Mireille Larosa finds purpose through philanthropy at Canuck Place

My journey with Canuck Place began during one of the most challenging times in my life. I was introduced to the organization, shortly after my son, Charles Olivier, was diagnosed with an incurable, life-threatening illness. Upon meeting Canuck Place Medical Director, Dr. Hal Siden and Nurse Practitioner, Camara van Breemen, everything changed for our family. The support and compassion that they provided me is what inspired me to become involved as a program lead for the Canuck Place Connectors.

The first time I walked through the doors of Canuck Place in the Glen Brae Manor Vancouver hospice location, I was a mother overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. My son’s diagnosis had left our family navigating a whirlwind of emotions and medical complexities.

The team at the hospice was a welcome presence in our lives. From the nurses who taught us how to care for Charles to the counsellors who supported us through our grief, each staff member helped lighten the weight on our shoulders significantly.

The comprehensive care we received enabled us to fully embrace every moment we had with Charles.

After Charles passed away, I found myself searching for a meaningful way to honour his memory and support other families facing the unimaginable. It was at this time that Canuck Place Counsellor, Deborah Davison, suggested I try my hand at fundraising, an idea that resonated with me and introduced me to the world of philanthropy.

The more I was involved in fundraising, I realized the great impact it could have, not only on Canuck Place but on the broader community. This realization led me to the Canuck Place Connectors Program, a group of community leaders who commit to supporting the organization through donations and fundraising efforts. This opportunity has granted me the privilege of collaborating with passionate philanthropists who are creative, authentic, compassionate and inclusive—qualities that are vital in driving forward the mission of Canuck Place. These values guide my interactions with my fellow Connectors and the larger Canuck Place community, ensuring our collective efforts are impactful and meaningful.

Through this initiative, we aim to provide every child and family at Canuck Place with the opportunity to experience life’s brightest moments with the short time that they have. We work to ensure families receive the highest quality of care and support that they need to thrive.

I encourage anyone who is looking for a way to give back to remember that every action, however small, counts. Whether it’s volunteering at a community project or simply offering your time and resources, there are endless ways to make a difference. Giving back is not just about what you do, but also about inspiring and mobilizing others to join in, creating a ripple effect of generosity and compassion that extends far beyond our immediate actions.

Canuck Place has been more than a hospice to my family and me; it is a place where life, no matter how short, is celebrated and embraced. It is where families like mine find comfort, care, and joy during their hardest times. The Connectors program constantly reminds me that the strength and resilience of the human spirit is at the heart of community care.

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This June, I will be cycling across the Swiss Alps in support of Canuck Place care. You can join me in this journey to make a difference, one family at a time by visiting my fundraising page:?https://my.canuckplace.org/fundraiser/4860339