Donors driven to build a centre for Langley’s abused kids

This article was written by Roxanne Hooper and originally published by the Langley Advance Times

It wasn’t a record-breaking tally, but organizers of the 34th annual hospital gala are proud to announce this year’s fundraiser generated close to a quarter of a million dollars for the cause.

About 250 people decked out in formal attire came together inside the Mercedes-Benz Langley dealership on Oct. 4 to enjoy a four-course Mediterranean meal, sit for portraits from a caricature artist, pump up the adrenaline with a Formula One simulator, indulge in a candy bar full of sweets, bid and outbid others for live and silent auctions, and watch an acrobatic troupe perform.

But most importantly, they were there to raise money for abused children and their families in Langley.

The public once again gave generously, said Heather Scott, executive director of Langley Community Health & Hospital Foundation. She explained how money from this year’s fundraising event is earmarked specifically for Langley’s new Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) opening later this month.

In speaking to the evening’s Drive Gala theme, a checker flag was created in front of the stage, each donation - as it was made - equating to a square on the flag. By the end of the night, they were able to celebrate the power of people’s philanthropy by raising $242,600 for the new centre.

That success, Scott said, reflects the strength and compassion of Langley’s donor community.

Speaking to the need for this new centre, she explained how a year ago the foundation learned of the need for such a facility and committed to creating a space for CYAC. Its goal, she explained, is to ensure that any local child or youth who has faced abuse is met with safety, respect, and care.

The foundation's efforts as a fundraising partner began after they heard the "shocking statistic… Here in B.C., one out of three children will experience some form of abuse," Scott shared, reiterating that number a few times for the audience, helping drive home the significance of those numbers occurring here in this community and within this province.

"That's physical, emotional, and/or sexual violence and exploitation or neglect. Let's just let that sink in for a minute… I was shocked and awed to be honest," she said, estimating that more than 22,000 victims live in Langley, but under the current system only about 2,000 will come forward to disclose their abuse.

The new centre will offer a coordinated approach for reporting, so victims don't have to repeatedly share their story and relive the horrors with multiple agencies in their quest for justice and help, Scott explained.

The new centre, opening near the end of October, is about much more than just reporting the abuse. It's about providing support to the children when they need it most, Scott said, "at a most vulnerable time, so they can move on to healing as soon as possible."

"The Child and Youth Advocacy Centre provides a coordinate response with counselling, legal, and cultural services working collaboratively together, under one roof. It provides one centre where a family can go and tell their story once, and for all the resources to wrap around them in a child-friendly environment," Scott said, noting the implications of creating this centre are expected to have ripple effects on the health of the community for decades to come.

"We're here this evening to ensure kids, our kids, our Langley kids, get the support they deserve," she said.

Kristin Coyne was on hand at the gala, and astonished by the outpouring of support, thanking the donors for their kindness.

Coyne is the senior clinical manager at Encompass Support Services Society, which operates the CYAC.

“Watching the community come together for this gala provided hope. Tvery gift that was made communicates to these children that they matter, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the compassion and generosity shown at the gala,” she said.

These kinds of services would not be possible without the donations collected at the gala, elaborated Leanne Laurin, there with her husband, Mike, as the gala's presenting sponsors for the eighth year in a row.

"Donor support not only fuels the hospital's mission but also ignites hope in the lives of our youth. Together, we are making a difference that truly matters," Laurin said.

Last year’s Electric Gala helped complete a year-long, $1 million, fundraising campaign to support the addition of new X-ray units at Langley Memorial Hospital.

“Even in this uncertain economy, donors led with their hearts, and gave with compassion to children living through unimaginable trauma,” Scott concluded. “We are profoundly grateful for this generosity and the trust. Donor support makes it possible for them to heal in a safe environment at the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.”