Yakimovich Family Honoured with Naming of BC Cancer – Victoria’s New Integrated Care and Research Pavilion

The BC Cancer Foundation is proud to announce the naming of the new BC Cancer – Victoria Ernie & Yvonne Yakimovich Integrated Care and Research Pavilion, set to open in spring 2025. This landmark facility will enhance cancer care by creating a holistic healing environment for patients and families, while also providing a vital expansion to BC Cancer – Victoria’s campus.

Today’s announcement comes as part of the Foundation’s historic $11.3 million fundraising campaign to fully fund the purchase and renovation of the 12,000-square-foot building at 2340 Richmond Road, located just steps away from BC Cancer – Victoria’s existing facilities. Over $10 million has been raised since the campaign launched in October 2023 and the Foundation is calling on the community to help close the final $1 million gap.

The Yakimovich family, long-time supporters of the BC Cancer Foundation and well-known community leaders, contributed a transformational $2.5 million to the campaign.

“We are deeply honoured to support a space that will bring so much hope and healing,” say Ernie & Yvonne Yakimovich. “Witnessing the incredible support from our fellow community members has been truly inspiring. We invite everyone to join us in bringing this vision of compassion and care to life.”

The new Pavilion will create a dedicated space for BC Cancer’s Supportive Care programs, including Patient & Family Counselling, Hereditary Counselling and Medical Genetics. These essential services help patients manage the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment, survivorship or palliative care. Certain clinical and administration teams, including a portion of the Clinical Trials Unit, will also move into the space, freeing additional space in the existing BC Cancer treatment building.

“The Pavilion represents a transformative step forward for cancer care in our community,” says William Litchfield, Executive Director – Vancouver Island, BC Cancer Foundation. “With the generous support of the Yakimovich family and our many generous donors, BC Cancer is able to expand and enhance their critical supportive care programs to benefit patients across Vancouver Island.”

With less than $1 million left to raise, the BC Cancer Foundation invites the community to help close the campaign – every donation makes a lasting difference for families on Vancouver Island.