Canuck Place Children’s Hospice fundraiser begins

A new campaign gets underway Friday to help raise money for a good cause.

The Milk and Cookies fundraiser will benefit Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and it’s being done in conjunction with the BC Dairy Association.

Stephanie Hill Davie is a local dairy farmer who lost her 11-year-old son in 2022 to a rare condition.

Stephanie Hill Davie is a local dairy farmer who lost her 11-year-old son in 2022 to a rare condition. Owen spent six years at the facility. (Courtesy Stephanie Hill Davie)

“He had significant challenges at birth, all of which, for the first five years of his life doctors thought would self-resolve,” she explained. “It wasn’t until we were sitting in a complex care appointment at BC Children’s Hospital that he had a full code and that is when we were introduced to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.”

Through tears, Hill Davie adds Owen spent six years in the program at the facility.

“In December of 2022, Owen lost his life.”

She says he was an amazing boy who was incredibly happy and a huge Vancouver Canucks fan.

“He was always in the tractor. It’s one of the things we miss the most,” Hill Davie told The Leader Spirit. “Being a part of the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, he got so many opportunities to be around the Vancouver Canucks and skate with the Canucks. He loved hockey.”

Despite the loss, Hill Davie says speaking about her son’s legacy isn’t bittersweet at all.

“I think every person that’s born into this world [has a purpose] and Owen defined his really early on in life,” she said.

“For our family, we’ve always had a focus on giving back. Our community gave so graciously to us that through our farm, we’d grow flowers, and we’d give that [back] continuously to them. So, it was awesome that BC Dairy asked us to be a part of this. They’ve always been family-focused. It’s not about our story, they do this because they recognize the need within the province.”

She says there are currently 871 families using the hospice’s services throughout B.C. and Yukon.

“The staff was absolutely amazing. Walking into the doors of Canuck Place was completely different. From the moment we sat down, they treated us like we were equals at the table. They planned care agreements with us, and it was just done in such a beautiful partnership.

“Each and every individual that works at Canuck Place is an individual that wants to be there, that enjoys their job, and wants to help families through difficult times.”

Hill Davie says the staff also made it possible for the family to live life to the fullest with their son, by making it possible for them to travel, receive visits from Santa, and include Owen’s two siblings in happier moments.

“They broke down those barriers and they showed us how to relax and calm down. To us, it wasn’t taking our child to a hospice to die, it was taking our child to a hospice and learning to live.”

Hill Davie understands it’s hard for people to donate, but hopes they will find a way to support, what is, the only children’s hospice in the province.

The campaign runs from Feb. 2 until Mar. 31. Proceeds will be matched by BC Dairy to a maximum of $30,000.

There are a few ways people can take part. Donations can be made through the hospice, and schools can sign up for a bake sale on Canuck Place Cookie Day held on Feb. 29 this year.

“For my husband and I, as a further challenge, any school that signs up for the Canuck Place Cookie Day within their school, the classroom that raises the most, my husband and I would like to purchase a pizza party for that particular classroom,” Hill Davie said.

Retailers and bakeries can sign up and donate a portion of their sales or fans can buy a milk and cookies combo at any Abbotsford Canucks home game this season.