• A Message From Our CEO
• Pawlunteer Extraordinaire: Meet Margot and Cayo
• OMI Comes to Pilgrims
• From Bedside to Board: Kevin’s Story of Giving
• A Fall Recipe: From Our Chef to You
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Manager)
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we present the very first edition of The Heart of Hospice, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you. Your remarkable generosity and unwavering commitment to Pilgrims Hospice Society empower us to deliver compassionate end-of-life care to individuals and families in our community.
This report is a reflection of the profound impact your support has on our hospice and the people we serve. In this issue, we shine a light on the heart of our organization — our volunteers. We are privileged to share the stories of three incredible individuals (and a very sweet therapy dog) who not only chose to donate to Pilgrims but to share their time and energy as volunteers. Two of these volunteers came to us after experiencing the death of a loved one in our care. Their journeys are powerful reminders of the connections formed here and the lasting difference that compassion, kindness and Pilgrims’ unique whole-family model of care can make.
Our volunteers are a vital part of our mission, and their dedication inspires all of us. As you read their stories, I hope you feel the same gratitude and pride as I do. After all, it’s because of your support that our work is possible. You are part of something truly special.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Pilgrims family.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Monica Robson CEO, Pilgrims Hospice Society
Monica with Lucy (Pawlunteer
PAWLUNTEER EXTRAORDINAIRE
Meet Margot and Cayo
Margot Byer knew that an innovative, supportive model for end-of-life care, with a focus on family support, was a need for our community. She grew up around the healthcare profession. When Margot and her husband retired, volunteerism was at the top of their list, and so was Pilgrims Hospice Society. Impressed by Pilgrims philosophy of care, they felt compelled to be part of its beautiful, supportive environment for those facing end of life. Then they adopted little Cayo.
“It’s magical to see people connect on a heart level with an animal. Even when someone has lost the ability to speak or relate in other ways, they can still make that connection with an animal. You can see the emotion and joy on their faces. Cayo brings calmness into a room, and he knows where he’s needed most.”
How did Cayo get involved with pet therapy?
Cayo is a Havanese; they’re bred to be companion dogs. He’s naturally drawn to people and loves attention. When I put Cayo on a resident’s bed, he just seems to know. He curls right in, settles and becomes a calming presence.
What training has Cayo received?
We completed the Therapy Dog training with Diamond in the Ruff, but for Cayo to advance his therapy into public spaces like hospitals and schools, he needed more certification. Through the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta, we’ve been practicing obedience skills and navigating real-life therapy situations. Cayo has passed six practicum visits in six different settings with six different mentors! We’re just awaiting his final certification.
What makes volunteering at Pilgrims so meaningful for you?
It would be hard to find a better organization to become connected with. Pilgrims values its volunteers; we’re trained well and receive excellent support. And the gratitude we receive for helping make someone’s day a little better makes it so worthwhile. Cayo feels it, too. When we pull up to Pilgrims, Cayo is insistent — he needs to get inside to see his people!
Story Update!
Margot is happy to announce that on August 8, 2024, the Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta board approved Cayo as a Therapy Dog. Welcome to the big show, Cayo!
Cayo and Margot at Pilgrims
FROM CAREGIVER TO VOLUNTEER
Betty’s Heart of Service
A giving person by nature, Betty Belanger always knew she wanted to volunteer when she retired. The question was, where? When her mom became a resident at Pilgrims, Betty had her answer. This was where she wanted to be.
“My experience with Pilgrims started shortly after my mom moved in with us,” remembers Betty. “Her doctor didn’t make home visits, so I called Pilgrims. Within days, Dr. Fanous from their Home Visiting Hub came out and saw my mom. They had a good connection right from the start.”
That was March 2022. By May, Betty’s mom — who was ill with cancer — had become quite frail and was experiencing falls. Her care was becoming too much for Betty and her husband to manage. “I wanted to keep Mom home until after Mother’s Day, but I talked to Dr. Fanous, and we got the ball rolling to get her into hospice care. Luckily, Pilgrims was able to take her.”
