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Hospice Prince Edward honours its community of volunteers

The people who care during the saddest, hardest, most heart-wrenching days of your life were honoured Wednesday night for being part of the community of Hospice Prince Edward.

For the past 25 years, Hospice volunteers have provided support, respite care and companionship to palliative patients and their families free of charge in the County. In 2013 Hospice opened its end-of-life care residential facility, on Downes Avenue, in Picton where volunteers have since cared for 126 residents and their families.

Hospice Executive Director Laura Ricketts joined the organization earlier this year and is also the residential manager.

“I am deeply honoured to be able to be a part of this community,” said Ricketts. “I had no idea how deep an impact it would have on me on a personal level and I am honoured to be part of every palliative journey. I can’t think of anything more intimate, or more precious.”

Peter Rae, of The Reasons, sang He Ain’t Heavy, He's My Brother, made popular by The Hollies, in tribute to his younger brother who was cared for at Hospice Prince Edward earlier this year.

Peter Rea, of The Reasons, sang He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, made popular by The Hollies, in tribute to his younger brother who was cared for at Hospice Prince Edward earlier this year.

Peter Rea, known as the lead with the popular County band The Reasons, sang the song ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ made popular by the Hollies, then shared his family’s experience at Hospice during his brother Michael’s final days earlier this year.

“He wasn’t ready to die and was scared, but the people at Hospice Prince Edward took care of all of his needs, and ours, and all we had to do was love him,” said Rea. “We are all truly thankful for the love, care and dignity he received and for the kindness shown by all.”

“None of this would be possible without our loyal team of dedicated staff and volunteers,” said Peter Matthewman, chairman of the board of directors. “You are an amazing group of selfless and dedicated people.”

“Our team of volunteers has continued to provide the services needed by our palliative outreach, residential care and grief-support programs, as well as ensuring the gardening, snow removal, cleaning, general administrative and fundraising duties were completed.”

Birgit and Mary

Birgit Langwisch and Mary Camp received Spirit of Hospice Awards during the community meeting Wednesday.

Spirit of Hospice Volunteer Awards, presented to those who exemplify the hospice vision of supporting the journey of living with dying, were presented to long-time supporters Birgit Langwisch and Mary Camp.

Langwisch and Camp were the board’s remaining pillars when community members and volunteers challenged the organization’s governance in 2015 at a community meeting concerning leadership and relationships with outside agencies.

Langwisch has served as chairman, president and interim president, and with Camp, as treasurer, the two were invaluable as the board was re-built.

The new board, introduced Wednesday, includes Matthewman as chair; Wendy Davis as secretary, Richard Pease as treasurer and members Dr. Billi Prinzen, Sylvia Kovacs, Sheila Thomas, Annette Gaskin, Dr. Joyce Helmer, David Smith and Wendy Switzer.

Jay Rutherford and Art Miersma were honoured by Judy Fraser

Jay Rutherford and Art Miersma were honoured by Judy Fraser

Jay Rutherford, Art Meirsma and Ed Rand were recognized as Community Supporters.

“We thank them for the many contributions and jobs that are sometimes overlooked because we don’t see them every day, said Judy Fraser, who oversees Fund Development and Administration. “Things like moving and setting up assistive devices such as recliners and lift chairs in clients’ homes, like cleaning windows at our residential hospice and for cutting the grass, weeding, and gardening.”

hospice-honour-volunteers-2016
Fraser also honoured volunteers Hilary Latimer, Joy Vervoort, Anne Banani, Tristan Treasure, Marianne Malachowski, Helma Oonk, Pat Dye, Jean Algar, Ann Brown, Moira Creighton, Carol McIntosh, Annette Gaskin, Rebecca MacKeller, Mary Rae Main, Joscelyn Matthewman, Cindy Murray, Pam Noxon and Silvia Cambray for various contributions at Hospice, and outside, at third-party events and in people’s homes.

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  1. Susan says:

    Thank you folks, appreciated

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