by Glenda Jones
Enthusiastic hospice supporters met at Fairview Manor on January 7 to develop a group of volunteers to assist the Hub Hospice Board in meeting their goals. At present, the hospice has fifteen active volunteers to deliver services to clients in need, but this very specific role entails an extensive training programme and dedicated committed hours, something not everyone can accommodate. However, many people are willing to give a little time to make a big difference, and this will be the role of the Friends of Hospice.
Over the course of a year, the Board of the hospice will be organizing fund raising events like the Hike for Hospice in early May, or taking part in educational events like the Seniors’ Expo. While the Board will be responsible for such events, these are places where the Friends can become the veritable face of the Hub Hospice with their presence and support.
While in many cases a Friends group is seen as the “tea table ladies”, this group of volunteers will be much more. It will be a social group, meeting only once a month, with a connection to the hospice board, to learn more about hospice in general and to participate in a variety of activities, some initiated by the Board, and others initiated by the Friends themselves.
Many ideas for raising public awareness of the hospice came forward at the first meeting, including enhancement of the publicity surrounding the hospice, fund raising ideas, and the role the Friends can undertake to assist the working volunteers.
Three Board members in attendance were encouraged by the interest shown at the meeting. Director Jane Henderson urged people to check out the website, and to plan on attending the AGM of the hospice in early June to hear the exciting developments that are being planned. In the meantime, the Friends of Hospice are well on their way to becoming a valuable asset to the Hub Hospice. The group plans to meet again, likely in early February, and would welcome others to join. Information will be on the website: www.hubhospice.com or through Glenda Jones at (613)256-6479.
