Bethell Hospice Foundation recieves support from 100+ Women Who Care Dufferin

Bethell Hospice Foundation became the most recent recipient of the philanthropy of 100+ Women Who Care Dufferin during a Feb 11 meeting at Hockley Valley Resort.

Three nominated charities were each allocated five minutes to outline their case for support, after which the membership voted to select the recipient.  Each of the 100+ Women Who Care then donated $100 to the selected charity, resulting in a $10,500 gift to Bethell Hospice Foundation, the only residential hospice serving the residents of Dufferin County.

Speaking on behalf of Bethell Hospice Foundation was volunteer, Gillian Vanderburgh.  Gillian shared her personal experiences caring for a family member in her home for the last six months of life.  

“We managed the best we could, with the incredible palliative support services offered here in Dufferin County, but there came a time when the conditions were such that we just couldn't manage at home,” said Vanderburg.  “We were so fortunate that a bed became available at Bethell Hospice.  This freed us of the responsibility of providing direct care, and gave us the opportunity to share quality time together in those final days.”

Inspired by her personal experience at Bethell Hospice, Vanderburg later became a volunteer in the Bethell Hospice kitchen, and with the Foundation.  

“Periodically during my shift, I am given the privilege of leading guided tours to members of the community seeking care for their loved one,” said Vanderburg. “People arriving for the tour are often under a lot of stress, emotionally and physically exhausted and facing the death of a loved one.  Without exception, their stress level starts to come down as we wander through the house. As they smell the home cooking, feel the residential setting, see that the rooms are private with pull-out couches for overnight stays, and learn that children and even family pets are encouraged to visit, they always ask ‘How much does it cost to stay here?'.  I proudly answer ‘Nothing'.”

There are no fees to stay at Bethell Hospice, and no one is ever denied care due to financial situation.   Government funding covers only direct care medical staffing costs at Bethell Hospice.  Every other cost, from food and medication to the residential hospice building itself, is funded directly from donations.  To keep the doors of Bethell Hospice open, Bethell Hospice Foundation must raise over $1,000,000 each year through community support, like the generous gift from 100+ Women Who Care Dufferin.