West Coast Kids Cancer Foundation (WCK) provides food, connection, and resources for B.C. families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders. WCK steps in where healthcare stops: we help families feel supported and heard through family-led programming. All WCK programs are delivered at no cost to families. Having established programs in 2019, WCK has supported over 350 families known to us, and hundreds more in the hospital, bringing relief at a critical time. In 2023 alone, WCK provided nearly 600 hours of children’s programming and over 22,500 items of food to families in the hospital and across the province.

Through WCK programs, kids with cancer/blood disorders experience joy, siblings know they matter, and parents know they are not alone.

CURRENT PROGRAMS 

FOOD IN THE FREEZER - Every week, WCK fills the freezer so parents and kids can nourish themselves with easy-to-heat meals on the oncology/hematology floor at BC Children's Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital. Families have described their first WCK freezer meal after diagnosis as their "lifesaver meal." We also provide hundreds of snacks each week for families to grab whenever they need a little extra fuel during long clinic days or while waiting through surgeries and treatments.  

NOURISH AT HOME - Life outside of the medical bubble can be just as challenging. Over a third of families end up dealing with housing, energy, or food insecurity. This program infuses significant support into the home of families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders by delivering boxes full of fully prepared meals and snacks right to their door across B.C.

PORT SHIRTS - During treatment, so many choices are taken away from kids and families. Port Shirts give some control and dignity back. These adapted shirts mean the child doesn’t have to remove their shirt and expose their tummy and chest for port treatment. Instead, they simply unzip the zipper  and tell their doctor when they’re ready.

HANGOUTS - Childhood cancer and blood disorders are known to cause low mood and social isolation. PTSD is common in kids with a diagnosis and their siblings. Hangouts is a safe virtual space that pairs kids, teens, and young adults affected by cancer and blood disorders (siblings too) with our trusted, big-hearted WCK Volunteers. Together, they build meaningful relationships and vital social connection, whatever else they have going on in their week. 

CITY CAMP - A day camp for kids with cancer or blood disorders and their siblings. Kids learn new skills, make new friends, enjoy adventurous programming, and get to sleep in their own bed each night. An on-site medical team and close proximity to the hospital means kids on treatment don't miss out on all the magic of camp.

THE CLUB - For female-identifying and nonbinary young adults living with or beyond cancer and blood disorders, and their siblings. Led by knowledgeable professionals and industry experts in a peer group setting, the program builds essential life skills that increase participants’ capacity and confidence.

PJ DRIVE - WCK delivers fresh new pairs of super soft PJs to families at BC Children’s Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and at home. This cozy program provides a winter pick-me-up of warmth and joy, and gives the whole family something simple and comforting to enjoy together. 

SMOOTHIE SUNDAY - Sunday afternoons WCK serves up fresh, filling, made-to-order smoothies to kids, parents, and caregivers on the oncology/hematology floor at BC Children's Hospital.