Our history

Helping kids be kids for nearly a century

Our story begins in the 1920s with a parent fighting to bring care for her child closer to home—a cause that’s just as relevant across our islands today.

Since our beginnings in Mill Bay, we’ve dedicated ourselves to transforming access to services for kids and youth with health challenges, supporting every Island family in finding care for their children—yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Read more about our story

  • 1927

    1

    The Solarium welcomes its first patient on March 1.

  • A splint and brace shop open at the Solarium.

    2

    1940

  • 1958

    3

    To meet patient needs, the Solarium relocates to its current location in Victoria.

  • The G. R. Pearkes Centre for Children opens, treating patients with cerebral palsy.

    4

    1968

  • 1973

    5

    The Queen Alexandra Solarium is renamed the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children.

  • The Anscomb House opens, treating patients with muscular dystrophy.

    6

    1982

  • 1984

    7

    The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children is established, now known as the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

  • The Rehabilitation Engineering Centre, later renamed the Fisher Building, opens, housing wheelchair, orthotic and prosthetic services.

    8

    1986

  • 1987

    9

    Vancouver Island’s only child and youth mental health facility, Ledger House, opens.

  • Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children funds the development of Child, Youth & Family Centres in Colwood and Sooke.

    10

    2004

  • 2012

    11

    Jeneece Place opens for families travelling to Victoria for their child’s health care. Our first Home Away From Home.

  • Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children renamed Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.

    12

    2012

  • 2017

    13

    Capital campaign launches to develop a youth mental health hub offering access to services and support under one roof.

  • Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island announces record-breaking $4.7 million investment in Island kids and their families.

    14

    2018

  • 2019

    15

  • On July 12, Q̓ʷalayu House opens, a Home Away From Home for North Island families travelling to Campbell River for maternal and pediatric care.

    16

    2021

  • 2025

    17

    On October 8, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island launches the campaign to build Jesse’s House, our new Home Away From Home in Nanaimo

© 2025 Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island   |   Privacy Policy   |   Charitable Registration No. 89863 8291 RR0001   |   Website maintained by Caorda