A new, prominent piece of Nuu-chah-nulth art at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni honours the community’s incredible support and generosity.
The Lone Wolf is featured proudly on the exterior wall of the building, near the recently expanded emergency department and in full view of people arriving at the hospital or travelling along the highway. Beside the art is a new plaque recognizing generous $500,000 donations from the Coulson and Campbell families respectively that made the emergency department expansion a reality.
Master Carver Gordon Dick created the piece in his Port Alberni studio. “I chose to create the symbol of the lone wolf because of the animal’s connection to endurance and the personal journey of healing,” he said. “I hope that when people see this piece, it will offer them comfort and strength on their healing path.”
Quotes:
Josie Osborne, Minister of Health
“This beautiful installation helps create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone in the community can feel a sense of comfort and belonging when they arrive for care. Through the Lone Wolf’s symbolism of healing and endurance, it offers quiet strength to those on their own healing journeys, and we are grateful to the Coulson and Campbell families, and to Gordon Dick, for helping create an environment that supports healing in every sense.”
Wayne Coulson, Coulson family
“West Coast General Hospital has long been a beacon of care and support for people in the community. Our family was in the fortunate position to offer some financial assistance to the hospital, and it was our pleasure to do so.”
John Campbell, Campbell family
“At some point, all of us will require help from the medical system. It is my hope that my family’s donation will help those in the community who need the life saving care the hospital provides. I offer my thanks and gratitude to everyone who works for the hospital, for providing care to the people of the Alberni Valley.”
Kelli Walsh, Site Director, West Coast General Hospital
"These financial donations are helping us deliver quality care to people in need - I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Coulson and Campbell families for their generous support to our community. Gordon Dick's beautiful artwork will stand as a symbol of strength and hope to the people of the Alberni Valley for many years to come."