Two major donations kicked off Nanaimo Community Hospice’s fundraising campaign toward a new, expanded home.
The two bequests, totalling $150,000 are a significant step toward the $900,000 campaign target.
“Hospice is extremely grateful for these generous gifts from Delores Mason (nee Logan) and Clifford Shoop. They bring us closer to our dream of moving to a larger space so that we can better serve the community,” said Wendy Pratt, Nanaimo Community Hospice executive director, in a press release. “They are also a testament to the caring, compassionate support our staff and volunteers provide to people as they deal with end of life issues.”
Hospice received a bequest for $100,000 from Mason, who was a client of hospice and was supported by friends and hospice volunteers.
There was also a bequest for $50,000 from Shoop, who was a founding volunteer and lifetime member of hospice.
Demand for hospice’s services has more than tripled in recent years and the present location is bursting at the seams. It is noisy, overcrowded and inaccessible for many clients.
The proposed site of the new Hospice House on Waddington Road is close to the hospital and would double the space and offer room to grow.
Donating to Expand the Heart of Hospice would enable the group to enhance existing services such as their child and youth program, and add new ones such as a palliative day program that would provide support to palliative patients who are being cared for at home, and their family caregivers.
Donations can be made by mail, by calling 250-758-8857, online at www.nanaimohospice.com or in person at Hospice House.
