Vancouver Living – September-October 2019

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 21

LIVINGMAG.CA

structures and furniture of yellow Cedarwood leave no doubt that the build-

ing personifies the Pacific Northwest.

Each family bedroom has its own air intake facility with distinct fea-

tures in some rooms for the visually and hearing impaired.

Every house has a kitchen and two houses share a dining room. “We

have a food program in which we partner with Save-On Foods Pantry

Program where we can order online and put groceries right into each fami-

ly’s shelves and fridge,” Pass explains. “Let’s face it, who, after a day of tests

and stress wants to go grocery shopping?

“We have an art committee who sent out invitations to artists all over

B.C. and the Yukon for donated original art to tie in with House themes

for Forest, River, Mountain and Beach so that families could immediately

relate to their own environments back home.”

A sense of playfulness and adventure pervades the atmosphere, in

which immense floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors open to an outdoor

amphitheatre where theatre troupes and musicians are invited to perform.

A courtyard with a serene koi pond and seating area is a quiet respite from

the boisterous basketball court further away. Gardening, a calming activity

for many, is encouraged by volunteers from VanDusen Botanical Garden

who have worked with families to plant vegetables and fruit.

“We’ve tried to think of everything from private areas for the not-so-

good days to public spaces where families can connect with each other

and other families, especially parents who might be feeling really alone

with their concerns,” says Pass.

A Family Dining Program encourages the community to come in and actu-

ally cook dinner for residents. The 17th annual Night To Dream Gala on October

4th brings together philanthropists, business leaders and families staying at

the House for an exciting evening of dinner, silent auction and entertainment to

continue to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House British Columbia & Yukon.

“There is such a huge need, so our goal is to expand the House to

accommodate even more families,” Pass emphasizes. “Although the

majority come from B.C. and the Yukon, BC Children’s Hospital’s exemplary

care is world-renowned and we’ve had families here from across Canada

and as far away as Zambia,” says Pass.

FROM PLAY TO DINING AREAS, THE

ROOMS ARE DESIGNED TO SPARK

CHILDREN’S IMAGINATIONS, AND ARE

LIKE STEPPING ONTO THE PAGES OF

A STORY BOOK.

ED WHITE, EMA PETER