Victoria Hospice Transitions Newsletter Fall 2014

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A Visit from Her Honour, the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia

In this Issue: A Letter from the Board President and Executive Director

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Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team’s 25th Anniversary

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Meet Victoria Hospice Donors Leslie Reece and Darrel Nute – Paying it Forward 4 Telus Donates over $20,000

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BC Public Service Employees Donate Over $980,000

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Victoria Hospice Donors Recognized at National Philanthropy Day Awards

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Bob Searle: A Fleeting and Lasting Heart

Irene Besley Bequest

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Meet Victoria Hospice’s Youngest Supporter

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Memorial Gifts

Meet Fran Cornish – Victoria Hospice Volunteer

9 Victoria Hospice Donor Wall 9 Events 10

Victoria Hospice patients, families, friends, staff, volunteers and donors were delighted to welcome Her Honour, the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Dr. Brendan Carr, CEO for Island Health, for a tour of the inpatient unit on May 21, 2014. Her Honour and Dr. Carr visited with patients in their rooms and chatted with families and staff in the hallways. Family members Bev Her Honour, and Pamela Highton described the Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, the care that Bev’s mother had Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia received on the unit and thanked and a Victoria Hospice patient Her Honour and Dr. Carr for learning more about Victoria Hospice. One patient was delighted to show Her Honour the medals she had won during her lifetime.

Following the tour, Victoria Hospice staff and volunteers performed a song for Her Honour written by Chief Financial Officer Rod Braithwaite and Counsellors Caelin Rose and Steve Silvers in celebration of the Lieutenant Governor’s inaugural “Sing Me A Song” initiative. Fifteen staff and volunteers, including members of the Bedside Singers, spent many hours practicing the song and Her Honour was visibly touched by the effort. Board President Eileen Harper presented Her Honour with a framed copy of the music and lyrics. Thank you, Your Honour, for sharing your grace, compassion and presence with Victoria Hospice. l

47%

Funding for Victoria Hospice operations received from donations in 2013/2014

A Letter from the Board President and Executive Director: 2013–2014 In Review On September 29, 2014, the Victoria Hospice Society held its Annual General Meeting to report on the 2013–2014 fiscal year activities which presented several challenging and rewarding opportunities.

We began the year with a commitment to tackle the issues outlined in the provincial government’s new End-of-Life Action Plan. The unaddressed end-of-life needs of homeless and marginalized people, the numbers of people dying in long-term care facilities, the need for more palliative care training for clinicians and family caregivers, and the escalating financial and capacity burdens on our healthcare system were all areas where we took action.

Thanks to a generous donation, we were able to continue our “Closer to the Community Counsellor” initiative, which provides grief and bereavement counselling to homeless and marginalized people in our community. Through this initiative, we were also able to provide extensive consultations and training to local agencies who directly serve these difficult to reach populations.

A new physician consult service was created to provide end-of-life expertise, training and enhanced levels of care to residents of five long-term care facilities. The pilot project was very well received and we expect to expand it over the coming years.

We launched a new course to educate cardiologists on hospice and palliative care issues, approaches and protocols. Based on the success of this course, we are now planning similar courses for family physicians, pharmacists, hospitalists and other specialists. We also looked at the educational needs of patients and family caregivers and launched a “Bucket List Festival” event. At this fun and informative event, participants learned about topics such as travelling with a serious illness, recording their life stories and the importance of advance care planning. We look forward to this becoming an annual event.

All of this planning, growth and restructuring did not occur in isolation. Victoria Hospice is committed to serving the needs of our community. To ensure that we are hearing directly from those we serve, we launched a new Community Reference Group. This diverse group meets each quarter to review and provided feedback on our existing and proposed

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programs, services, and fundraising initiatives. We also seek to learn from our international colleagues and again hosted a clinical team from Nepal. It is inspiring to hear how they are able to do so much with such limited resources and to share our expertise with them as well.

As the year drew to a close, we were thrilled to see that we had received over $4 million in donations from our community. This is the highest level of donations we have ever received in a single fiscal year. Thank you! Over half of our operating costs are paid for each year out of donations; we literally could not do what we do without your generous support.