That was when Betty found her volunteer match. “We had such a wonderful experience here. I knew I would be back. I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Betty’s mom died in June 2022, and about a year later, Betty started volunteering at Pilgrims. “I wanted to meet new people, and I wanted to give back for the amazing care we received, to help another family experience it too.”
“Volunteering makes me feel full. I feel like I’m making a difference. I can be there to listen when someone needs to talk. I can jump in to help if a staff member isn’t available. I can connect because I went through the same experience.”
Betty and her husband are also members of our GEM (Give Every Month) Club. For Betty, giving every month is a way to make end-of-life a little nicer for someone else, to help someone enjoy what she and her family enjoyed here.
Betty and her mom during a family trip to Maui
Betty working hospice reception
“The end-of-life journey is often out of our control, but it can also be so fulfilling, so peaceful, so grateful, and so impactful. Pilgrims did that for us. Their staff makes sure that every need is met — whether it’s pain control or a bowl of ice cream at two in the morning. I always tell people that donating to Pilgrims is an opportunity they can’t look past. The care here is exemplary, and my dollars help make it possible.”
Join Betty and our GEM (Give Every Month) Club members today to create a continuous and lasting impact on the end-of-life care we provide.
$25/ month
Enables a grieving child to attend our Children, Teens and Families Grief Program.
$50/ month Provides soup, snacks and beverages for visiting families and friends.
$100/ month
Provides enhanced staffing levels and specialized equipment for resident care.
Betty spreading cheer with the hospice bar cart
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS
OMI Comes to Pilgrims
Thanks to the generous support of the Edmonton Community Foundation, Pilgrims Hospice Society has integrated the cutting-edge OM Interactive motion-activated projection system (OMI) into its care programs.
The OMI system is not just another technological innovation; it’s a powerful tool designed to enrich the lives of people with progressive illnesses. Through interactive activities and games that can be projected onto any flat surface, OMI supports memory care, movement, social inclusion, and, of course, fun!
Technology Meets Compassion
The OMI technology is much more than an interactive gaming system — it’s a holistic approach to care for individuals with mid to advanced dementia or cognitive decline. Tailored by gerontologists, cognitive neuroscientists and medical experts, OMI’s unique programs support the core principles of wellness — mental stimulation, physical activity, social interaction and emotional well-being — which align seamlessly with Pilgrims Hospice Society’s person-centred care model.
The OMI system at Pilgrims Hospice Society consists of two wall projectors and one mobile unit, enabling us to integrate the program across all aspects of our care.
Adult Day Program: OMI’s wide range of activities — from tranquil water scenes and colouring to quizzes, virtual object collecting and even table hockey — opens a world of engagement and stimulation for people with progressive illnesses who choose to age at home.
Children’s Grief Programs: OMI’s interactive and calming activities provide an easy way to connect and foster an environment where kids can feel comfortable expressing their grief.
Resident Care: OMI enables new sensory and focused activities for hospice residents and their families, helping them interact, communicate (without the need for verbal expression) and create memories during their last moments together.
If you would like to see the OMI system in action, reach out to book a tour! We’re always happy to share the story of our hospice and showcase the advanced care our residents and clients receive. To book a tour, email donations@ pilgrimshospice.com or call 780-413-9801.
Day Program clients practice fishing with OMI’s portable gaming system A hospice resident plays the virtual drums
HOSPICE LOVE
Our donors come from all over! This map represents our “donor geography.” Your generosity has no bounds.
Zoria Samuelson’s family and friends organized a golf tournament in memory of her husband, Neil Samuelson. The 114 participants raised over $13,000, with all the funds donated to Pilgrims Hospice Society.
