VON Announces Plans for a 10-Bed Residential Hospice in Whitby
Friday December 1, Whitby, ON – Whitby residents showed their overwhelming support for hospice care Thursday evening, during a fundraising event designed to help pay for community hospice services and to announce the building of a new 10-bed residential hospice.
More than 200 people attended the Handbags for Hospice event organized by the VON Durham Community Corporation.
“This event demonstrated the tremendous support of the community for hospice services including a future residential hospice,” said Chris Raynor, chair of the VON Durham Community Corporation. “This marks the beginning of an annual tradition to raise money for residential hospice services.”
Organized by 70 volunteers, Handbags for Hospice brought out a wide range of community support, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics and cadets, who helped raise money through a silent and live auction.
VON announced it will soon launch a capital campaign to raise $10 million for the new residential hospice in Whitby. The new facility is part of a larger plan to build three new hospices in the Durham region. Five other beds will be built in Clarington as well as five more in Port Perry.
“Families have come to realize their loved ones wish to end their lives at home or in a home-like setting, surrounded by their loved ones,” Raynor said. “Compassionate end-of-life care is the way to end a life well lived. We are extremely grateful to the many volunteers and donors who came out this evening to show their support.”
Three project teams are working collaboratively with the Central East LHIN to bring residential hospices to the region.
