The Langley Hospice Society has some work to do, now that the province has promised to build a new 15-bed stand-alone hospice residence.
The New Residence Fundraising Committee has set a goal of $1 million to help furnish and outfit the new facility in order to create a homelike environment for all who enter.
“We will be looking for community support to help us raise the additional dollars necessary to truly make our new house a home,” said Shannon Todd Booth, Society Communications and Funds Development Manager.
Last month, Langley MLA Mary Polak announced the B.C. government will provide a $5 million grant towards the capital costs of the hospice, including $3 million through the Investment in Housing Innovation initiative and $2 million from Fraser Health.
Construction will begin this summer at the new location, 219A Street and 52 Avenue, and once open in 2019, the new hospice will replace the current 10-bed facility on the Langley Memorial Hospital grounds.
The society will host its second annual Planning for the Future Workshop happening on April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Langley Seniors Resource Society in partnership with the theme of “Think, Learn, Choose, Talk and Record.” before a health crisis.
The Society announcement said less than half of all Canadians have had conversations with their family and friends and even less have spoken with their doctor about what to do in case of an unexpected health crisis.
Information about the Advance Care Planning process can be seen online at www.advancecareplanning.ca.
April 16 is Advance Care Planning Day, across Canada.
