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Greer Estate Provides Generous Gift
“It’s difficult for me to put into words. The entire experience for mom was beautiful. She wasn’t acknowledging that she was dying. For the three of us daughters and the staff, this made so many conversations difficult,” says Kendra Wenger, Wyn Greer's daughter. “The staff and volunteers dealt with all our concerns with great care, concern and compassion.”
“Foothills Country Hospice was the third placement for mom in a very short time,” Kendra says. “That was very difficult for all of us. We promised mom this would be her forever home, and it was.”
Kendra continues, “We asked mom before she left us and she was pretty clear she wanted to ‘pay her way.’ We also wanted to say thank you to everyone at Foothills Country Hospice.” The result was a meaningful gift from Wyn’s estate to help ensure the same professional, compassionate care is accessible for others at the end of their lives along with their loved ones.
Wyn loved her new home and they were all so thankful for the time staff took to listen to concerns or simply for a chat. “They all had as much time as was needed, no matter how busy they were,” Kendra continues. “Mom considered them all her friends, and for that we are forever grateful.”
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 Chef Derek Zimmer surprised Wyn Greer with a specially prepared lobster dinner, bringing back many wonderful memories of a childhood spent in eastern Canada.
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A big thank you to McFarlane Agencies and Wawanesa Insurance for a recent donation of 25,000!
Wawanesa Insurance launched their “We Care About the Community” campaign early in 2022. The local management team at McFarlane Agencies came together and within minutes agreed to nominate Foothills Country Hospice for this donation.
A message from McFarlane Agencies:
"The Foothills Hospice is near and dear to the McFarlane family and all our employees. The impact that Foothills Hospice has on our community is hard to put into words. The care that you give to the patients and their family goes above and beyond. When our office was presented with the opportunity to nominate a charity in our community, Foothills Hospice was on the top of our list."
Each year FCHS needs to raise $1.3 million to support operations. Community leaders, such as McFarlane and Wawanesa Insurance, truly make the work of Foothills Country Hospice possible. Our gratitude to everyone who supports.
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Sue Powell, Manager, Jay McFarlane, a principal of McFarlane, Tracy Charest, Marketing representative for Alberta and Cynthia Hunter, Manager of Business Development visit Foothills Country Hospice to drop off a cheque.
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Introducing Kimberley McNabb
Board Director
“I don’t want anyone to have to experience the panic we did when we were told Mom might not make it to hospice,” says Kimberley McNabb, one of Foothills Country Hospice’s newest Directors. “So when I saw they were expanding, I wanted to help.”
Kimberley’s mother had been in hospital for 10 months without a firm diagnosis, going through surgery and many ups and downs. Once the terminal diagnosis was received, all she wanted to do was go home, to be with her cat and amongst her own things, even just for a little while. She knew however, that she wanted to be in a hospice for the end. “We were told, that with such limited space and a quick turn for the worse, mom would not likely get into our first choice of hospice,” Kim says.
“Mom grew up on a farm, and I knew Foothills Country Hospice was the right place for her. Fortunately, we were one of the lucky families and they found room to take mom for her last few days,” says Kimberley. “As hard as that time was, I will be forever grateful. The space was homey, the staff and volunteers really cared and knew what to do and the family was finally able to be there just as family and not full-time caregivers.”
When Kimberly, who moved to a foothills area acreage two years ago with her husband and two children, saw that the Hospice was recruiting Board members, and looking specifically for Human Resource experience, she knew this was how she could give back. “I have 18 years experience in recruitment, employee relations and communications,” says Kimberley. “I want to use those skills to help the Hospice grow in order to provide the excellent care we received to more families in need.”
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Foothills Country Hospice would like to thank all the donors, volunteers, sponsors and staff who supported our Gratitude and Giving Gala. We are thrilled to announce a record breaking $195,000 (net) raised thanks to all of you.
The sold-out event featured a prime rib dinner from local caterer, Soul Sugar and entertainment from local artists Tanya Ryan and HAGGIS. Many thanks to emcee CTV’s Camilla Di Giuseppe and auctioneer extraordinaire Rob Berevin. The enchanting room included a silent auction, live auction, wish wall and photo ops.
It was an amazing evening, with all money raised supporting the important work of Foothills Country Hospice Society, ensuring people's end-of-life experience is one of compassion and dignity.
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A special thank you to the Calgary Flames Alumni who presented a cheque for $7,500 at the Gala:
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And a huge thank you to our Gala sponsors for another successful event:
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Your Will is a Powerful Thing
Wills aren’t just a legal way to distribute your personal assets; they can be a powerful tool for change in the world while still supporting those you love. Adding a charitable gift to the Foothills Country Hospice Society (Charitable Number 861441053RR0001) will help ensure those who wish to receive hospice care, now and in the future, will have access.
To learn more contact
Fund Development Office
funddevelopment@countryhospice.ca
or call 403.995.4673
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Another Successful Wood Bat Tournament
Raising $5,000 in support of Foothills Country Hospice
The annual Wood Bat tournament is a joint effort of the Okotoks Kinsmen Club and the Percy Pegler Men’s Slo-Pitch League. “When we got together to host this tournament,” says Kinsmen Club President Mike Rocheleau, “we wanted to use the proceeds to support a local charity.
“We had hosted a ‘goodbye’ event for Kinsmen member Bob Bayley, who was a resident at the Foothills Country Hospice before passing away in 2012. Visiting him gave us insight to how this very special place meets a critical need in our community. It is our honour and privilege to support the Hospice and to spread the word about the great work they do.”
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Mike Rocheleau, President, Okotoks Kinsmen Club (far right) presents a cheque for $5000 to Karen Tiedje, Acting Executive Director, Foothills Country Hospice; also pictured: Ryan Arthur, President, Percy Pegler Men’s Slo-Pitch and Adam Jamieson, Okotoks Kinsmen Club.
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Congratulations to local Okotoks team, the Tigers, who took home the Wood bat trophy this year (as well as the league championship as it would turn out).
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Did You Know?
Shifting patients’ care from an acute care setting to hospice is one of the key mechanisms reported to reduce direct costs of care and improve quality end of life.
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