Bethell Hospice thanks supporters

October 25, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By JASEN OBERMEYER

Bethell Hospice Foundation held their annual ‘Giving Thanks’ event to recognize all who support the Hospice.

The event took place at the Adamo State Winery in Hockley Thursday Oct. 18. Guests enjoyed dinner, a door prize and a chance to take in everything the Hospice has done this year. Members of Caledon council were in attendance and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Caledon school board trustee and Bethell Hospice volunteer Stan Cameron.

“For us it’s really important that we thank and we recognize all of our supporters,” said Jeannette Vanden Heuvel, Bethell Hospice Director of Development. “We just really want them to know that we are truly appreciative of their support to us.”

The evening also saw Hospice volunteer Carol Walker receive the Elizabeth Birnie Leadership Award. The award, created in 2012, honours Elizabeth Birnie, daughter of Lorna Bethell, for her outstanding commitment, ongoing support and contribution. The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contribution to the Foundation in promoting and raising funds.

Ms. Walker has been volunteering with the Hospice since 2012, after her husband Jim passed away there from cancer in 2011, in the Poppy Room. She has worked on many of the foundations’ annual events, her favourite in particular being the Tree Lighting Celebration in December. On Tuesday, she is at the reception desk, and is the first person to greet those who come in.

“It’s very important to me. I just enjoy working with the foundation. It’s a big honour,” she said.

She added the foundation is “not a sad place, there’s sad moments, but it’s not sad there.”

She said they have many more happy and warm moments including birthday celebrations, and a wedding. “It’s just the dignity and the atmosphere that you pass through.”

For Ms. Walker, the foundation is all about the families. “It gives them peace, and some time to be with their loved one, and enjoy those final days, weeks, or hours.”

She noted she has made several close friends through the Hospice. “There’s an ambience in the whole house, you can feel it when you walk in. Everybody cares for one another, and you can see that in everything we do.”