Campbell River’s new “home away from home” is coming together, one beam at a time.
As owner and operator of Q̓ʷalayu House, the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is putting out a call for donations as it enters the final stretch of construction on the big project.
The 10-bedroom property, set to open this spring, will house North Island families and expectant mothers as they access the nearby Campbell River Hospital and other health care services around town.
“The house will offer private spaces to rest and recharge, as well as shared spaces designed to promote community building,” the foundation says. “A grand entry will welcome all guests, and a spacious kitchen and dining area will form the heart of the home.”
According to the foundation, up to ten families can be accommodated at any given time in the “spacious rooms with en suite washroom facilities.”
The house will see a total of four family lounges and gathering spaces, the foundation says, adding that these spaces will be used for families to connect, relax, and restore as they alleviate emotional and financial stress.
Q̓ʷalayu House is a first of its kind project in Campbell River, with inspiration stemming from Victoria’s “home away from home,” Jeneece Place. The name Q̓ʷalayu (pronounced Kwuh-li-you) is an endearing term used by Elders when they speak of babies and children and their reason for being.
Thanks to a capital campaign in the fall of 2019, the Q̓ʷalayu project received a significant boost in core funding. Another $3-million was donated anonymously.
However, the foundation says it’s still collecting donations in hopes of meeting its $7-million goal. This will cover costs to fully equip the property and fund the first five years of operating costs.
For more information about the Q̓ʷalayu House project, or to donate to the campaign, click here.
Our #CampbellRiver home away from home is coming together, one beam at a time. Here are our latest construction update photos! #QwalayuHouse is roughed in for plumbing and electrical! We are very excited to share these moments with you, brought to you by WestUrban Developments pic.twitter.com/zHLVBODcU9
— Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (@islandkidsfirst) January 15, 2021
