Fifteen-year-old Viggo Clark enjoyed a movie out with his family this weekend, but it was far from a typical trip to the cinema.
On Sunday, Clark was among 1,500 people attending a movie screening at BC Place, organized by Kids Up Front Vancouver.
Viggo was born with a rare heart disease called anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) and has had to undergo surgery.
“That caused me to be on blood thinners for my entire life, which is not being able to allow me to play many sports,” he said.
“If I get hit in the head too hard, I could have intense brain bleeding and I could possibly die.”
Kids Up Front is a charity that aims to distribute tickets to arts, sports, and other cultural events to those who face systemic barriers.
Viggo, his sister, and his parents were invited to enjoy a day of fun events at B.C.’s biggest stadium.
Kelsey McKissick with the nonprofit says the event is made possible by all the partners and donors who came together to show families a good time.
McKissick says the event was open to the public, and tickets were buy-one, get-one.
“Every ticket that was purchased, we got to send a family that wouldn’t otherwise be able to access an event like this,” she said.
“It’s a huge, significant impact that we have on each family here and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
She says the event is very meaningful for attendees, who get a chance to forget their worries and have fun being kids.
“We can all come together as one and kind of forget about our worries and just feel like a kid again and be able to have fun,” she said.
“And I think that’s what today is all about.”
The event featured dozens of activities, some of Vancouver’s favourite mascots, and the School of Rock. For many who took part, it was a movie night they won’t soon forget.
