Energy company donates $35K to hospital foundation for Peace Villa

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation has received a donation from an energy company worth $35,000 towards the Peace Villa. 

Donated by Canadian Natural Resources, the money will be used to purchase two OmiVista interactive projectors for the Peace Villa, which is a long-term care home.   

Emily Olson, community giving and event coordinator for the foundation, said: “Since 2023, [Canadian Natural Resources] have really focused on enhancing care at Peace Villa. 

“It’s something that’s really near and dear to them. 

“So they’ve had quite large contributions in 2023, 2024 and now 2025, all of which were directed to the Peace Villa and specific pieces of equipment.” 

The projectors create immersive and playful environments that support learning, therapy and engagement for people of all ages and abilities.  

Olson explains: “These are a new interactive technology [and can be] customizable for individuals.

“We also ordered the memory care, dementia software and the game suite.” 

This technology uses light-based games to stimulate cognition, ease agitation and foster emotional wellbeing. 

She said: “On the website, I saw people have their wedding photos within the software. 

“It sparks memory and recognition, which is really important for patients [with] dementia and patients that may or may not have family with them. 

“It’s a way for them to still have that connection.” 

The Fort St John Hospital Foundation hopes to have an update as soon as it’s available. She said: “I know it has been purchased and ship time seems to be six weeks and then there will be implementation.

“We are going to invite Canadian Natural to come see the effect that it’s having and the software. 

“Our board members are very excited to see it in real life.” 

Olson said: “We are really grateful to all of our donors and especially being able to hear how passionate they are about donating and supporting. 

“Whether it be the Peace Villa fund or the maternal and pediatric fund or the cancer diagnostic and treatment fund, I think it’s great to be able to support what you want to support within our hospital.” 

Find out more about Fort St. John Hospital Foundation on its website.