In December 2006, Kerry Kirstiuk – a young mother and wife, lost her battle with cancer.  During her illness, Kerry and her husband Bob, and their two children aged 2 and 4, received support and assistance from Dr. Heather Mohan, Bereavement Coordinator and Music Therapist with Lions Gate Hospital’s Palliative Care program.

When Kerry passed away, her family asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation for the music and arts therapy program. Several months after Kerry’s passing, Dr. Mohan approached Bob Kirstiuk with an idea for the almost $15,000 raised in Kerry’s memory – the development of a weekend retreat for parents and children grieving the death of a loved one.

Dr. Mohan hoped that such a retreat would allow young families faced with the challenge of grieving to step outside of their busy daily routines and focus on their healing in a safe, supportive and beautiful environment. Bob enthusiastically supported this concept, and the first Camp Kerry was launched in September 2007 on Keats Island.

Our Vision: The vision is to provide grieving families with a memorable experience of connection, healing and hope. This is the first camp of its kind in the Lower Mainland; offering support and specialized programming both for bereaved parents and bereaved children.