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June 17, 2010
VICTORIA - Families with sick children travelling to Victoria for care will soon have a place to stay near the Victoria General Hospital, thanks to VIHA giving the Queen Alexandra Foundation (QAFC) for Children access to 2,960 square metres, or about three-quarters of an acre, upon which to build Jeneece Place.
"We are committed to providing the best care possible for our youngest patients and their families - and we're pleased to provide support for Jeneece Place," said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. "The land allocation will ensure Jeneece Place has a home within walking distance to Victoria General Hospital and allow all dollars raised to go towards the building."
"Many Vancouver Island and Gulf Island children alongside their families make the trip to Victoria each year for specialized paediatric care," said Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Ida Chong. "Jeneece Place will help reduce the personal and financial burden of these trips and will provide a place of comfort during a stressful time."
The long-term provision of land fulfils a goal set by QAFC to build a facility within walking distance to VGH, the Vancouver Island Health Authority's main paediatric care hospital. The location is at the far south of the property, adjacent to the Galloping Goose trail and Helmcken Road.
"We are pleased to support the Queen Alexandra Foundation on this important project. Jeneece Place will help reduce the burden on families during very trying times, while keeping them close to the specialized paediatric care and services offered at VGH," noted Jac Kreut, board chair for VIHA. "Miss Edroff is an incredibly brave young woman, and her work on behalf of other sick children is truly inspirational."
Jeneece Place will provide accommodation for children and their families who need to travel to Victoria for care at VGH, the Queen Alexandra Centre or for specialist appointments and lab tests. Initial plans also include respite care, which will provide parents with children with special needs the opportunity for much-needed rest.
"Our foundation is delighted to be working alongside the ministry, VIHA and TELUS to make the dream of Jeneece Place a reality," said Graeme Lee, QAFC board chair. "Jeneece Place will provide a safe, comfortable refuge for families who have to travel to Victoria for care. If we can help ease their burden somewhat, our goal will have been accomplished."
The land has an estimated value of about $400,000, which will enable funds raised to be dedicated toward the building of the new facility and its operational needs. A major supporter of this project, TELUS has been working with QAFC to raise more than $700,000 since last July when TELUS president and CEO Darren Entwistle announced the company was bringing the TELUS World Skins Game to Bear Mountain June 21-22 of this year. TELUS selected QAFC as the benefiting charity of the game, kicking off fundraising with a $100,000 donation during the TELUS World Skins Game announcement.
"Jeneece Edroff is a phenomenal young lady who has an extraordinary goal to spread kindness in the world and help other children and families in need," said Entwistle. "The TELUS team is deeply inspired by Jeneece and delighted to work with the Queen Alexandra Foundation to help her realize her dream of Jeneece Place. This special home will give families peace of mind as their loved ones are undergoing treatment and testing."
Jeneece Place is being spearheaded by Jeneece Edroff, a teenage girl who was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis at the age of three. Jeneece continues to undergo treatments and surgeries, which help her attend school, spend time with her family and friends and of course, set ambitious goals, which she has proven time and time again that she can achieve.
"Thank you all for helping me make my dream come true," said Jeneece. "I am so excited - as the sooner we can get started, the sooner families can have a home away from home to stay close to the hospital."
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Media contact:
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250 370-8270 |
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