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Campbell River Mirror

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Friday, December 6, 2019 B5

1st ANNUAL HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN #griefcanâ€™twait

Left to right- front: Jo-Anne Lamoureux, M.A Counsellor, Kathryn Schmidt, M.A.CCC Art Therapy/Counsellor, Leslie Haynes-Hodgins MSW, RSW Client Coordinator, Karen Born, Administrative Assistant. Back- Louise Daviduck, Executive Director, Rachael Weaver,Volunteer/Event Coordinator,Tiffany Dirks, Second to None Thrift Store Manager. photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography

he Campbell River Hospice Society (CRHS) has been providing compassionate care to those affected by grief or those facing end-of-life for the past 32 years. We continue providing our vital services because of the generous support of many caring individuals living in Campbell River and surrounding areas. Our financial contributions come from 25% government, 42% Second to None Thrift Store and most importantly, 33% community support through our annual fundraising efforts. Throughout this past year, we have been focused on identifying and filling gaps of services associated with grief and loss in our communities from Black Creek to Gold River. Due to the support of local community events such as Cycle of Life-Soul Cyclers, 100 Women Who Care, Ocean Pacific Auction, Dave Rennie Memorial Golf Tournament and Donations from the Community, we were

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able to increase counselling and hire an Art Therapist/Counsellor. This was an exceptional start to helping more people in the community, including young children and our youth. Our Society is operated by 8% staff and 92% volunteers. Because of the completion of our new building and our dedicated volunteers who graciously contribute their expertise and talents, we are equipped to implement new services. However, we now need the funding to make it a reality.

THE GOAL: At Hospice, we know grief canâ€™t wait or be put on hold. Over the past year, we quickly recognized the need to provide a program tailored specifically to those affected by sudden loss, suicide and drug overdose. We must implement a program for the survivors who are left behind. Sudden death can isolate survivors from their family, friends and community. There is still a

powerful stigma that affects people who have recently lost someone through suicide. They are at an increased risk of thinking about it, planning or attempting suicide themselves. We want to help the survivors of sudden death get through their devastating grief and loss by providing practical tools they can utilize. Through education and support, we can help families manage their grief in a healthy, safe and meaningful way. To make this dream a reality and to continue our current services, we need to raise $75,000 by December 31, 2019. We ask that you consider supporting the campaign over this holiday season. Louise Daviduck Executive Director, Campbell River Hospice Society Sponsored by

www.crhospice.ca 440 Evergreen Road, Campbell River V9W 0C7

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ABOUT US

Hospice Care is an integral part of our community. Respecting and supporting those who are experiencing loss and who are dying is one of the most honorable things our society can provide to one another. With the current epidemic of drug overdose and suicide, we need to collectively work together to reduce the impact in our community and support those survivors affected by these devastating losses. I encourage you to support the increase of Hospice Care as it is an essential part of our community. Andy Adams Mayor of the City of Campbell River

When the Build Team planned and completed the construction of a new building for the Campbell River Hospice Society, it was done with the expectation that this new facility would help the Society to retain their services and be in a position to expand them. The hopes and expectations of the Build Team, donors and community atlarge have been fulfilled. It is very gratifying to witness the excellent services that are now being provided to the community of Campbell River and surrounding areas.

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CAMPBELL RIVER HOSPICE SOCIETY

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Brian Stamp, Hospice Build Team Build Team: Brian Stamp, D’Arcy Frankland, Jim Dobinson, George Stuart, Garry Griffin, Brett Giese and Jill Hanson

#griefcan’twait

What is Hospice Care Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide psycho-social comfort and support to clients and their families who are grieving or experiencing end-of-life. Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death. The goal of Hospice care is to improve the quality of life for the clients and their families. Inviting Hospice to support you early in your journey will help ensure all services are in place allowing you to live a purposeful life, sharing joy and love with your family and loved ones. We provide Hospice Care at no cost in your home, hospital, long-term care or our Hospice Care Centre. Our Hospice helps with the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the client and the client’s family and friends. We offer a variety of bereavement and counselling services to families before and after a loved one’s death.

