The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is thrilled to receive a $1.25 million donation over the next five years from the Calgary Flames Foundation today, in support of respite and end-of-life care at Rotary Flames House.
Rotary Flames House opened in 2009 as Alberta’s only pediatric hospice. Inside the beautiful home the Calgary Flames Foundation helped make a reality, children with life-limiting and complex medical conditions – and their families – can access compassionate respite and end-of-life care as well as special day programming tailored to each child. As well as funding the original hospice building, the Calgary Flames Foundation has continued to support Rotary Flames House since it was built with annual fundraising and donations. With today’s gift, the Calgary Flames Foundation has donated $4.25 million to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation to date.
“As we celebrate 100 years of hope and healing at the Alberta Children’s Hospital this year, we’re also celebrating 100 years of unwavering support from our community, including the incredible generosity of the Calgary Flames Foundation,” says Saifa Koonar, President & CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are grateful for this generous gift today that will ensure Rotary Flames House remains a place of sanctuary and comfort for families of children in extremely difficult times.”
“We are pleased to extend our partnership with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation for the next five years. Today’s gift will help deliver and expand much-needed respite care and palliative services for families with children facing long-term and life-limiting illnesses,” says Jeff McCaig, Board Chair of the Calgary Flames Foundation. “Since 2008, we have been supporting the House and watching the services grow and adapt to the changing needs of families and children. While at this beautiful facility, they are wrapped in love and caring during the hardest days of their lives.”
Respite care is an invaluable gift to parents like Janelle Reiley. Her four-year-old daughter Ryah Lafreniere was born with Trisomy 13 and requires round-the-clock care.
“The incredible staff at Rotary Flames House take over caring for Ryah so we can take a break, to catch up on sleep or run errands, knowing she’s in the best hands,” says Janelle. “Plus, we know when she is there, she’s having the time of her life with people who, beyond their expert medical care, give her so much love. We thank the Flames Foundation for this incredible donation.