Themed ‘Vintage Vibes’, the event brought together the best of thrifted fashion and timeless style. Thirty volunteer models walked the runway, each showcasing three carefully curated outfits — complete with accessories and footwear — all sourced from Thrifty Boutique. From modern casual to retro chic, the looks celebrated the creativity and sustainability of second-hand fashion.

“This event is such a beautiful expression of what Chilliwack can do when the community comes together with heart and purpose,” said Executive Director Sue Knott, who emceed the evening. “It’s more than just a fashion show — it’s about compassion, connection, and making a meaningful difference for people facing death, dying, and grief.”

Attendees enjoyed more than just the fashion. The evening also featured a pop-up shop, penny social, silent auction, and mystery treasures — all made possible by generous donors who support Thrifty Boutique throughout the year. Each item was repurposed and reimagined into beautiful gift baskets and one-of-a-kind packages, allowing guests to shop for a cause and take home something special.

“This event is a celebration of sustainability,” said Sandy Parker, Thrifty Boutique store manager. “Everything seen on the runway — every outfit, every accessory — started as a donated item. With creativity and care, second-hand becomes one-of-a-kind. Volunteers truly outdid themselves — not only as models on the runway, but also behind the scenes preparing appetizers, setting up, and making the evening unforgettable.”

A special highlight of the night included a vintage runway presentation from Chilliwack Players Guild, featuring authentic costumes from the 1800s to the 1980s, adding theatrical flair and a touch of history to the show.

The success of the event was made possible by the generosity and dedication of many. Devry Greenhouses provided greenery and floral décor. Scott Hrusik of RE/MAX Nyda Realty donated a cube van to transport supplies, with Joe Palmer, a longtime volunteer, taking the wheel. Vickie Legere provided photography for the evening, and Jolly Miller Pub generously donated the wine.

Discover Thrifty Boutique: Where Style Meets Purpose. Thrifty Boutique offers an upscale thrifting experience while supporting Chilliwack Hospice Society. Shop with purpose and explore a curated collection of quality clothing, accessories, home décor, books, and more. With new items added daily, there’s always something unique to discover. Proceeds from every purchase directly support local programs and services for individuals and families navigating death, dying, grief, and loss.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

This award recognizes a charitable or non-profit organization that significantly contributes to the overall health and livability of the community by enhancing well-being, serving underserved populations, and providing meaningful educational opportunities.

Executive Director Sue Knott expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a tremendous honour, and we are deeply grateful to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the importance of grief and palliative care support in our community. Our professional staff provide compassionate, individualized care to those who need it, free of charge. This recognition affirms the impact of our work and the vital role we play in helping people through some of life’s most difficult moments.”

Desmond Devnich (left) and Sue Knott pose for a photo following the awards ceremony where Chilliwack Hospice Society was awarded Non-Profit of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, February 8, 2025.

The Society was selected for its commitment to supporting individuals and families facing dying, death, grief, and loss. Since 1986, Chilliwack Hospice Society has provided a comprehensive range of free programs and services, including:

• One-to-one grief support, offering personalized care to individuals navigating grief and bereavement.
• Grief support groups, including specialized groups for pregnancy and infant loss, anticipatory grief, and traumatic loss such as suicide, homicide, drug poisoning, and workplace accident.
• Palliative care and caregiver support, ensuring dignity and comfort for individuals at end-of-life and providing emotional support for their caregivers.
• Community outreach and education, including Basic Hospice Training, Teen Grief Peer Support Training, Advance Care Planning, and self-care and wellness workshops.

Desmond Devnich, Marketing Manager, emphasized how this recognition brings greater awareness to the Society’s work, saying, “Receiving this award not only validates the work we do but also increases awareness of our programs. More people will learn about the free grief support and palliative care services we offer, leading to greater engagement with our organization. This recognition strengthens our ability to reach those who need support and encourages the community to get involved, whether through referrals, partnerships, or donations.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society extends its sincere appreciation to Elements Casino for sponsoring this award and to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, as well as its supporters, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

The Bridge: A Symbol of Connection and Healing

The new logo features the graceful arcs of a bridge—a meaningful symbol of connection, resilience, and transformation.

• The lower arc, solid and enduring, represents the foundation we provide—strong, unwavering, and built to support the weight of grief and transition. This symbolizes the breadth of resources and services we offer, from grief counselling to community education to palliative care support.
• The upper arc, composed of lighter segments, mirrors the unique, personal paths of those we serve. Grief is never linear; it takes unexpected turns and evolves over time. These arcs reflect each client’s journey and the compassionate care they receive as they move through grief and loss.
• The parallel paths of the arcs illustrate how Chilliwack Hospice Society walks alongside its clients; ensuring our support and resources align with their individual needs at every step. This relationship creates a safe, supportive space where clients can find the strength and solace they need.

“Our logo reflects who we are and what we do; creating connections and providing steady support during some of life’s most difficult moments,” says Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “The bridge isn’t just a symbol; it represents the journey we take together.”

Centred on Grief and Hospice Palliative Care Support

This rebrand emphasizes the Society’s focus on grief support while continuing its long-standing hospice palliative care support programs. With the addition of “Centre for Grief Support” to our name, we make our purpose unmistakably clear. We are here for the Chilliwack community, offering a safe space and tailored support for adults, children, and youth coping with grief and loss. Services are available in the hospice, hospital, care facilities, and in people’s homes, ensuring dignity and care at every stage of life.

A Palette and Typeface for Calm and Clarity

The new colour palette features teal as its primary colour, a calming mix of blue and green that symbolizes hope, balance, and peace. Mint green complements this foundation with its soft, refreshing tones, representing growth and healing. Together, these colours create a sense of tranquility and renewal that aligns with the Society’s mission.

The DM Sans font is approachable, modern, and easy-to-read, reflecting our dedication to accessibility for all ages. Its clean and confident lines speak to our professional, compassionate approach while remaining welcoming and warm—a perfect complement to the stories of resilience and care our organization represents.

A New Look for the Thrifty Boutique

As part of the rebrand, the Chilliwack Hospice Society’s Thrifty Boutique is also unveiling a complementary new look. This refreshed design aligns with the Society’s updated branding and reflects the elevated thrifting experience that shoppers have come to expect. The boutique continues to play a vital role in supporting the Society’s programs and services through community generosity.

A Local Collaboration

The new look was brought to life in collaboration with local graphic artist Camilla Coates of Ergo Design Group. Her thoughtful and creative approach helped ensure the updated branding truly reflects the mission and values of Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Growing Together

This revitalized look is part of our broader strategy to reach more people, raise awareness about our services, and ensure inclusivity for all who seek our help. Our brand reflects not only who we are today but also where we are headed—toward a future where no one in our community faces grief or the end of life alone.

“This rebrand isn’t just about a new look; it’s about ensuring that everyone in Chilliwack knows they are not alone,” says Sue Knott. “Whether you’re grieving a death or navigating end-of-life care, we’re here to help.”

Sharing the Message

The bridge in our logo is not only symbolic but also a call to action. We invite you to cross that bridge, whether by accessing our services, sharing our message, or supporting our work. Together, we can foster a community where compassion, understanding, and healing flow freely, helping everyone navigate the challenges of grief and end-of-life with dignity and care.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is here for you, every step of the way. Let’s walk this path together.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.