Notes from the Past
Healing through Covid-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we connected with our community, Fraser House adapted to continue providing support while keeping everyone safe. This video captures a unique moment in our history and highlights the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our staff as they found new ways to serve individuals and families during an unprecedented time.
Remembering K.C. McPherson
May 25, 1957 – August 19, 2023
K.C. McPherson was a valued member of the Mission community and a longtime supporter of Fraser House Society. Born at Mission Memorial Hospital, K.C. remained deeply connected to the community throughout his life.
K.C. served on the Fraser House Society Board of Directors for more than 25 years, beginning in 1988. His time, generosity, and dedication made a lasting difference and contributed greatly to the services and support Fraser House continues to provide.
K.C. and his wife, Mindy, touched many lives through their support of Fraser House. At his celebration of life, Fraser House counsellor Deborah Bonfield shared how their generosity helped save lives and touch many hearts. Fraser House Board President Steve Sharpe delivered K.C.’s eulogy, and the Clarke Theatre was filled with family, friends, and community members who came together to honour him.
K.C. was also involved with the Mission Foundation and the McPherson Family Foundation. Following his passing, donations made to Fraser House Society in his memory reached $10,000 as of January 2024.
K.C. was well known, deeply loved, and will be greatly missed. His legacy of generosity and community support continues.
Third Annual Purple for Parm Event
On August 24th, the Sanghera family hosted the Third Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event in honour of their son Parm who died in 2021 from drug poisoning at the young age of 26.
“Purple for Parm” was held at the peaceful setting of Mill Pond Park in Mission, Parm’s favourite place to visit. The event opened with a beautiful Indigenous drumming and song by Augusta Gladstone, followed by guest speakers on addiction, mental health and personal stories of loss.
"Many have lost loved ones through the overdose and opioid drug crisis," says Dupinder Kaur Saran who spoke at the beautiful event. "How many more will we lose? Together we can make a difference, end the overdose crisis and be non-judgmental creating awareness that anyone can be affected by this.”
Cynthia Coyle, Executive Director for Fraser House Society: “Fraser House was honoured to be invited to join in with Parm’s relatives and friends in raising awareness, remembering Parm, and all whose lives have been taken from toxic drugs. Coming together helps us all and the shared message of ‘let’s open up and talk’ is powerful and important when it comes to mental health and substance use.”
The evening included food and fundraising with the funds going to Fraser House Society to support ongoing programs in Substance Use Counselling, Prevention and Outreach. A cheque for $5,695.00 was presented to Fraser House from Sherry Sanghera.
5th annual event on August 22, 2026 at Mill Pond / Mission
Jim Sward Memorial Golf Tournament
For many years, Fraser House Society hosted the annual Jim Sward Memorial Golf Tournament. The event brought together community members, local businesses, and supporters for a day of golf while raising funds to support Fraser House programs and services.
Although the tournament is no longer held, we remain grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, or donated over the years. Your generosity and community spirit helped make this event meaningful and supported the work of Fraser House Society.
Farewells and New Beginnings
Celebrating Phil’s Retirement
After many years with Fraser House Society, Phil retired from his role as our Substance Prevention and Health Promotion Facilitator.
Phil made a lasting impact through his dedication to supporting youth, families, schools, and the wider community. We are grateful for the knowledge, care, and commitment he brought to his work and wish him all the best in his retirement.
A Fond Farewell to Norm
Norm recently left his role as Fraser House Society’s Outreach Worker. During his time with Fraser House, he built meaningful connections and provided compassionate support to individuals and families in our community.
We are grateful for the care, dedication, and kindness Norm brought to his work and wish him all the best in his next chapter.
Men in the trades forging health in the unregulated drug supply crisis through raw & real talk.
With a financial contribution from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program (SUAP), Fraser House Society launched Off The Clock Toolbox Talk, a podcast project creating conversation with men who work in the trades and construction industry across the Fraser Region and ultimately across British Columbia.
Men in the trades between the ages of 19 and 59 have been severely impacted by deaths from the unregulated drug supply. According to the BC Coroner’s Report in 2022, 70% of fatalities were people aged 30-59 and 79% of these people were male. Our province continues to lose an average of six people per day.
Off The Clock Toolbox Talk is utilizing living experience expertise to create 40 episodes between 2023 and 2025 related to health and substance use.
The project's 4 overall objectives include:
1. To increase access to tools and information about pain, trauma, substance use and resources for men working in the trades.
2. To enhance awareness about resiliency and wellness from men, their families and natural supports who have lived/living experiences.
3. To decrease stigma related to using substances including opioids for men working in the trades.
4. To meaningfully and safely involve people who work in the trades in the development and implementation of this project.
Episodes are available to stream or download on major podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Visit www.tradespodcast.com for links and to learn more.