All of these positive developments occurred against a background of ongoing restructuring and change as we continue to focus on service, sustainability and stewardship. We were pleased to bring on a new Clinical Nurse Specialist, restructured our Bereavement and Counselling Departments and streamlined our Leadership Team. At the AGM, we said goodbye to Board members Rosemary Armour and Chris Mills; they leave with our gratitude for their years of service. We also welcomed new Board members Tim Schrober and Deedrie Ballard who look forward to working with us as we continue to evolve as an organization.

On behalf of our Board and Leadership Team, we want to thank all of our members, volunteers and staff for their continued service. We also want to thank all of our patients and families with entrusting us to care for them at a very important time in their lives. We are honoured to be of service. l Sincerely, Eileen Harper, BSc, CHRP, President Mischelle vanThiel, BA, MBA, CFP, Executive Director Victoria Hospice Society Board of Directors Eileen Harper, President Brian Bolton, Vice-President Rob Gareau, Treasurer Deedrie Ballard Eric Charman Steve Clark Tony Joe Peter Malcolm Zahra Rayani Tim Schober Richard Walker Merrie-Ellen Wilcox

Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation Board of Directors Peter Malcolm, President Mark Appleton Brian Bolton Rob Gareau Eileen Harper Colin Weavers

Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team’s 25th Anniversary Many people are aware of Victoria Hospice’s inpatient unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, but very few know that Victoria Hospice supports people who are dying at home through the Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team program.

New Wheels for the Palliative Response Team In the middle of May, Dick and Linda Auchinleck drove up to the front entrance of Victoria Hospice in a brand new car – then handed the keys to Angela Bruce, team leader of the Palliative Response Team (PRT). Mr. and Mrs. Auckinleck donated $53,000 to pay for the car and one year’s operating costs.

Started as a pilot project in 1989, the Palliative Response Team (PRT) project was so successful; the decision was made to continue with it. Now in its 25th year, the PRT continues to help dying people and their families in our community.

The PRT is an on-call, year-round, 24/7 crisis intervention service that helps people dying at home and their families from Victoria to Sidney through to Metchosin. The team consists of a nurse and counsellor, with on-call access to a palliative care physician if required. On any given day, there are approximately 400 people registered with the program. (Not all will receive a visit from the PRT, but the team is available if needed).

This gift was a welcome one for the PRT. The old vehicle was frequently in the shop and the trunk often popped open. The new vehicle is outfitted with fourwheel drive and Bluetooth so nurses, counsellors and physicians can travel any time of the day or night to assist patients who are dying at home and their families with crises.

The primary goals of the PRT are to provide rapid intervention when there is a physical or emotional crisis that would otherwise require hospitalization; support patients who are imminently dying and whose goal is to remain at home; provide assessment and urgent intervention for patients for symptoms such as complex or rapidly progressing pain, nausea, shortness of breath, hemorrhage, restlessness, delirium, anxiety or depression; and help families cope with emotional and/or physical fatigue and stress, depression, panic, overwhelming grief and a general inability to cope.

The PRT were absolutely thrilled to receive such a meaningful gift that makes them feel safe and is a joy to drive. They believe that the community is now being better served by having such a reliable vehicle and it definitely makes their work easier.

Thank you, Dick and Linda! l

A survey by the Canadian Institute for Health Information in 2013 showed that 93% of seniors want to stay at home to the end of their lives.

number of patients supported by the PRT in 2013/2014

The PRT is another example of how donations to Victoria Hospice support dying people and their families in our community.

Thank you. l

The first PRT car takes its inaugural trip in 1989

Dick & Linda Auchinleck

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1,641

number of PRT home visits in 2013/2014

my husband was dying, what I “ When loved about Victoria Hospice was that they were the one organization that, day or night, would come when I called.

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Meet Victoria Hospice Donors Leslie Reece and Darrel Nute – Paying It Forward When Leslie Reece’s husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer, in 2004, at age 57, it was a shock to the entire family.

It was their first experience with cancer and their first experience with Hospice. “Here we were on the verge of retirement, we had all these plans and now all of a sudden it wasn’t going to happen.”

