It has been an active year for the Mission Hospice Society. The group held its 30th annual general meeting on Thursday night and outgoing president David Goodier told attendees the “future looks very bright going forward.”
Goodier said the society has “good control” over the budget, fundraising events have been successful and the group has expanded its support services and has seen an increase in the number of people attending their programs.
“I think the biggest success was the fact that we have settled into the house (the Rock Family Hospice House), we have very good staff who are excellent at doing their jobs and our programs are growing.”
As part of the AGM, it was announced that the Rock family is intending to gift the house to the Hospice Society.
“They are just working on the details, but that is their intention. Nothing is said and done yet,” explained Angel Elias, executive director of Mission Hospice.
If the gift of the house is completed, it will eliminate the need to pay rent, providing more funds for programs
“It means everything. It means we can hire another program developer, we can offer more programs and services to the community, we can expand our services to the community. It’s endless,” said Elias.
Hospice has been using the house, owned by Cliff and Marjorie Rock since June of 2013.
With 2015 marking 30 years serving the community Elias says there are big celebration plans in the works.
“We have our annual gala coming up April 25, we have our Ride For Hospice August 16, we have our Hike for Hospice September 20 and we have a couple of other special events that are to be announced.”
AGM business:
According to the treasurer’s report, the Mission Hospice Society is in a strong financial position. Net Revenues in 2014 increased 8.5 per cent ($22,297) over the previous year
Elections were held for board of director positions.
Winning by acclamation were:
- Chris Stenerson (three year term)
- Dave Goodier (three year term)
- Sandra Pughe (one year term)
- Bill Else (three year term)
These directors join Sean Melia, Karen Petty, Kim Kokoszka, Mike Scudder and Annmarie Charker on the board.
