The Canucks for Kids Fund has made a significant donation of $1 million to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to support the creation of a Canucks-themed playroom in the new Teck Acute Care Centre (Teck ACC), opening in 2017.

The playroom is designed in tribute to the Vancouver Canucks and will serve some of the hospital’s most critically ill and medically complex patients and families. It is being constructed on the seventh floor of the Teck ACC, in the heart of the new BC Children’s Hospital.

In addition to the playroom, the $1 million donation from the Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF) will also support child and youth mental health initiatives, and programs within the hospital’s Child Life department.

“Our goal is to help as many children and families as possible in BC each year, so we are very grateful for the opportunity to extend our long-standing relationship with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation,” said Paolo Aquilini, President of the Canucks for Kids Fund. “On behalf of our players, coaches, management and fans all over BC, we hope the new playroom will provide a happy escape from daily treatments and the supporting mental health programming will improve the lives of children for years to come.”

“The important work of the Canucks for Kids Fund is deeply woven into the fabric of our hospital and in our community. We are immensely grateful for this extraordinary commitment,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The new playroom will benefit so many children and families and most importantly, provide them with a space removed from medical treatment and enjoy the healing benefits of play.”

The CFKF share a longstanding partnership with BC Children’s Hospital. They have funded childhood diabetes research, urgently needed equipment, and various mental health initiatives – as well as provided the hospital with substantial in-kind and promotional support.

Players, coaches, and staff make regular visits to the hospital, bringing smiles to hundreds of patients and their families.