About Us

No one should have to go through the end-of-life journey alone.

Burnaby Hospice Society is a not-for-profit organization that supports more than a thousand local families each year who are experiencing loss, impending loss, or grief.

We provide compassionate care to individuals and families during the end-of-life journey, including emotional, social and practical support to patients and families. We also offer planning resources and education about death and dying to the Burnaby community.

There are no fees for our services. For residents of Burnaby, no referrals are necessary.

We rely on fundraising to support the ongoing operations of our programs, and the development and expansion of services based on community needs.  We operate a thrift store in Burnaby which generates 65% of our annual operating revenue.

Many of our palliative and bereavement programs and services are led by our highly trained volunteers.  Each of our program volunteers have completed a minimum of 35 hours of training which is the standard across BC.  Our amazing volunteers are supported and managed by our employees to provide quality services to those in need.

We are dedicated to compassionately guiding individuals and families through the end-of-life journey and welcome your support as we serve the community.

Board of Directors

  • Eric Wong, President
  • Anna LaPorta, Vice President
  • Samuel Ajise, Treasurer
  • Aaron Morrison, Secretary
  • Gary Mackenzie
  • Nida Mian
  • Carol Park
  • Dean Rear

Management & Employees

Burnaby Hospice Society’s team of dedicated, compassionate employees and volunteers provide a variety of important services and programs to our community.

They oversee the day-to-day operations of our organization, provide grief and loss support services as well as educational programs, and operate our thrift store.

Brian Vidler
Executive Director
Mellanie Wakeland
Administration Coordinator
Julie Vanderyagt
Palliative Programs Coordinator
Pamela Carcamo
Bereavement Programs Coordinator
Brittany Borean
Bereavement Programs Coordinator
Wenda Nairn
Expressive Art Therapist
Rahul Rajanala
Fund Development Officer
Tanta Siriporn Na Rajasima
Marketing Communications Coordinator
Melinda Wong
Thrift Store Supervisor
Fadia Hilani
Thrift Store Clerk
Kaedo Tangen
Thrift Store Clerk
Kim Arlie
Thrift Store Donations
Elizabeth West
Thrift Store Supervisor
Curtis Lee
Thrift Store Manager

Join our Team

EXPLORE CAREERS

Our Supporters

Burnaby Hospice Society thanks all of our supporters for their generous gifts.

Government and Foundation Partners

Reports

If you wish to see our annual report or financial statements, please contact us at [email protected].