The Samuelson family and friends with Monica Robson, CEO
Grace (middle) and her mom (left) presented a cheque to Nicole Craft, Fund Development Manager in the amount of $249 for a fundraiser that Grace and her sister, Paige, held. These young ladies made and sold 249 bracelets for $1 each!
Their grandmother stayed at our hospice and they wanted to give back.
Our residents’ families express their gratitude in many ways. The staff and volunteers at Pilgrims cherish every note of kindness that comes our way.
FROM BEDSIDE TO BOARD
Kevin’s Story of Giving
Kevin O’Neil joined Pilgrims Hospice Society’s volunteer board of directors in May 2023. But that’s not where this story begins.
“My wife, Audrey, and I became aware of Pilgrims many years ago when the husband of one of Audrey’s colleagues passed away. They requested donations to Pilgrims. The residential hospice centre didn’t exist then, but we became donors and continued donating for many years.”
When Audrey was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, they thought of Pilgrims Hospice Society again. “Audrey didn’t want to die at home; she wanted to go into hospice care. So, it was always in the back of our minds for when the time came.”
That time did eventually come, although not until the summer of 2023. “Audrey lived with cancer for many years, and because of that, we had time to think about the end-of-life situation, to chat about it and to make those decisions. The only decision left was which hospice to go to. Having followed Pilgrims for many years, it was our first choice.”
Kevin and Audrey got on the waiting list for Pilgrims’ residential hospice, and in September 2023, a suite became available. “We had a great welcoming,” recalls Kevin. “Audrey’s name was already on the door to her suite, and the afternoon tea cart was going by just as we arrived. That made it feel immediately like home.”
And home it was for the next three weeks. Kevin would visit Audrey every day, sometimes bringing their dog with him, and he made a point of being here for lunch. “The soup isn’t to be missed,” he laughs. They had a family dinner in the private dining room, and the ice cream cart was a hit with the couple’s five grandkids.
Kevin also treasured the word cloud that Pilgrims created for Audrey. “It’s all the little things you do that make such a big difference.”
But it was Pilgrims’ unwavering care that impacted Kevin the most. “It’s a very comforting, welcoming and loving place. Audrey’s pain was incredible near the end. One of the nurses sat with her all night. We couldn’t believe it. That they would be so supportive and loving meant a lot to us.”
Audrey died on September 25, 2023. Kevin returned to
Pilgrims for grief support with the Partner Loss grief group a few months later. “The most profound thing I’ve learned is that everyone grieves differently. My grief started before Audrey died, so my grief after her death was different than what I expected. Understanding that has been so helpful.”
Audrey and Kevin celebrate their daughter’s wedding
Also helpful for Kevin and his family was a legacy letter that Audrey worked with a Pilgrims volunteer to write. “She shared her hopes for each of us, making moving on a little easier. And now we have the letter to look back on and read anytime.”
These experiences at Pilgrims led Kevin to volunteer for the board of directors. “I’ve always believed in giving back to our community. I donated to Pilgrims but felt compelled to do more after the three weeks Audrey was here. I’ve volunteered on boards before and knew my experience could have a positive impact.”
When asked what he would want others to know about Pilgrims, Kevin replied, “People need to know that Pilgrims isn’t a sterile hospital-type environment. It’s a home environment where families can be assured that their loved ones will be given incredible, loving care. At some point in time, most of us are going to need end-of-life care. Having a facility like this is so important. We need to support this model of care.”
Your support of Pilgrims Hospice Society, whether as a donor or volunteer, helps to ensure that people like Audrey and their families have access to exceptional care at the end of life. Please consider giving today.
A WORD ABOUT WORD CLOUDS
We create word clouds for each resident to help us get to know the people behind the patients. Understanding what’s important to our residents and what has given their lives meaning enables our staff and volunteers to make deeper and more significant connections with them and to personalize the care we provide.