Hospice is operated by 8% staff and 92% volunteers Sponsored by

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OUR LEADERSHIP

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CAMPBELL RIVER HOSPICE SOCIETY

Board of Directors Garth Sheane, Board Governance Advisor Geri Arkell, Board Chair, Retired Oncology Nurse Don Roset, Board Treasurer, CPA, CA Dr. Helen Garson, Retired Palliative Care Physician Darcy Murray, Community Relations Dr. Bruce Wood, Retired Physician Alina Constantin, HR Professional Dennis Brunt, Retired Quality Assurance Professional

Left to right Front: Dr. Helen Garson, Geri Arkell, Darcy Murray Back: Alina Constantin, Don Roset, Dennis Brunt photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography

photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography

The Board’s primary role is to determine the Vision for Hospice and then delegate responsibility to the Executive Director to submit plans to implement the Vision. Over the past two and half years, I have been privileged to assist the Hospice Board to strengthen its role in this regard. It is truly rewarding for me to witness the Board’s growth in confidence and ability, especially in the past year, as these changes have come into practice. With this Board’s leadership, the Hospice Society has become a valued partner in the network of care providers in our community. Garth Sheane, CRHS Board Advisor

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I have been involved with Hospice as a volunteer board member and companion for the past four years. As a physician in Campbell River for over 30 years, I understand the importance of Hospice care and the need to fill the gap of emotional support when someone is facing end-of-life. Over the years, I have seen so many people facing death without the support of family or friends. Some people choose to be alone but many don’t. It’s a very frightening time and they often want to talk about their life, their regrets, joys and fears – they just need someone to listen. Sometimes as a volunteer companion, we are there to talk about death and issues that they don’t want to burden their family with. We also help their family if they need some respite -- to take a break, go grocery shopping or visit our Care Centre for our support services such as relaxation therapy, support group, counselling, etc. As a board member, I am pleased with our direction and our vision to incorporate specific supports for those affected by suicide and drug overdose. We all know it is a great epidemic in Campbell River and we need to help educate families to cope in a healthy way. Losing a young person unexpectedly is a very complex grief that requires specialized support and losing a child is not supposed to happen. As the drug and suicide epidemic increases, so does our need for support. Dr. Bruce Wood, Board Executive

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OUR LEADERSHIP (CONTINUED)

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CAMPBELL RIVER HOSPICE SOCIETY

We have come a long way since the community came together to help us with our building. Since then, we have hired an Executive Director who works alongside us to meet the organization’s Mission and Vision. We have developed a Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan to help us stay focused and ensure we are meeting the needs of the community. Our four Hospice beds at Yucalta Lodge provide a significant option for those in palliative care and their families. Proudly, we celebrated our Second to None Thrift Store’s 5-year anniversary. This was a huge undertaking that we couldn’t have done without the support of the community and many dedicated volunteers. I look forward to the future of our healthy organization and the expansion of Hospice care in our community. Geri Arkell, Board Chair photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography

We provide over 2900 client appointments per year from the ages of 4 to 101 I remember how the doctor-lead palliative movement started in Campbell River in 2000. The Home Care nurses, who are now called the Home and Community Care Team, asked for a local doctor to work with them with their palliative patients. At that time, many people were choosing to die at home so we created a committee and that was the beginning of palliative care in Campbell River. For me, this was the start of working in a multidisciplinary group to serve the needs of a dying person. I felt that providing palliative care was the most rewarding work of my career. There are a myriad of issues that a patient faces with a terminal illness and for the family who must adapt. These issues exceed the expertise of any one discipline. Their needs are physical, psychosocial and spiritual which can be addressed by a multidisciplinary team of people. Hospice is an important part of the team and is well developed to help with the psychosocial aspects. I retired in 2007 and felt the need to continue my involvement as a volunteer. I decided the Campbell River Hospice Society would be the right fit and I could contribute my knowledge of palliative care. Since then, I’ve learned so much more from Hospice and was impressed by the work of the staff, counsellors and volunteers. I appreciate that the services are free and anyone can utilize these services. The Campbell River Hospice Society has overcome many challenges over the years but the gift of our building has helped us move forward quickly. Over the past two years, professional counselling has increased and our services have expanded and increased. I feel photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography the future of Campbell River Hospice Society is very bright and I am proud to be associated with Hospice as a board member. Dr. Helen Garson, Board Executive

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HOSPICE CLINICAL STAFF

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CAMPBELL RIVER HOSPICE SOCIETY Sponsored by

