Building a first of its kind

Children with health complexity have defied extraordinary odds once thought impossible to overcome. Now, it’s our turn to do something extraordinary. We’re raising $60 million to support a groundbreaking centre that will revolutionize how experts support children with complex medical needs—and you can help lead the way.

1% needs 100% of our support

2,500 children across BC and the Yukon—roughly 1% of kids—live with significant health complexity. Despite their small numbers, they account for more than one-third of hospital admissions.

These children require an extraordinary amount of care throughout their lives. Many need support with daily activities, depend on sophisticated medical technologies for survival, and are in and out of clinics, hospitals and therapy programs.

Parents and caregivers must be there 24/7. Each day, they care for their child while navigating a web of care that can include dozens of medical experts, specialists and community organizations. The weight of it all is overwhelming and exhausting.

“Alarms go off, reminding me to silence the feeding pump, check her heart rate, or determine if the oxygen concentrator needs to be turned up. I am constantly on alert for anything to happen—emergency bag ready to go by the front door.”

– Parent of a child with health complexity*

The centre’s lobby includes a lounge and fireplace, offering a welcoming place to relax or connect with other families.

Creating a new model of care

Opening in 2028 at Slocan Street and East 21st Avenue in Vancouver, this innovative centre will bring together experts to deliver coordinated care, specialized training and comprehensive family support. Together, we’ll create a healing environment uniquely designed for children with health complexity and their families.

The centre’s design features a ramp and atrium connecting three floors. The ramp will support the children’s sense of individual choice and control, facilitating their navigation throughout the building.

Here’s what we can make possible together:

• Care coordination. Each family will have a dedicated team—a nurse, social worker and logistics navigator—to coordinate care, manage appointments and improve access to services.
• A place to stay together. 16 thoughtfully designed suites provide space for families during short, planned stays when needed for care transitions or when learning new techniques. Each one includes connected rooms for children and families with a fully accessible bathroom.
• A space to connect. Raising a child with complex health needs can feel isolating. The centre creates meaningful opportunities for families to build supportive relationships with one another through spaces like outdoor gardens, dining areas and recreation rooms.
• Technology that connects. Interactive systems will allow specialists, community doctors and family to participate in a child’s care simultaneously, breaking down geographic barriers.
• Purpose-built for children with health complexity. Every detail is thoughtfully designed with the needs of children with health complexity in mind—from lifts in key spaces to wider corridors, a beautiful three-level accessible ramp, quiet spaces for kids with sensory differences, and purposeful art that creates a true healing environment.
• Welcoming and culturally safe. The centre will be inclusive for families of all cultural backgrounds, with spaces that honour local First Nations and accommodate cultural practices like smudging ceremonies and gatherings.

A bold vision for the future

See how the new centre will transform care for children with complex health needs.

Be part of the first

Together, we can build something remarkable.

No family should navigate this journey alone. Your support will fund a state-of-the-art centre with cutting-edge technology, thoughtfully designed spaces and a true family-centered approach.

Donate Now

The centre includes 16 suites where children and families will be able to come for short, pre-planned stays to receive in-person services. Each suite includes a child room, shown here.

The cafeteria will have access to an outdoor patio.

*BC Complex Kids. Beyond Survival: Recommendations for Transforming Support Systems for Children & Youth with Medical Complexity and Their Families in British Columbia