|
|
|
|
Hospice News
December 2022
|
|
Season's Greetings!
On behalf of the Foothills Country Hospice team and volunteers, we wish you a very happy holiday season spent amongst friends and family. As we go into the holiday season, our team understands that this time of year can be difficult to navigate following the loss of a loved one. You do not have to grieve alone. With the circumstances unique to each experience, we welcome you to explore the resources available when the time is right for you. Be sure to visit the FCHS 'Grief Support' information on our website for more information. Our team will be holding you near to our hearts throughout the season.
|
|
Welcoming Our New Fund Development Officer, Shanon Maksymich
My journey in the charitable sector began four years ago with a keen interest to make a measurable impact in the lives of vulnerable populations, with a primary focus on addiction and recovery. As a result, what was once an interest has become a passion in a career path to create and sustain meaningful experiences for the most vulnerable members of our communities. As the former Manager of Programs and Partnerships with Kids Up Front Calgary (KUF), cultivating meaningful relationships allowed me to provide tens of thousands of enriching experiences to children and families facing barriers to access across southern Alberta.
Following my years with KUF, I had the opportunity to learn more about the needs of local programs and healthcare initiatives here in the Foothills through a short, yet valuable, amount of time with the Sheep River Health Trust.
A resident of Turner Valley, member of the Okotoks Basketball Association board, and a mother to four incredible children, you will often find me in a local school gymnasium, cheering from the bleachers or coaching from courtside. Basketball is a big part of my family life and what a joy to witness not only the successes of my children but to also be a part of the athletic journey for so many student-athletes here in our Foothills communities.
Holding a strong belief in the importance of connection, and the power of purpose-filled relationships, I am incredibly honored to be a part of the FCHS team. I invite you to reach out to introduce yourself in the coming days, weeks, and months. In addition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to inquire as to how you can contribute. I look forward to getting to know you, the incredible community that supports the Foothills Country Hospice through your time, talents, and treasures. The generosity of your gifts holds immense value for our residents, their loved ones, and the FCHS team.
Shanon Maksymich
Fund Development Officer
P: 403-995-4673 Ext. 214
E: smaksymich@countryhospice.org
|
|
Recently, on our social media channels, we shared our thanks for the incredible support received from the community at the Gratitude & Giving Gala. The net proceeds raised totaled $195,000 which will support our continued mission to bring compassionate and dignified end-of-life care and bereavement support to our residents and their families. This event would not have been possible without the organization and dedication put forth by a dynamic and committed group of individuals!
We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the outstanding Gala Committee for their success:
Gala Chair: Debi Hartle
Committee Members: Val McIvor, Laurie MacDonald, and Tammy Pelletier
Special thanks to Rob Laird and all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time.
|
|
The Impact of Your Support
Meet the Karman Family
"Mom loved to joke with Dr. O, the nurses, staff members, and volunteers," says Susan. "They all treated her with respect and compassion while helping her maintain her dignity during her illness. They were there for emotional support as well, not only to Mom but for Margaret-Anne and me as well."
After being diagnosed with cancer for the second time, the oncologist told the family there was no way for Margaret to go home. She would have to go into hospice care. After living on a farm for more than 65 years, Foothills Country Hospice was seen as the best choice.
"The Hospice became our second home, and everyone was so attentive and welcoming. There was always someone there for mom, quite often a multitude of someones," says Susan with a smile. "The staff were so accommodating, we were even able to have Mom's little dog Marley be with her every day.”
"We've had a rough year, losing not only Mom, but other family members as well and most recently, Marley," says Susan. "There just aren't enough words to express our gratitude for the support we received, from the very beginning to the end of our journey with the Hospice. Even now, many months later, we still get together with people we met there, and they are such a great solace for us. "
|
|
End-of-Year Giving
This year, the Foothills Country Hospice has provided care to 94 terminally ill adults to date. Our focus remains on ensuring quality of life, through exceptional care and gentle compassion at no cost to our residents. To do this, we rely on the generous support from you, our valued community. With gratitude and thanks for the donations you provide, we can continue to provide care and compassion for those facing end-of-life diagnoses here at the Hospice.
As the end of our current year approaches, your donations are an essential part of the continued impact experienced by our residents and their loved ones. As you think about giving over the holiday season, it is important to note that gifts received by December 31st qualify for a charitable tax receipt for the 2022 tax year.
If you would like to make an impact, there are many ways to give:
1. Call FCHS at 403.995.4673 ext. 214
2. Cheque (either dropped off or postmarked by December 31, 2022) payable to
- Foothills Country Hospice Society Box 274 Okotoks AB T1S 1A5
3. Online (on or before December 31, 2022) - click Donate Now below.
4. Gift of Securities
- If you would like to donate a gift of securities, please remember it takes time to process and your advisor may not be working over the holidays. The deadline for gifts of securities is December 22. Please contact Shanon Maksymich, Fund Development Officer at 403-995-4673 ext 214 or smaksymich@countryhospice.org for more information.
- If you plan to make your gift of securities through CanadaHelps the deadline is December 16, 2022.
Every gift makes an impact! Thank you for joining us in making a difference!
|
|
A Fond Farewell to Ann Gardner
Along with her wit and warmth, Ann Gardner brought the love and joy of freshly baked cookies to Foothills Country Hospice. Every Friday for the past seven years, Ann spent four hours in the Hospice kitchen, baking and packaging cookies for all to enjoy. In recent years, she visited every room, delivering the aroma and comfort of warm cookies to residents, loved ones, volunteers, and staff.
It was more than just her cookies that everyone enjoyed. Ann’s engaging smile and compassionate, loving personality shone through with every encounter.
And she didn’t stop with Friday baking. Ann volunteered every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day, making sure every tray was made to feel special; she signed up to help with every special event; she was there whenever the Hospice needed some extra help.
Ann spent her last days at Hospice not as a volunteer but as a resident. She passed away on November 2, 2022. The Hospice was “her family” and she will be dearly missed. Teri McInnis, who worked with Ann in the kitchen says, “Food was Ann’s language of love. And the Hospice volunteers and staff loved her back during those last challenging days, providing all the compassion and care they are known for, and then some.”
Hospice will not be the same without Ann. A special rolling pin will be placed in a prominent area of the kitchen to honor and commemorate Ann’s life well lived.
|
|
|
|
Did you know?
To date, Foothills Country Hospice volunteers have completed more than 6,000 hours of service in 2022!
We are so grateful for your hospice hearts and thank you for your contribution to the end-of-life care residents and their families receive when they arrive at our doorstep.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
