The BC Cancer Foundation has named its new integrated care and research pavilion, which is set to open in Victoria in the spring of 2025, after two generous donors.
Longtime supporters of the BC Cancer Foundation, Ernie and Yvonne Yakimovich, donated a whopping $2.5 million to the charity, which helped it purchase and renovate the 12,000-square-foot facility at 2340 Richmond Rd.
"We are deeply honoured to support a space that will bring so much hope and healing," Ernie and Yvonne Yakimovich said in a news release.
Located across the street from the BC Cancer Foundation's current Victoria facilities, the aptly named Victoria Ernie and Yvonne Yakimovich Integrated Care and Research Pavilion will offer families and patients a holistic healing environment. The facility will also include space for patient and family counselling, hereditary counselling and medical genetics testing.
"These essential services help patients manage the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment, survivorship or palliative care," the BC Cancer Foundation said in the same news release. "Certain clinical and administration teams, including a portion of the Clinical Trials Unit, will also move into the space, freeing additional space in the existing BC Cancer treatment building."
William Litchfield, the charity's executive director for Vancouver Island, expressed the importance of both the Yakimovich's donation and the facility itself.
“The Pavilion represents a transformative step forward for cancer care in our community,” he said in the same news release. “With the generous support of the Yakimovich family and our many generous donors, BC Cancer is able to expand and enhance their critical supportive care programs to benefit patients across Vancouver Island."
The Yakimovich's donation was part of a drive to raise $11.3 million to purchase and renovate the facility. With $1 million left to reach its goal, the BC Cancer Foundation is asking for donations which can be made at bccancerfoundation.com/why-give/beyond-belief/vancouver-island/.
