community support – Chilliwack Hospice Society https://www.chilliwackhospice.org Supporting individuals and families during the dying and grieving process since 1986. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:17:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.1 https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-38-66x66.png community support – Chilliwack Hospice Society https://www.chilliwackhospice.org 32 32 With the Tumbler Ridge Community | Standing Together in Grief and Solidarity https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/with-the-tumbler-ridge-community-standing-together-in-grief-and-solidarity/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:17:24 +0000 https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/?p=9818 Chilliwack Hospice Society is profoundly saddened by the tragic events that unfolded yesterday in Tumbler Ridge. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died and to the students, staff, first responders, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community as they face an unimaginable and devastating loss.

Although this tragedy occurred outside our community, we recognize that news of a school shooting can affect people deeply, including children, youth and adults here at home. Events like this can bring forward fear, grief, anger and confusion. These reactions are natural. It is important that we speak openly, listen with care, and make space for one another’s feelings.

At Chilliwack Hospice Society, we walk alongside individuals and families who are grieving the death of someone they love. In moments of sudden and traumatic death, compassionate, steady support matters. We encourage families to check in with one another, to have age-appropriate conversations with children, and to reassure them about their safety while acknowledging the reality of what has happened.

If you or someone you know needs additional support, the following resources are available:

  • 310-Mental Health Support: 310-6789 (no area code required in B.C.)
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
  • Foundry BC: FoundryBC.ca

In times of tragedy, communities show their strength through compassion, presence and care. We stand in solidarity with the people of Tumbler Ridge and hold space for all who are grieving, injured or impacted by this horrific act.

]]> Franceska Hills of Chilliwack Hospice Society named ‘local legend’ by Murray Mazda https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/franceska-hills-of-chilliwack-hospice-society-named-local-legend-by-murray-mazda/ Fri, 16 Dec 2022 21:33:38 +0000 https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/?p=7312

Chris Emery (left), General Manager at Murray Mazda; Franceska Hills; Sue Knott (right), Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society

In 2021, Mazda’s Local Legends campaign helped rebuild Canadian small businesses across the country that were impacted by COVID. This year, they have chosen to shine a spotlight on people who go the extra mile to serve the communities they’re located in, but whose actions may go overlooked.
At Murray Mazda, they have chosen two worthy recipients and have gifted a special gift of $2,500 to each of them.
Watch to see our second Community Legend Franceska Hills as we surprised her at the dealership with her gift.

Franceska works with children and youth at the Chilliwack Hospice. Murray Mazda gifted her $2,500 worth of paints, canvas, markers and many other art supplies in support of the program.

Murray Mazda gifted Franceska Hills and the Chilliwack Hospice Society child and youth program $2,500 worth of paints, canvas, markers and many other art supplies in support of the program.

Franceska Hills manages the child and youth programs with Chilliwack Hospice Society. The goal of her programs is to provide an accepting and safe environment for children, tweens and teens to meet and talk about their grief and loss experiences, and to better understand their feelings of grief following the death of someone they know. Franceska provides one-to-one grief support for children and youth in Chilliwack and the surrounding communities on behalf of the Society. She also coordinates grief support groups in local schools and at the Society office, located at 7112 Vedder Road. Once a year Franceska and a team of volunteers organize a Horse Whisperer Children’s Grief Camp which facilitates healing interactions between horses and grieving children. Another part of Franceska’s programs is to offer teen peer support training for high school students to learn ways in which they can better support their classmates and friends through the grieving process.

Franceska shares her artistic talent through her work with children and youth, allowing them to process their grief naturally through playful, creative activities and strengthen their resiliency skills needed to navigate future losses and life transitions. Franceska is an integral member of the grief support programs staff at Chilliwack Hospice Society and is continuing to further her education to better support its youngest clients.
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