place Children’s Hospice logo is a registered trademark; unauthorized use is prohibited. Please send all event materials featuring our name and/or logo to the Canuck Place communications team for review PRIOR to publication or distribution. Email:
[email protected]
.
If you would like to request to have a Canuck Place staff member or ambassador at your event, please let us know at least six weeks in advance. Due to the large volume of requests, we are unable to fulfill every request.
We will do our best to have a representative attend if it’s possible so
send us an email
to get the conversation started.
The Vancouver Canucks, through the Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF), are a major donor to Canuck Place. We cannot provide players, alumni, or Fin the mascot for events, as they already generously give their time to participate in CFKF events to raise funds for Canuck Place.
Our priority is always the care and privacy of the children and families on our program.
Therefore no outside visitors are permitted, to protect our children with complex medical conditions.
Please consider the following logistics when planning an event:
Insurance
Terms and Conditions with respect to Insurance Coverage: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice special/sporting event insurance policy
does not
extend to your event or fundraiser.
Check with your venue or insurance provider to determine what is necessary for your event.
Food Safety
Some venues require temporary food permits that can easily be acquired through your local Health Authority. Check to see if your event requires a permit.
Lotteries and Raffles
Holding a raffle, 50/50, or any percentage draw as part of your event? You’ll need to apply for a gaming license online from the BC Government’s Gaming Branch. We can provide you with a letter of acknowledgement to help you in your application.
For further details visit
http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/index.htm
Safety at Events
Once you have decided what you are going to do to raise funds for Canuck Place, you also need to think about the finer details. Please take measures to ensure your event is within the law and SAFE FOR ALL participants.
In just a few steps, you can create your own fundraising page for your campaign
here
Once you’ve signed up, your page can be customized with stories, photos and information about your fundraiser.
Need help?
Just
send us an email
and we can help you get your page up and running
No problem! Our system will walk you through the steps to reset your password. If you have any issues resetting your password contact
Clayton Whitt
.
Navigate to the login screen and select “Forgot password
Donations made through your online fundraising page are received by Canuck Place immediately.
If you have collected cash or cheque donations, they can be dropped off in person to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Or you can mail your donations (please do not mail cash) to:
Vancouver
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
1690 Matthews Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
Abbotsford
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – Dave Lede House
32772 Marshall Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 1J6
Please ensure cheques are made payable to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
Tax receipts will be issued under the
Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines
in relation to third-party community fundraisers. For further information please see below.
Donors who make their gifts through your online fundraising page will automatically receive an electronic tax receipt.
If you collect cash and cheque donations from your fundraiser, you can submit them, along with our
Donation Remittal Form
to:
Vancouver
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
1690 Matthews Ave
Vancouver, BC V6J 2T2
Abbotsford
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice – Dave Lede House
32772 Marshall Rd
Abbotsford, BC V2S 1J6
Please ensure you have complete donation amounts, full names, addresses, and telephone numbers for donors who require tax receipts.
Tax Receipt Guidelines
We cannot issue a tax receipt to you, the event organizer, for public donations collected at your fundraiser. As per
Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines
, Canuck Place’s responsibility is to ensure that official donation receipts are only issued to donors for the eligible amount of the gift. This means organizers of an event cannot claim a tax receipt for donations made by the public because the organizers are not the original donor. Only the original donors can claim a tax receipt.
Event expenses may not be deducted from tax-receiptable donations.
All donations requiring a tax receipt must be received in full by Canuck Place. Canuck Place will not reimburse you for any expenses incurred; all financial control is the responsibility of the event organizer. Canuck Place is dedicated to being fiscally responsible and we recommend that your event expenses not exceed 20 per cent of the total event revenue.
If you haven’t received your tax receipt, or if you need a duplicate copy issued, please contact
[email protected]
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Society
is a charitable society registered simply as Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Registration #
133867523 RR 0001
, and is the “operational” entity, providing care to kids and families in our two hospices, in-hospital and at-home. Whereas,
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Foundation
was created in June 2000 (Registration #
863704920 RR 0001
) and was established to receive bequests, legacies, donations, gaming revenue, property and to hold and safeguard those funds in support of the activities of CPCH, the “Society”. All donations that come through CPCH Foundation are used exclusively to support CPCH care.
