Burn Fund launches campaign to raise last $2.1 million for new Centre

VANCOUVER, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund has launched a public campaign to raise the last $2.1 million for a new $13.1 million Burn Fund Centre.

The new Burn Fund Centre, to be built at 3891 Main Street, will provide eight short-term stay units to meet the critical shortfall in accommodation for burn and trauma patients and their family caregivers. The Centre will also offer supportive survivor programs and resources and retail space to help fund the ongoing operation of the building.  Construction is slated to start in Spring 2014.

"We've seen firsthand that helping with accommodation for burn and trauma survivors and their families can be one of the most significant contributions to help survivors physically and emotionally recover and live a full life", says Mike Hurley, President of the Burn Fund. "We're determined to give burn survivors in British Columbia the best chance at recovery with this new home-away-from-home."

Each year almost 700 children and adults from across the province are admitted to the Burn, Trauma and Plastic Units at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children's Hospital suffering serious injury. Patients' health may currently be compromised when they have to return home sooner than medically advised or live in accommodations not suited to recovery from a burn or trauma injury.

"Burn survivors need their loved ones close at hand while hospitalized and require suitable accommodation while an outpatient and highly vulnerable to infection", says Lisa Lacamell, Executive Director of the Burn Fund. "With the current accommodation shortfall its possible survivors' recoveries might be compromised, but the new Burn Fund Centre will solve the crisis."

Over 85% of the funds needed are already secured.  This includes an extraordinary $1.1 million in pledges from Fire Fighters' Locals around the province; a donation of land from the City of Vancouver; $750,000 in donated services from Concert Properties and a $4 million investment from the Province of British Columbia.

How can you help?  Make a donation today.  We are grateful for every donation we receive and you can help lift us a few more steps up the ladder to the best place for burn and trauma survivors. Donations accepted on our website: Burnfund.org or contact our office 604-436-5617.

The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund has been providing Prevention and Survivor Support programs, and funding medical care, training and research to the people of British Columbia and the Yukon for almost four decades.  The Burn Fund's vision is built by more than 3,800 professional fire fighters from fifty-three communities in British Columbia and the Yukon who dedicate their funds, time and expertise.

SOURCE: British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund

Contact:
Lisa Lacamell, Burn Fund, Executive Director, 604-436-5617
Mike Hurley, Burn Fund, President, 604-436-5617