TRANSITION HOUSE: The Vancouver Hospice has helped 70 clients to date make the transition from this world to the next since it opened its doors in the spring of 2014. The six-bed facility is one of four freestanding hospices in Metro Vancouver, which combined offer a mere 34 beds to clients. Client stays average three months. It’s no surprise the Granville Street facility already has a steady wait list, as a growing boomer population seeks compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement programs for families. Sue Hurd and Sue Wong led a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign. With the founders on hand, the charity recently staged its ninth Butterfly Gala at the newly opened Robert H Lee Alumni Centre. Stephen Roberts chaired, Vicki Gabereau emceed and yours truly was auctioneer at the benefit dinner. Sponsored by Dean’s Knight Capital Management, the house party raised $125,000.
MORE RETAIL GLAM: Simons, one of Canada’s oldest retailers, is the latest luxury department store to open in the Metro Vancouver market. The high-end department store covers 100,000 square feet of the newly renovated Park Royal mall. CEO Peter Simons, along with family members and store brass, welcomed guests to a preview party in advance of its storewide opening last weekend. The in-store gala saw fashionistas and a stylish set imbibe while exploring the retailer’s series of intimate boutiques. Three impressive installations by Douglas Coupland, Jody Broomfield and Bobbie Burgers adorn the impressive multi-level space, which also features a French-Canadian-inspired café. The invitation-only retail romp benefitted two local organizations: Arts Umbrella and the Centre for Art, Architecture and Design.
HOT MEALS: The Health and Home Care Society of B.C. has been operating its Meals on Wheels program in Vancouver and Richmond since 1967. Every weekday, by car and bicycle, an army of dedicated volunteers deliver some 500 western and Chinese meals and visits to homebound people, including seniors, caregivers and individuals dealing with illness, injury and surgery. The charity, led by executive director Dr. Inge Schamborzki and chairman Thomas Chambers, held the seventh Meals on Wheels Fundraising dinner and auction. The impressive 11-course meal was staged at the Victoria Chinese Restaurant. The event saw a record $60,000 cooked up thanks to dinner guests and donors who supported an array of unique auction items including coveted travel packages by Japan Airlines and the Rocky Mountaineer.
