Community Comes Together for a Cause at the 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

MADOC, ON – June 21, 2025 – Sunshine, sport, and community spirit were in full swing this past Saturday at the 17th Annual Heart of Hastings Hospice Charity Golf Tournament, held at the beautiful West Highland Golf Club.

With 11 teams and 46 enthusiastic participants, the event brought together supporters from across the region for a fun-filled day in support of compassionate end-of-life care.

“We were thrilled to have perfect weather and such great energy on the course,” said Pauline Pietschmann, Fundraising and Awareness Coordinator for The Heart of Hastings Hospice. “Every team, every sponsor, and every dollar raised helps us continue to offer our services free of charge to those who need us most.”

The tournament was made possible thanks to the generous backing of local and corporate sponsors. A special thank you goes out to:

• Platinum Sponsor: Procter & Gamble

• Gold Sponsor: Bay Subaru

• With continued support from DC Farms and McKillop & Associates

  
  

The day’s festivities included a fan-favourite: professional golf entertainer Todd Keirstead, who returned to dazzle players with his impressive trick shots and help raise additional funds at Hole One.

While final numbers are still being confirmed, early estimates suggest the tournament raised close to $30,000—a fantastic achievement for a single-day event. A major portion of this success came from the “Fund A Need” campaign, which brought in nearly $21,000 to replace the hospice’s aging furnace. Thanks to the overwhelming response, not only will the furnace be replaced, but the home's generator will also be upgraded to support the expanded facility.

The Heart of Hastings Hospice provides compassionate, community-based, in-home palliative care, along with 24-hour residential care at their recently expanded three-bed hospice. All services—including grief and bereavement support—are offered completely free of charge, focusing on the physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being of individuals and their families across Central Hastings.

“We are so grateful to every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer who helped make this event such a success,” added Pauline. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of people during some of their most vulnerable moments.”

To learn more about the hospice’s vital programs and services, or to get involved, visit heartofhastingshospice.ca.

Handbags for Hospice 2025 Delivers Unforgettable Night of Glamour, Laughter, and Giving

Meryl Eau, the fabulous persona of J.P. Baldwin

STIRLING, ON – The Heart of Hastings Hospice welcomed over 300 guests to a sold-out Stirling Curling Club on May 15 for their Handbags for Hospice Signature Event, presented by Chrome Supply Warehouse. From the moment guests arrived, the energy was undeniable. The room buzzed with excitement as attendees gathered for an evening of fashion, fun, and philanthropy — all in support of compassionate, community-based end-of-life care.

Stealing the show was the incomparable Meryl Eau, the fabulous persona of J.P. Baldwin, whose electric stage presence, quick wit, and glamorous flair brought the entire event to life. From start to finish, Meryl kept the audience engaged and entertained, setting the perfect tone for a night filled with laughter, generosity, and connection. Guests enjoyed an exciting live auction packed with exclusive experience packages, a silent auction filled with stunning designer handbags and luxury prizes, and an abundance of delicious charcuterie, wine, and treats.

Thank you to our Handbags Committee for pulling off another truly amazing event!

Thanks to the extraordinary support of sponsors, donors, and attendees, The Heart of Hastings Hospice is thrilled to share that the evening raised a preliminary total of nearly $115,000 — a record-breaking achievement for this beloved signature event.

“This night was truly magical,” said Pauline Pietschmann, Fundraising and Awareness Coordinator for The Heart of Hastings Hospice. “The generosity in the room was incredible, but it was the energy — that spark that Meryl Eau brought to the stage — that elevated this event to a whole new level. We’re so grateful to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and sponsored. This success belongs to all of you.”

Staff & Volunteers were essential to the success of this event!

Proceeds from Handbags for Hospice directly fund the hospice’s free programs and services, including in-home palliative care, the 3-bed hospice residence, grief and bereavement support for people of all ages, caregiver programming, and a robust medical equipment lending program that serves a vast 5,700 km² rural region.

Special thanks go to presenting sponsor Chrome Supply Warehouse, and to the many generous businesses, volunteers, and community members who helped make the evening such a success.

“As we finalize totals, one thing is already certain,” added Pietschmann. “Handbags for Hospice 2025 was a beautiful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together with heart. We can’t wait to do it again next year.”

To learn more about The Heart of Hastings Hospice or to get involved, visit www.heartofhastingshospice.ca 

Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Brings Smiles and Support to The Heart of Hastings Hospice

From November 18 to 24, Tim Hortons locations in Madoc and Marmora helped kick off the holiday season with smiles and kindness through the second annual Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. During this heartwarming initiative, 50% of proceeds were donated to The Heart of Hastings Hospice, while the other 50% supported Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

The nationwide Holiday Smile Cookie campaign raised an impressive $10.7 million, supporting local charities and community groups across the country. Guests at Tim Hortons locations participated by purchasing festive white chocolate chip cookies, infused with red and green sprinkles and adorned with hand-decorated smiles. Each cookie brought not only holiday cheer but also tangible support to important causes.

“We were so grateful to be once again selected by Katie Moore and her team at the Madoc and Marmora locations for this exciting campaign,” said Pauline Pietschmann, Fundraising and Awareness Coordinator at The Heart of Hastings Hospice. “It was a great way to engage our volunteers, who helped at the storefronts, and an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about our programs and services. We were thrilled to receive a cheque for $4,758.80. Thank you to everyone who supported us!”

The Heart of Hastings Hospice provides vital palliative care and bereavement support to individuals and families in the region. Contributions from campaigns like this enable the organization to continue offering these essential services at no cost to the community.

The Holiday Smile Cookie campaign highlights the power of collaboration and community spirit. “We’re proud to partner with local organizations like The Heart of Hastings Hospice, which does so much for our community,” said Katie Moore, owner of the Madoc and Marmora Tim Hortons locations. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this campaign continues to make.”

The Heart of Hastings Hospice extends its heartfelt gratitude to Tim Hortons, the volunteers, and all the guests who purchased Smile Cookies to support this meaningful initiative.

ABOUT TIM HORTONS

In 1964, the first Tim Hortons® restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double™ coffees, Donuts and Timbits® in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages – including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps® – alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 5,400 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.ca