Vancouver, B.C. (June 18, 2024): The 4th annual Classic & Contemporary Car Invitational welcomed car collectors and guests from across the Lower Mainland on June 15, at Cypress Pop-Up Village in West Vancouver.
The event, founded by the Lede Family and the England family, raised significant funds to support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. The only pediatric palliative care provider for B.C. and the Yukon, ensures over 920 children with life-threatening illnesses and families have access to specialized care.
Over 350 philanthropic guests joined car collectors for an exclusive showcase of over 40 rare classic and contemporary cars. The sunny afternoon was emceed by Katherine Coutinho, Ledcor’s Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, and attendees were welcomed by Kevin England and Dave Lede. Canuck Place Medical Director, Dr. Hal Siden, and Canuck Place Board Member, Marcus Delves, shared their gratitude with all the guests for their support of complex care.
Canuck Place mom, Sharon Bulger, alongside her son, Zach, and husband, Glenn, lovingly shared the story of their son, Cameron who received end-of-life support through Canuck Place’s in-home Enhanced Community Care Program. Sharon shared how the Canuck Place clinical team was a lifeline of support through their hardest moments.
“We are grateful for the Canuck Place team who enabled us to care for Cameron at home, to spend time loving him and cherishing every moment we had with him,” said Sharon. “The entire Canuck Place team helped our family make memories, supported us through our grief, gave us time to be loving parents, and they took care of the rest.” – Sharon Bulger, Canuck Place Mom
Canuck Place family, the Joneses were also in attendance and presented ‘The Sawyer’s Cup Award’ to the top voted car. This people’s choice award was first introduced as a legacy to their son, Sawyer and the cup has a very special meaning for them.
“Canuck Place helped support our sweet boy, Sawyer whether it was with medications, keeping him comfortable, counseling or advocating—Canuck Place showed up,” shared Crystal Jones. “When we felt we were at the end of the road, there was light because Canuck Place cared for Sawyer and our family in a way that wasn’t possible for anyone else.” – Crystal Jones, Canuck Place Mom
In the summer of 2021, Kevin England brought his Ford Model T to Canuck Place Glen Brae hospice in Vancouver to bring joy to the children and families staying in the hospice. During this visit, he met the Jones family. Kevin learned that the Joneses are car enthusiasts who, at the time, were in the process of restoring a car of their own. While Sawyer was receiving care, his two older brothers were given the opportunity to go for a ride in the Model T. With this experience, Kevin witnessed how valuable these memories are to children and families at Canuck Place and was inspired to give back. The Classic & Contemporary Car Invitational moved ahead with a new sense of purpose. After Sawyer’s passing, Kevin named the people’s choice trophy handed out at the event, ‘Sawyer’s Cup’.
Throughout the afternoon, invitees enjoyed delicious canapés, as well as beer, cocktails, and wine. Attendees also voted on their favourite car of the event, which was the 1960 Porsche 365B T5 Sunroof Coupe model, and winner of Sawyer’s Cup. The Judge’s Award went to a very rare BMW, the mid-engine M1 supercar from the late 1970s/early 80s, of which only 399 road-legal examples were made. Presented in its authentic Inka Orange paint, it was a highlight of the event.
The funds raised from the successful 4th annual Classic & Contemporary Car Invitational will support pediatric palliative care provided at Canuck Place. We are grateful to Ledcor, Langlois Brown Wealth Management, Turtle Creek, Carlota, Derek and Peter Lee, iA Private Wealth, Showcase Pianos, The England Group, and British Pacific Properties for their support of this event. With the funds raised, Canuck Place can continue to provide quality, complex care in their hospices, and community-based care in-home and in-hospital. Canuck Place continues to raise over 60% of operating funds through community donors, corporate supporters, and signature fundraising events. Together, they help give short lives the gift of great days.
