Four Richmond students from the mini school at McNair secondary recently visited Canuck Place Hospice, a palliative care centre in Vancouver. There, they presented members of the hospice with a cheque for $1,000 from money raised at the mini school’s Arts Night. The students shared their experience with the Richmond News:
“I had always known that Canuck Place was a place for terminally ill children to stay and be taken care of, but I now know that it is so much more than that,” said student Cameron Sihoe. “Canuck Place is a home away from home for sick kids and their families to stay for free, let go of their worries for the future, and focus solely on being together. Fellow student Samantha Marohn said she had the utmost respect for the staff at Canuck Place.
“Despite how little (the donation) seemed compared to their yearly expenses, the staff there was extremely grateful nonetheless.”
Katie McDonnell was humbled after the visit.
“Not once did I see a anyone who looked unhappy despite the circumstances they might have been in. This was because of the love and compassion that filled the air. The sense of community and belonging truly made me believe that Canuck Place is the perfect place for children to forget about their illness or spend their final days,” said Katie.
Kyle Newcombe discovered newfound gratitude for life.
“To be given the opportunity to be surrounded by the people at this place who are the beneficiary of our efforts, is truly a mesmerizing experience, and it is one that has redefined the meaning of gratitude for me,” said Kyle.