Anyone who is 16 years of age or older can apply for any role except for family volunteering, which requires volunteers to be 18 years of age or older.
Our volunteer community includes students, working professionals, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and everything in between! We welcome volunteers with varying backgrounds and experiences, and value the diverse skills and perspectives they bring. No previous experience in healthcare is needed to apply.
Click
here
to view our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging statement.
Apply.
Fill out and submit an
online application
.
Please note: applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are selected based on current needs. Due to this, there may be a delay between when you apply and when we contact successful applicants.
Interview
. If we move forward with your application, you will receive an invitation to interview with a staff member of the Volunteer Services Team. This conversation helps us to get to know you and determine if the role would be a good fit. It is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about the volunteer program at Canuck Place.
Submit onboarding paperwork
. After a successful interview, you will be asked to complete and submit several onboarding forms. We will also provide a code to complete your criminal record check and contact one of the references listed on your application.
Attend training
. Most volunteer roles require attending our two-hour general training session facilitated by the Volunteer Services Team. Family Volunteers are required to complete a more comprehensive 25-hour training program, which is usually offered once per year.
Schedule your probationary shifts
. New volunteers are asked to schedule their shifts for their first three months of volunteering in advance. This helps us plan coverage and ensures you feel supported as you get started.
Attend a buddy/training shift
. Your first volunteer shift in-house is completed alongside an experienced volunteer or staff member who will introduce you to the space and walk you through the flow of a typical shift. After completing a buddy shift, you may begin volunteering independently or request an additional buddy shift if you would like more support.
Our team will be checking in with you throughout the onboarding process and are always happy to answer any questions along the way.
Due to a high level of interest, our recruitment process is selective and competitive. Intake cycles vary by site as they are conducted on an as-needed basis to best support the identified needs of our children, families, and staff. This process helps us ensure we are providing a meaningful and positive experience for those we serve as well as for our volunteers.
Because we receive a large volume of applications, there may be a delay between when you apply and when we contact successful applicants. If you have not received an interview request within six months, your application may not be aligned with our current needs and will be removed from our system. You are welcome to reapply at any time.
To prepare for your interview, we recommend exploring the Canuck Place website to learn more about the organization and the programs we offer (see
About Us
and
Our Program
). You can also review the descriptions of the volunteer roles on the
Volunteer page
to get a sense of what each position entails.
We may ask about your previous experiences, anything you included in your application, and your emotional readiness and comfort level in a hospice environment.
Bring any questions you may have about volunteering or our program to your interview – we are happy to answer them and help you learn more about what volunteering at Canuck Place looks like.
In-house volunteers (any role other than special-event volunteering) are asked to commit to a regular weekly or biweekly schedule and must complete at least two shifts per month
.
Shifts are typically 3 – 3.5 hours long and are available at various set times between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M., giving volunteers
flexibility
to choose shifts that work well with their schedule. All volunteers must make a minimum one-year commitment to their role. Vacations, short-term
leaves,
or other accommodations must be communicated in advance.
No, as a volunteer you will never provide care to our children that requires licensing (even if you have formal training). The focus of the volunteer roles is on companionship and creating spaces where our children and families can live life to the fullest.
Families who are currently on program
Canuck Place children and families currently on program or receiving services are not eligible to engage in volunteer opportunities.
Should a child currently on program or family member receiving services wish to explore other family engagement opportunities with Canuck Place, and/or learn more about ways to get involved or “give back”, information can be accessed by visiting
family engagement opportunities.
Families who are no longer receiving Canuck Place services
Children who have graduated from the Canuck Place program and/or family members who have received services in the past may choose to come forward and apply to volunteer their time, after a minimum of one year has passed since receiving services, or minimum four years after the child has died for bereaved family members.
