Hospice Caledon holds annual general meeting

Hospice Caledon held its annual general meeting Tuesday Sept 18 at the Caledon Community Complex.

Board chair Angela Marino indicated in her address that Hospice Caledon has had a remarkable year of growth and change. Moving into the Caledon Community Services location in 2005 has created a strong partnership with this sister agency and increased community collaboration has resulted in a stronger profile in Caledon. Hospice would very much like to extend appreciation and thanks to all those wonderful individuals, sponsors and volunteers who have given so generously of their time over this past year to many community events.

Executive director Hugh Marchand brought the attendees up-to-date on the boundaries for the Central West LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network). He discussed the challenges presented by the community's demand for changing services, notably bereavement support, and made an eloquent case for the importance of Hospice Caledon's community programs.

Board member Gerry Merkley gave a wonderful presentation on Bethell House, describing Hospice Caledon's plans to offer end-of-life care and comfort in a home-like setting to individuals and their families facing this difficult time with strength and dignity. The 10-bed residence will provide 24- hour palliative care by registered nurses working in tandem with personal support workers and trained volunteers.

Bethell House is embarking on their capital campaign with the goal of raising $8 million to build and operate in perpetuity. The good news is that Hospice is halfway there! The plan is to begin site preparation in the fall of 2007, begin building in 2008 with a target to open by spring of 2009. Approval from the Niagara Escarpment Commission and the Town of Caledon has already been attained. Hospice would like to thank the Town of Caledon together with the Caledon residents for their continued support. A project of this magnitude wouldn't be achievable without the full support of the community.

The evening concluded with a wonderful presentation by local artist Lynn Westfall. Using some of her paintings as examples, she spoke about the loss of both her mother and father and how the creation of her inspirational artwork was an important part of her grief journey.