Minister of Finance Michael de jong takes time out for photo with Christine Wiebe prior to dinner at the Moments of Hope Hospice Gala Saturday night.

Minister of Finance Michael de jong takes time out for photo with Christine Wiebe prior to dinner at the Moments of Hope Hospice Gala Saturday night.

$2.5 million announced for Abbotsford Hospice during Moments of Hope Gala

Annual event took place at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre on Saturday night.

  • Mar. 7, 2015 3:00 p.m.

Abbotsford West MLA and Finance Minister Mike de Jong has announced that the province will provide $2.5 million to the Abbotsford Hospice Society (ASH) to help it complete its facility on the Campus of Care.

The announcement was made Saturday night during the AHS Moments of Hope Gala at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre.

AHS has raised $10 million toward completion of the Holmberg House hospice facility, which is under construction on the Dave Lede Campus of Care next to Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

The $2.5 million is in addition to the $3.5 million provided by the provincial government in 2011.

“The provincial contribution combined with generous local support will help the Abbotsford Hospice Society complete this much-needed project,” de Jong said.

The hospice will provide end-of-life care to those 19 years and older, as well as support services and programs from family members.

It is included on the Campus of Care with Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and Matthew’s House, which provides respite care for children with complex medical challenges.

Construction on the hospice began in 2013, and it is expected to open this year.

More than 260 people attended the Moments of Hope Gala, which featured live entertainment from the Ten Souljers, a sit-down dinner, a live auction and more. A fundraising total is not yet available.

In December, AHS said it needed another $4 million to complete construction of Holmberg House.

 

Abbotsford News