HEALTH & WELLNESS
WELLNESS ARTIST
' WALAYU HOUSE Q KEALY DONALDSON All photos © Qwalayu House From top: Main living space; kids' play area; kids' bedroom
“A home away from home is what we're aiming for”
with Jeneece’s Place and Ronald McDonald House
shares Veronica Carroll, CEO of Children’s Health
also helped shape the look and feel of Qwalayu. “It is
Network Vancouver Island (CHNVI). “We knew from
completely developed for the user,” notes Carroll. “We
a decade of engagement that there was a serious need
connected with so many organizations, such as FNHA,
for a facility and we were committed to wellness on the
KDC, Island Health, to ensure that our Architect and
North Island.” As Jeneece’s Place in Victoria nears its
Interior Designers understood the full capacity of the
10th Anniversary, serving over 2,500 families, the de-
project and would meet the needs of our clients.”
mand and need in the North Island for another facility became obvious. Qwalayu House opened its doors in
Engagement sessions also showed that the North
the summer of 2021.
Island would see more adults for the Qwalayu House client base. One desperately needed and noted re-
CHNVI hosted months of stakeholder engagement ses-
source was support for mothers-to-be. It has a unique
sions in First Nation communities and municipalities
design that includes three full kitchens so adult cli-
alike. Information collected from families’ experiences
ents can take care of their own needs and health. The
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