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Little boy honoured by Hope McDonald's

A room was dedicated to the memory of Jorin Clay Dann-Mills who died tragically in October of last year
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Rosie Mills enjoys a moment at the Ronald McDonald House

Tragedy struck the District of Hope last year when Jorin Clay Dann-Mills, aged 8, was hit by a commercial truck on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015. A memorial of toys, gifts and flowers was erected near the site of the accident on sixth Avenue, accompanied by an outpouring of support from the community.

A candle lit vigil was held on the night of his passing.

Ongoing prayers by friends, family and the community continue for the loss of Jorin Clay, as donations to Vancouver's Children's Hospital are made on his behalf.

Parts of the memorial are still visible, but the memory of the beloved boy has not faded with the passing of the months and the advent of a new year. With the winter months coming to an end, and spring on the horizon, a new chapter has begun for the family of Jorin Clay.

The Hope Standard received an invitation to attend a special occasion to commemorate the boy on Monday, Mar. 7. The Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver, dedicated a room in their house to honour Jorin Clay.

Room number 312 (The Great Bear Rain Forest Room) was dedicated to Jorin Clay, with an inscription that reads “Great Bear Rain Forest, adopted by McDonald's restaurants of Hope, remembering Jorin Clay Dann-Mills.”

A tour and presentation of the House was made to family, friends, and members of the community of Hope to remember the boy, and to show the dedication to his family for the first time. In attendance for the tour was Jorin's dad, Dann Mills and Natalie Lewis, as well as Jorin's little sister Rosie.

The Ronald McDonald House provides housing for seriously ill children and their families, when they have no choice but to travel to Vancouver for treatment. The House was warm and inviting, as the group was shown around the 73 bedroom House, which is located on the grounds of BC Children's Hospital. This was followed by a delicious dinner served in their impressive group kitchen.

Little sister Rosie got to partake in some of the fun, with the vast amenities for children on site.

The House in Vancouver recently opened in 2014, and has served over 2,500 families with their spacious suites. The immediate family was moved by the gesture, as they shared the touching moment with guests.

"The Dann and Mills family express their sincere gratitude to Stephen Au-Yeung of Hope McDonalds for the donation to the Ronald McDonald House in memory of Jorin Clay Dann-Mills. The family would also like to thank Dr. Derman, Fraser Canyon Hospital staff, Ambulance Paramedics, Constable Lewis, Martin Brothers Funeral Home and many others for the care and support provided during this difficult time."