All volunteer applicants, including bereaved family members, must successfully complete the Canuck Place screening/interview and application process to be considered for volunteer roles. Should a former patient or family member successfully complete the volunteer application process, it is important to consider that as a Canuck Place volunteer, the relationship with the organization and its interest-holders (staff, families, volunteers, and donors) will look differently than that of a family member receiving services. Although personal experiences can uniquely enhance volunteer roles, Canuck Place Volunteer Services is responsible for ensuring that volunteers (regardless of personal experience) put the needs of children and families on program first. Volunteer Services staff reserve the right to accept or decline volunteer applicants, regardless of previous experience, based on screening and assessing suitability throughout the application and selection process.
Yes, volunteers are welcome to cross-train for more than one role after successfully completing their three-month probationary period. Volunteers interested in taking on another role can
submit
a request to the Volunteer Services Team, who will coordinate and schedule the necessary training
.
Yes, there are opportunities for groups of volunteers to contribute to our organization. For more information about corporate volunteering, please visit the
Corporate Volunteering
page or email
[email protected]
.
At this time, we do not offer short-term or
hours
-based volunteer tenures. Canuck Place relies on long-term and consistent volunteers hired based on the needs of the children and families we serve.
Canuck Place takes enormous pride in our volunteers and appreciates them in a variety of ways. We offer continuing education opportunities, host
special events
to celebrate our
volunteers,
and provide chances to win event tickets throughout the year. Volunteers are welcome to join the families and staff in-house for lunch or dinner before or after their volunteer shift – and of course, enjoy our famous Canuck Place cookies!
Parents:
To use this service, please contact the Canuck Place Intake coordinator:
Phone: 604-742-3476
Email:
[email protected]
Physicians:
For urgent or end-of-life referrals or inquiries please page the Palliative Care Physician on call at 604-875-2161.
Everything we do is surrounded by care for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. More care, more time together, more memories.
Our training and education opportunities focus on pediatric palliative care, pain and symptom management, and pediatric advance care planning. We train health care professionals and the public in BC and the Yukon, nationally, and internationally.
Explore Current Training Opportunities
For nurses and PCAs, orientation is co-organized with the new hire. It takes into account the clinical and organizational learnings, as well as identifying person-specific learning opportunities.
Typically PCAs have 4–6 orientation shifts. Nurses can have 6–12 orientation shifts, typically 6–8.
After initial onboarding shifts, there is intentional and collaborative efforts to provide supportive learning experiences by the team and leadership, as well as professional development opportunities, especially within the first year to advance clinical practice.
At Canuck Place, we have a great team and everyone supports each other.
Our benefits plan and health and wellness spending account support nurses to access physical and mental health supports that best meet their needs. These benefits are
offered organization-wide, and the leadership team connects individually with staff to help direct them to additional supports they may need.
Our team also organizes team debriefs to hear directly from nurses how care both for families and for staff can be improved.
Definitely not! There are moments of intense sadness and grief, and also many more moments of joy, laughter, and meaning. Working with children throughout the trajectory of a serious illness and their families is often emotionally rewarding work.
Sick Time
Sick time accumulated from previous employers is not carried over when starting employment with Canuck Place. However, to ensure we live our Canuck Place values of care and support, if new staff become unable to work due to a serious illness/injury that meets long-term disability criteria, a contingency sick bank is available.
Vacation Time
Canuck Place will permit employees to start with the same vacation allocation per their previous British Columbia employer subject to written evidence of that entitlement being submitted. *Canuck Place does not carry over employee vacation banks.
We highly value expertise in pediatrics and palliative care as they are crucial assets in our field. Essential knowledge and skills include:
Patient and family-centered care
Advance care planning
Effective communication
Teamwork
Managing complex patient cases
Pain and symptom management
Handling grief, loss, and bereavement
Additionally, personal attributes such as compassion, resilience, being a team player, passion, advocacy, adaptive and active listening are key qualities that benefit both our team and the patients and families we serve.
How can you help?
There are so many ways to give. You can support complex care for children with life-threatening illnesses and families in BC and the Yukon. With your help, Canuck Place will support them in living the end of life as fully as the beginning.
Donate