by Glenda Jones
After much research we are now at the point of finalizing a plan of action. We have incredible community support for this project, and are confident we can begin a training program for volunteers in mid fall. After completion of the 36 hour course, we will have a corps of people who would be available to assist families in our area. Through our own volunteer coordinator, we will tie into the CCAC organization and the Lanark in-home visiting services to place volunteers. We are hoping we can serve families in Mississippi Mills, Lanark, Calabogie, Burnstown, and up to Arnprior and perhaps Renfrew if they do not have in-home services for palliative care available. We will also be developing grief and bereavement support and family support programs, and hope that within the medical community, we will see the training of professionals to add to our hospice services.
We are in the process of setting up a formal board of directors who will oversee fund raising and governance for the organization. Of course, charitable status is a necessity too, but for the time being, the Hub will oversee the finances.
As for the development of an actual hospice facility, that will follow in due course. It is necessary to first build the personnel team, and then look for “bricks and mortar.”
There is much work to be done yet. We have to present proposals to the Champlain LIHN, likely to Trillium, and to other donor organizations. Further we will have to educate the public to our service through brochures, flyers, and posters.
We are eager to begin fund raising, and to that end are the sponsors for the play being presented by the Valley Players June 8 and 9. I would urge you to see this wonderful musical production written by Fern Martin and Thora Pugh. The play “Naismith is Colour Blind and Can’t Drive” filled the hall for every performance when it was done in the fall. We are sure it will sell out again. Tickets are available at Baker Bob’s and at the Pakenham General Store, as well as at the Hub.
If you are interested in being a supporter of this project, you may make donations by cheque at the Hub. Make cheque payable to : “Almonte Community Co-ordinators”, and put “Palliative Care Project” on the memo line. Direct cheques to: Glenda Jones, President, the Hub. All donations over $25.00 will receive a charitable receipt. Be sure to include your name and address.