Audrey enjoying the sun in the hospice courtyard
LEGACY LETTERS
Providing Comfort and Closure
When it comes to leaving a meaningful legacy, individuals are increasingly turning to a unique and heartfelt tradition known as legacy letters. Sometimes called ethical or spiritual wills, legacy letters are a heartfelt way to pass down values, wisdom and personal stories to future generations. Unlike traditional wills that distribute material assets, these letters capture the essence of one’s life, offering a deeply personal gift to loved ones.
What Makes a Legacy Letter Special?
Legacy letters are unique, reflecting the individual’s core values, life lessons and cherished memories. They might include:
Personal values: The beliefs that guided your life.
Life lessons: Significant events and the wisdom you gained from them.
Family history: The stories, traditions and cultural heritage that held meaning for you.
Expressions of love: Your gratitude and appreciation for family and friends.
Why Legacy Letters Matter
Legacy letters create a bridge between generations, preserving family culture and fostering meaningful connections. They provide comfort, closure and guidance for the future, offering insights that help loved ones navigate life’s challenges.
At Pilgrims Hospice Society, trained volunteers help residents craft their legacy letters, ensuring their stories and values are passed down to inspire generations to come.
FROM OUR KITCHEN
These braised beef short ribs are a resident favourite at Pilgrims. The beef is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, making it very easy for our residents to eat. Plus, it’s jampacked with flavour!
Braised Beef Short Ribs
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
1kg of bone-in beef short ribs
1 leek
1 medium white/yellow onion
2 stalks of celery
1 medium sized carrot
3-4 cloves of garlic
100ml tomato puree
100ml prune juice (unsweetened)
150ml red wine
750ml beef stock
Aromatics (1 bay leaf, 1 sprig rosemary, 2 sprigs thyme, pinch of whole black peppercorns)
Salt to taste
Oil as needed
Directions:
• Cube beef short ribs to 1-2 inch cubes, season with salt and sear with a small amount of oil until dark brown, set aside.
• Roughly chop leek, onions, celery, carrot and garlic and sauté with a small amount of oil until dark brown.
• Add in tomato puree and cook until dark red.
• Deglaze with red wine and reduce until almost dry.
• Add beef back in along with the beef stock, prune juice, aromatics and season with salt to taste.
• Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until beef is tender.
• Remove beef and set aside, strain the braising liquid and thicken with cornstarch or flour as needed.
• Serve with your favorite style of potatoes and vegetables. Recipe provided by Chef Thomas
THE POWER OF A FAMILY MEAL
Throughout the year, Pilgrims Hospice Society hosts holiday meals for our current residents, their families and friends. For many, these gatherings may seem like a thoughtful gesture, but for those nearing end of life, they offer much-needed comfort and connection.
Sharing a homemade meal can be incredibly powerful. The familiar taste and smell of food can evoke memories long forgotten, while sitting down together can create a space for meaningful conversation and emotional connection. Food often serves as a bridge, helping families find common ground during difficult times.
Feelings of sadness, grief and depression can intensify during the holidays, even more so for those on an end-of-life journey. For our residents, their families and friends, the holiday meals at Pilgrims provide a moment of respite from the mental and emotional toll of their experience and an opportunity to bond and connect.
At Pilgrims, we cherish the opportunity to host family meals during important cultural and seasonal celebrations, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Family Day and Canada Day. We warmly welcome more than 50 guests to each meal, and our compassionate volunteers and staff work tirelessly to ensure that everyone feels cared for and truly at home.
- Rupi Kaur
Pilgrims Hospice Society is an independent, charitable organization. The funding we receive from Alberta Health Services provides only a base level of care.
The generosity of donors ensures that our endof-life care is free of charge. It also enhances the standard of care for our residents and their families by providing complementary services like:
These services can cost up to $8,500 per resident (on average).
Please consider making a one-time donation or join our GEM (Give Every Month) Club today.
Unable to scan? Visit this page: pilgrimshospice.com/the-heart-of-hospice
you have questions about our funding model, call 780-413-9801 or email donations@pilgrimshospice.com.