Hospice Palliative Care Week 2021 (poster 2)

Backgrounder-NHPCW

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK APRIL 18 – 24, 2021

On behalf of the Penticton & District Hospice Society, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the work of our volunteers – what they do and what they mean to us.

Many of our volunteers have been with our society for decades. The purpose of the meaningful work that they do is to help improve the quality of life for those on the palliative program and their loved ones during the most difficult time of their lives. The wide range of duties performed include pet therapy, visitation, helping with meal service, quilt making, massage, gardening, sewing unique gowns for our residents, attaching plaques in our memorial garden and holding vigil – being with someone who does not have family so that they do not die alone. The commonality amongst all of our volunteers is empathy and compassion. Whether their work is hands on and sharing in the intimate journey of our residents or those on the palliative program in our community, or assisting the amazing staff at Hospice House, they care; and for that, we are eternally grateful. Thank you, Hospice Volunteers; we see you, we appreciate you, and we honour you! We are looking forward to the resumption of your very valuable work.

Ruth Sawyer, Chair

Spring Newsletter 2021 (1)

Everyone is welcome at our 2020 AGM, normally held annually in November. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held March 25th at 4 p.m. via Zoom.
Please remember to renew your annual membership ($15) online at Canadahelps.org or mail a cheque to P & D Hospice Society, PO Box 1105, Penticton, BC, V2A 6J9.

Your input and support helps us to realize our vision, which is to continue to provide exceptional and compassionate care to people in our community who are nearing life’s end.<a href="

Spring Summer 2020 Newsletter FINAL

In the present state of the world volunteers from every organization are truly being missed. I know at Moog and Friends Hospice and in our community there is a profound gap. I hope all of you know that you are not forgotten and very much appreciated.

Your caring hearts and smiling faces complete our team. You not only support the families and residents at Hospice, your support is important to the staff and nursing team. It is all the little things that aren’t regularly vocalized. Can you imagine a nurse who is tired and close to the end of a 12 hour shift. She has three or four residents she must attend to as soon as possible and then two others who just need a drink or someone to talk to? Then she sees a smiling, familiar face who calls her by her name and asks if she needs help? I know at those times the words aren’t said so you don’t recognize the value and relief you bring to that moment, but please know when you hear that sigh of relief or see that faint smile it was because of you.

We also have a volunteer board of directors working behind the scenes to manage our Society. They carry a heavy load and are responsible for all donated monies and making sure that they go exactly where they are supposed to. They manage investments to insure the ongoing success of the Society as well and making sure all patient comforts are met. Patient comforts include all of the large projects you have seen them complete to update Hospice House but there are also many smaller things that aren’t thought of. Daily newspapers, internet, cable and phone lines in all the rooms. Hide- a- beds for family members in each room, TV’s, all of our artwork, flowers in our planters at the front of hospice and upgrades to our gardens out back. These are just a few of the smaller supports that aren’t noticed but would be a huge loss without their support. The board is also responsible for managing staff and maintaining contact with Interior Health on many decisions. This is no small task for a group of volunteers.

I personally thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to our team. We wouldn’t be who we are without you. I am so fortunate to work with such an amazing group of people.

~ Linda Brooks, Volunteer Coordinator

Hospice House has a beautiful new kitchen, thanks to the the members of the Sovereign Orders of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller. Three members of the Okanagan chapter presented a cheque for $80,000 at Hospice recently. Thank you, friends!

For Nevaeh’s 7th birthday, she decided to make a donation, rather than ask for gifts. 12 kids and their families were asked to bring a donation amount of their own choice to her bowling party. Nevaeh is so excited to give a grand total donation of $250 to Moog & Friends Hospice House. She would like to thank all her friends (and their families) who contributed to both the donation and the fun of the party, and she plans on continuing her annual ‘donation birthday parties.’

(L-R: Kelsey Carter [admin.assistant at HH and aunt], Nevaeh Carter, Melissa Carter [mother])

Lola has now raised over $1000 for Hospice in memory of her grandfather, Bruce Schoenne! This amazing young lady donates proceeds from her company “Beads for Needs” and has now made four generous donations. Your hard work and dedication is so appreciated Lola – thank you from everyone involved with Hospice!!

Thank you to Shoppers Simply Pharmacy for donating funds to us that they collected from their generous and caring customers!