Art Therapy is a form of therapy that values creativity as a path towards healing and a means towards gaining a deeper understanding of the self. It goes beyond words and helps the individual express themselves in a different way. Artistic expression can be beneficial to anyone regardless of their artistic skill since the focus is on process and not product. Art Therapy at Hospice provides a safe space to process and express any feelings surrounding grief and loss. Making art can also produce feelings of control and accomplishment during a time when the person may feel overwhelmed by a lack of control. Making art in a therapeutic setting can help provide comfort, exploration and meaning surrounding death and dying. Since the grieving process is unique to each individual, we provide a variety of services to help meet this need. Art Therapy is one option for people to help express and work through their grief. Kathryn Schmidt, MA, CCC Hospice Art Therapist & Counsellor

photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography

#griefcan’twait

photo courtesy of Grant Jones Photography

As the Clinical Client Coordinator, I have the privilege of being one of the first contacts for clients seeking services at the CR Hospice Society. After a brief assessment, my role is to link the client with the many wonderful services Hospice provides. The clients are often pleasantly surprised at the amount and variety of services to choose from. I am also the liaison between the client and our amazing volunteers who have chosen to engage in direct service. Their role is vital to our organization so I am honoured to provide support and guidance as they companion our clients in the hospital, at Yucalta or in the community. Leslie Haynes-Hodgins M.S.W, R.S.W. Hospice Clinical Coordinator

As a Hospice Grief Counsellor, I have journeyed alongside those who have experienced the darkest moments life has to offer. Yet in these dark places, I have witnessed resilience, hope, healing and transformation. There is no way around grief. To heal, we must walk through it. Grief requires us to acknowledge our struggle and receive support. Support doesn’t always come in the form of counselling -- sometimes it is enough to receive the support of our family, friends and community. However, there are many who benefit from the support of a Grief Counsellor – those who are overwhelmed, isolated, dealing with complicated, traumatic grief or sudden death, or those who just need a little guidance and reassurance. In many ways, grief counselling can act as a compass at a time when so many things seem uncertain and unfamiliar. The Hospice model of helping those who are grieving or facing end-of-life stresses the importance of providing knowledgeable and compassionate holistic care. This takes into consideration the very unique and personal experience of individuals within the very universal experience of grief. Jo-Anne Lamoureux, M.A. Hospice Registered Clinical Counsellor

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INSIDE HOSPICE

CAMPBELL RIVER HOSPICE SOCIETY I have been battling breast cancer for 22 years. In 2013, it came back and is now at stage 4. I always accepted my fate, which I felt was different than facing the end of my life. In May 2017, I went to Hospice for guidance and to learn coping tools to make my journey happy and fulfilling. I was very exhausted and tired during this time and reflexology and reiki was heavensent and allowed me to just tune out for a while. The Hospice Society made me feel normal. I really appreciated the unwritten understanding that you don’t have to explain to anyone why you’re there. Their counselling helped me feel that I’m not going through this alone and allowed me to talk about anything. I could talk about my deep core feelings without being judged, while knowing it’s confidential. I do have some close friends and loved ones I can talk to but it’s just not the same. Many people are not comfortable with these kinds of discussions, plus I don’t want to burden them. I’m so grateful I decided to accept Hospice support. Both my General Practitioner and Oncologist were very impressed when I told them I decided to make Hospice part of my journey. There are even times I forget I’m sick.

#griefcan’twait

I tell everyone I know that Hospice is not just for the dying, it’s for grieving a loved one, grieving an end-of-life diagnosis and preparing for end-of-life. Hospice is there to help you and your family through the journey -- not just at the end of it. Netta Huffman, Hospice Client

I’ve been involved with Hospice since 2016 as a Volunteer Hospital Visitor and Companion. Both were very eye-opening. I experienced the profound loss of my father at the young age of 10. Unfortunately, my mother was not equipped to deal with her own grief, let alone her children’s. This experience is what drove me to become a Hospice volunteer. I want to be there for those who need help through their journey of grief and loss.

The whole group of people at Hospice are caring, devoted, compassionate, loving and attentive to all the needs of the clients. I am honoured and happy to be part of this wonderful group. In all gratitude, Mireille Earle, Volunteer Reiki Practitioner

To become further involved with Hospice, I participated in the Cycle of Life Tour for the first time in 2017 which is a fundraiser for Hospices on Vancouver Island. I completed the ride on my own and raised just over $3,000. The next year, I inspired 9 more riders to join a team that we named the Campbell River Soul Cyclers. We raised over $20,000 and in turn did it again in 2019! Within three years, the Soul Cyclers have raised over $51,000 for our Hospice. I had no idea how this would take off. I am so proud! I also volunteer as a facilitator for the Hospice Grief Support Group which is a safe and confidential haven for people to express their feelings. One important part of my volunteer role is to remember everyone needs to be listened to, no matter what it is they are feeling and what they need to say. I feel that volunteering and fundraising for Hospice is a privilege. I am serving my community. I like that I can support someone on their grief journey. I would encourage others to join and find their place in Hospice because it is a tremendous asset to our community. Kelly Fisher, Hospice Volunteer Sponsored by

