The Abbotsford project combining three major health agencies on one property now has a more-official name: the Dave Lede Campus of Care.
The title was announced Tuesday at a “naming ceremony” at the Marshall Road construction site, adjacent to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre.
Dave Lede heads the Ledcor Group of Companies, the general contractor for the project, which includes Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the Abbotsford Hospice’ Society’s (AHS) Holmberg House adult hospice, and Matthew’s Place, a respite facility for children with severe disabilities.
Lede is also the main financial contributor to the Campus of Care, having previously donated $2.5 million to Canuck Place. At the naming ceremony, it was announced that Lede will contribute another $2.5 million to the other two agencies.
Representatives from all three agencies thanked Lede for his passion and dedication. Canuck Place CEO Filomena Nalewajek said his “support, leadership and vision” have been instrumental in seeing the project to fruition.
Doug Froese of Matthew’s House said Tuesday’s announcement was particularly meaningful to him as it would have been the 11th birthday of his son, Matthew, for whom the facility is named.
Matthew, who had severe disabilities, died in August 2010 at the age of nine when he stopped breathing and could not be revived.
“It’s an honour to be part of such a unique group bringing much-needed care to this community,” Froese said.
Debbie Lehmann, AHS executive director, also thanked Lede for his support, as well as the Holmberg family of Abbotsford.
“This is an exciting milestone,” she said of the adult hospice that will be built.
The Campus of Care is expected to be complete in 2013.
