At a recent press conference, local MPP Rick Nicholls formally congratulated the Chatham-Kent Hospice on receiving a $150,000 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Joining MPP Nicholls was Jim Stein, OTF volunteer, Jennifer Wilson, Chair of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Board of Directors and Michelle O’Rourke, Director of Hospice Services.
“I want to congratulate the entire Chatham-Kent Hospice team as well as the Chatham-Kent community for their hard work and commitment to the fulfillment of a huge need in our community. What started several years ago as a dream is becoming a reality, and that’s great news for Chatham-Kent,” said Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex.
The funding will be used to purchase furniture and equipment for the Support Programs and the Family Great Room, as well as purchase communication equipment for the 10 private resident suites.
“People who are dying and those who love them often feel alone in their grief. This funding will allow us to purchase furniture and equipment to help connect family and friends at the hospice, across the country and around the world. It is so important to know that distance does not diminish the bonds of love and the importance of connection with our loved ones,” said Michelle O’Rourke.
The construction of the Chatham-Kent Hospice will be complete by the end of March and the public are invited to tour the facility before we begin operating.
“Our community’s new hospice is something we can all be proud of – it is the result of hours of hard work, careful thought and warm caring from the staff and volunteers. The incredible support of the community has enabled us to build a unique home-like environment in a hospital-like setting. I’m looking forward to welcoming you. Come for a tour and see what will be available for our friends and family in their time of need,” said Jennifer Wilson.
There will be an Open House open to the public on:
– Saturday, April 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
– Sunday, April 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Parking is available at the former No Frills and Cinema Six parking lots as well as the Downtown Chatham Centre. Anyone interested in touring our new residential hospice is asked to meet in the Kathryn Clements Hall at St. Andrew’s Residence at 99 Park Street, Chatham to begin the tour.
– Submitted photo: From left to right: Jim Stein, OTF Volunteer, Jennifer Wilson – Chair, Chatham-Kent Hospice Board of Directors, Michelle O’Rourke – Director of Hospice Services, Rick Nicholls – MPP Chatham-Kent, Essex.
