The Heart of Hastings Hospice is taking steps to address a crucial need in our community. Those steps lead to a no-charge-for-use Hospice House. And that House will be right around the corner, in one of the six communities of Stirling Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, Centre Hastings, Madoc Township, Tudor and Cashel and Tweed.

With the recent arrival of a $75,000 cheque from the John M. and Bernice Parrott Foundation, $180,000 has now been secured. They are on their way to raising the $350,000 needed to complete the project, which includes renovations for wheel chair accessibility, furniture and equipment.

"This is an exciting project and with community support it will become a reality in 2011," stated the board members.

A Hospice House is a home away from home allowing those near the end of their lives to remain closer to their families and friends, while receiving professional pain management and palliative care support.

"How we care for those facing the end of life with a terminal illness and for their loved ones is a true measure of our humanity. When that time comes, for us or a loved one, it is comforting to know the unique quality of compassionate around- the-clock support at a Hospice House can be accessed in our community", said long-time palliative care volunteer coordinator Doris Bush.

Beyond its function as a haven for patients who cannot remain at home nor be cared for in a hospital due to bed shortages, Hospice House will be a setting for families to deal with end-of-life issues for their loved one – a quiet and dignified surrounding where family devotion can be affirmed, where peace and acceptance can be found and where final goodbyes can be spoken. Ongoing bereavement support is also provided.

Over 1,200 letters are now in the mail to businesses, service clubs, churches and previous donors. Tax receipts are issued for donations to this not-for-profit campaign. Fundraising events are being looked at and the board members are certainly open to other groups holding fundraising events in any of the six communities.

The dedicated Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee meet once a month and have been viewing houses within the six communities they serve, seeking the ideal house. That choice has not yet been made.

Over the past 20 years the demand for palliative care has been increasing dramatically. Last year alone, the HHH assisted 48 individuals in the final weeks of life. The 26 trained volunteers provided over 7,500 hours of palliative and bereavement support to dying persons and families.

"A final wish to die with dignity, free from pain and surrounded by family and with some control over our final days is not an unrealistic desire. A Hospice House is a gift to the community. Together I know we can make this compassionate gift possible", voiced Board Chair Janet Webb.

For more information or to make a donation, the number to call is 613-473-5125. Hospice members are most willing to speak to any individual or group to discuss the House or any fundraising ideas.

To keep up to date with their efforts, the Heart of Hasting Hospice has created a Face book page and their website www.heartofhastingshospice.ca is a great source of information.