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When I met Donna, both of us were in our early teens. We married at a young age and worked together to build a loving family, blessed with a daughter and son, and now three beautiful grandchildren. Donna had started feeling poorly, which became a long and drawn out journey, traveling from doctor to doctor to find out what was wrong. It was very difficult not knowing the cause of the problem that took a toll on both of us. Eventually Donna was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The doctor told us this is a terminal illness. Donna’s health was in a steady decline, but she might be a candidate for a lung transplant. We remember that day clearly. After the diagnosis from the doctor, we walked out of his office feeling shock, confusion and disbelief. Thus, we started our journey through the disease of Pulmonary Fibrosis and trying to get approval for a double lung transplant with endless trips to doctors, hospitals and tests and Donna’s rapidly declining health. In a search for added support, I walked in the door of the Hospice Society, not knowing for sure what they could do but I was desperate for help. I wanted to be strong for Donna but I was finding myself sinking deeper by the day. Walking into Hospice was comforting. I quickly learned that I had come to the right place. They encouraged me to begin utilizing some of their holistic relaxation services to help me relax and allow my mind to rest. I took advantage of healing touch, reiki and reflexology. Through Hospice, Donna was able to receive reiki and spiritual support while in hospital. Looking back, it was obvious that I was struggling as I found out later -- I kept coming to my appointments on the wrong day but they kindly found a way to squeeze me in when I arrived. They understood the state I was in and were very gracious. I then began Art Therapy which was a key component to being able to cope with the situation. Art Therapy allowed me to talk about anything, even things I couldn’t talk to Donna or other family about. I was able to express myself more easily using the Art Therapy method. I found solace, which helped me be stronger for Donna. As time went by, Donna’s health continued to decline and we thought we would lose her -- our lives became very difficult. I continued Art Therapy but came to a point that I felt I could no longer draw. Kathryn asked if she could draw something for me. She made me a drawing of a badge on a piece of paper. This was a symbol to remind me of my inner strength, to take care of myself and to remember I’m not alone. I keep this small piece of paper in my wallet, which I take it out at times when life becomes particularly difficult – which was often during our journey. (See photo). This paper has become worn but remains a special reminder of my inner strength and helped me face each day. Then on September 24, 2018, we got a phone call – they found a transplant for Donna! I had to call the Hospice staff and the Spiritual Care volunteer to let them all know it was happening. They were overjoyed and cheered us on as they watched the helicopter take off to Vancouver. This was just over a year ago and Donna is doing well. In fact, she was able to attend the Dave Rennie Memorial Golf Tournament this year. It was a profound moment for all of us. I will forever be grateful for Hospice staff and volunteers. Frank Mayell, Hospice Client

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We provide over 234 holistic relaxation appointments per year in private homes, hospital, Yucalta Hospice beds and community.

The Campbell River Hospice Society’s Annual Holiday Campaign is proudly supported by:

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

HOW TO DONATE Phone: 250-286-1121 Online: www.crhospice.ca

ONE-TIME DONATION Providing a one-time donation towards the campaign will help us achieve our goals and continue to provide service to our community. You will receive a charitable tax receipt just in time for the end of the year.

Mail: 440 Evergreen Road, Campbell River V9W 0C7

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IN-MEMORY DONATION Making an In-Memory donation is a way to show the family of the person who passed that you are thinking of them and honouring their loved one during this holiday season. When you make an In-Memory donation and provide the name and address of their loved one, they will receive an acknowledgement letter of your donation in their loved one’s memory.

MONTHLY GIVING Monthly giving is a way to invest in our organization and show your commitment to Hospice care in our community. Your monthly gift provides us with a dependable income allowing us to plan ahead for the following year. It reduces administrative costs and you will receive a full tax receipt at the end of the year.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Community events are a great way to support our campaign. During the holiday season, your company, group or organization can collect funds, host a silent auction or a fun event to help us meet our campaign goal. Do it on your own or reach out to us for assistance or ideas to get you started.

LEGACY GIVING We feel extremely passionate about the services that the Campbell River Hospice Society provides to the community and understand the importance of maintaining these services. That is the reason we decided to ‘Leave a Legacy’ so it would help benefit future generations.

Creating a lasting legacy is an extraordinary way to honour yourself or a loved one’s memory. A legacy gift can have a great impact on the Campbell River Hospice Society for many years to come and ensures that loving and compassionate support is available for many generations. We are deeply grateful to receive a legacy gift and will cherish your support through the existence of our organization. The Campbell River Hospice Society prides itself on remaining accountable and transparent to our donors and funders. Our financial statement is available to the public on our website www.crhospice.ca under “about us”.

Tony Coon and Leslie Palmer-Coon