The Calgary Flames Foundation announced a gift of $1 million to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in support of enhanced programs and respite care at Rotary Flames House – the pediatric hospice they helped to open almost ten years ago.
Rotary Flames House is the only pediatric hospice in Alberta and one of only six in Canada. In addition to offering end-of-life and palliative care for children, Rotary Flames House offers a wide range of day programs and respite services for families caring for children with complex, life-limiting conditions.
“I can only imagine that providing 24-hour specialized care for a child with medically complex needs is incredibly stressful and tiring – both emotionally and physically,” says Jeff McCaig, Chairman of the Calgary Flames Foundation. “We are honoured to partner with experts at Rotary Flames House to support the incredible, compassionate and meaningful work they do to enrich the lives of these special kids and their families.”
“As strong community leaders, the Calgary Flames Foundation rallied around this need and answered the call to help us build and open Rotary Flames House almost ten years ago,” says Saifa Koonar, President and CEO, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The gift they announced today represents their on-going commitment to make Rotary Flames House one of the most comprehensive pediatric hospices in the country.”
Karen Butel is the Manager of Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Services /Rotary Flames House. She adds, “This generous donation will help us to bolster the therapeutic programs we offer to enrich the lives of hundreds of children in our community. From music and horticultural therapy, to trips to the therapy pool at the Alberta Children’s Hospital or a special holiday party, children are offered a wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities not readily available in their home community.”
Amanda and Adam Delahay’s five-year-old daughter Carmen was diagnosed with Central Core Disease shortly after she was born. The condition leaves her with critically low muscle tone and life-threatening breathing difficulties. “We are so grateful that the Flames recognize that while not every child can be cured, they can all be cherished,” says Amanda. “The care team at Rotary Flames House is 100% committed to giving Carmen the best care, but equally interested in giving her every opportunity to grow and learn and have fun. As a family, we’ve made some really special memories at the House.”
About Calgary Flames Foundation:
When the Flames ownership group brought the team to Calgary in 1980 their mandate, which is still prominent today, was to ensure that the Calgary Flames have a positive impact on the quality of life in southern Alberta. Since its inception the Calgary Flames Foundation, has raised millions for education, amateur and grassroots sports and health and wellness, over $38 million since 2000. In 2006 the Calgary Flames Foundation and Rotary Clubs of Calgary pledged to raise $2.5 million to help build the Rotary Flames House, southern Alberta’s first free standing hospice for youth. The Flames continue to build a special relationship with the Alberta Children’s Hospital which includes an annual wheelchair hockey game, holiday visits, numerous individual player visits and donations.
About the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation”
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation inspires our community to invest in excellence in child health, research and family centred care. The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation raises funds for excellence in child health research and family centred care. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation provides funding for innovative family centred programs, state-of-the-art equipment, advanced medical training and internationally recognized pediatric research.