Helping kids be kids for 97 years

Our story begins over 95 years ago 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.

  • 1927

    The Solarium welcomes its first patient.

  • 1940

    A splint and brace shop open at the Solarium.

  • 1958

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

  • 1968

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

  • 1973

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

  • 1982

    The Anscomb House opens, treating patients with muscular dystrophy.

  • 1984

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

  • 1986

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

  • 1987

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

  • 2004

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

  • 2012

    Jeneece Place opens, a home away from home for families traveling to Victoria for their child’s medical care.

  • 2012

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

  • 2017

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

  • 2018

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

  • 2019

    On September 26, Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island launches the home away from home expansion campaign for Qwalayu House in Campbell River.

  • 2021

    On July 12, Q̓ʷalayu House opens, a home away from home for north Island families travelling to Campbell River for maternal and pediatric care.