The Heart of Hastings Hospice welcomed over 300 guests to a sold out Stirling Curling Club on May 14 for the 10th Anniversary of their beloved Handbags for Hospice Signature Event, presented by Chrome Supply Warehouse.

What began a decade ago with a bold vision has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated annual events and this milestone celebration was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment guests arrived, the room sparkled with excitement, laughter, and connection as attendees gathered for an unforgettable evening of glamour, generosity, and giving in support of compassionate end of life care close to home.

Bringing incredible energy and entertainment to the evening was the incomparable Meryl Eau, the fabulous persona of J.P. Baldwin, whose dazzling stage presence, humour, and charm kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Guests enjoyed an exciting live auction featuring exclusive experience packages, a silent auction filled with designer handbags and luxury prizes, and an abundance of delicious charcuterie, wine, and sweet treats.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, The Heart of Hastings Hospice is thrilled to announce that the evening achieved a preliminary net profit of over $130,000 making this the most successful Handbags for Hospice event in its 10 year history.

“This anniversary celebration was incredibly special,” said Pauline Pietschmann, Fundraising and Awareness Coordinator for The Heart of Hastings Hospice. “To look around the room and see so many people coming together in support of hospice care was deeply moving. Over the last ten years, Handbags for Hospice has become so much more than a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of compassion, community, and the belief that no one should face end of life alone. We are beyond grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and guest who helped make this milestone year such an incredible success.”

Proceeds from Handbags for Hospice directly support the hospice’s free programs and services, including in home palliative care, the 3 bed hospice residence, short stay respite and day hospice, grief and bereavement support for individuals and families of all ages, caregiver programming, and a medical equipment lending program that serves communities across a 5,700 km² rural region.

Special thanks go to presenting sponsor Chrome Supply Warehouse, as well as the many generous businesses, community partners, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the 10th Anniversary celebration possible.

“As we celebrate ten years of Handbags for Hospice, we are reminded of the extraordinary impact this community continues to make,” added Pietschmann. “Together, we are ensuring compassionate hospice care remains available, accessible, and free for those who need it most. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”