Leslie’s husband received homecare visits from the Palliative Response Team for as long as he was able to stay at home and eventually when it was time, he was brought into Hospice for his final days. “Our homecare nurse Sue would come by for visits. She would help my husband’s physical medical needs and then she would help our family’s emotional needs. And I just thought – this woman is amazing.” Hospice brought Leslie, her husband, and their family great comfort. “He just felt like the world had been taken off his shoulders.

It took the fear away.” When Leslie’s husband passed away “Hospice kicked in with all kinds of emotional support that continued for as long as we needed, it was pretty amazing. For me Hospice has been an incredible experience.” It is because of the support, care and comfort that Leslie’s family experienced at Hospice that shortly after her husband’s death she decided to “pay it forward.”

In this spirit, Leslie donates monthly to Victoria Hospice and has included Hospice as a beneficiary in her estate.

was shocked to find out that Hospice “ Ibasically survives on donations. I don’t think the public is very aware of that. ”

This spring, almost 10 years after his son-in-law’s passing, Leslie’s father Darrel made a very generous and significant gift to Victoria Hospice. The gift was made through the donation of publicly listed securities. When you donate appreciated securities, there is no tax on the capital gain and you receive a tax receipt for the value of the shares on the day they are received in Hospice’s brokerage account.

“Transferring the stock was easy” said Darrel.

“I made a donation to Victoria Hospice because I appreciate what they do for individuals and their families who are dealing with end of life. Everyone

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benefits from the attitude and the fortitude of the incredible people at Hospice. They are there to help and this is something everybody should have access to if needed”

to a charity is a way of dealing “ Donating with your grief. The money that my Dad and Mom worked so hard for is going to a good place, to do good things and carry on for years to come. That is what we want; we want Hospice to be able to continue so they can be there for us, our children, and our grandchildren.

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Thank you to Leslie and Darrel for supporting Victoria Hospice and ensuring other families can receive our services and our care for years to come! l

Inspiring artwork at Victoria Hospice Victoria Hospice’s walls are a little brighter thanks to eight year old Laughlin. Laughlin created these pieces while visiting a family member in Hospice care. l

TELUS Donates Over $20,000 to Help Children with Grief and Support End-of-Life Care Victoria Hospice recently received several donations from TELUS totaling $28,000. Their donations will help provide support and end-of-life care for children, youth and families.

Victoria Hospice thanks the TELUS Victoria Community Board for their generous donation of $20,000 to support the Touchstones Children’s Bereavement Support Group. Touchstones is a no-charge program that provides an opportunity for bereaved children to meet one another, share their experiences, learn about grief, death and dying and to have some fun through art and play.

“Children and youth are connected with almost every obituary in the newspaper. They have lost a beloved grandparent, parent, friend or sibling. The Touchstones program helps them realize that it is OK to be sad and helps them to understand about grief,” says Mischelle vanThiel, Victoria Hospice Executive Director.

The annual Team TELUS Charitable Giving program, through which TELUS team member’s charitable donations are matched by TELUS, donated an additional $8,000 to support Victoria Hospice’s efforts to provide the best in end-of-life care.

Thank you TELUS for supporting Victoria Hospice!

Since their inception in 2007, the TELUS Victoria Community Board has contributed more than $2.4 million dollars to more than 200 community programs in Victoria, demonstrating their commitment to their motto of “We give where we live.” Thank you, TELUS! l

and youth are connected with “ Children almost every obituary in the newspaper.

They have lost a beloved grandparent, parent, friend or sibling.

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BC Public Service Employees Donate Over $980,000 There is a very caring group of people in our community who are largely unknown for their philanthropic efforts. They are the BC Provincial Employees Community Services Fund (PECSF).

The Community Fund is a coordinated workplace fundraising campaign that helps BC Public Service employees support local charitable organizations.

Victoria Hospice is grateful to have been named one of PECSF’s charities of choice since 1994.

To date, Victoria Hospice has received an outstanding $980,777 from the Community Fund!

These funds have been used to support the Victoria Hospice Bereavement Program which is entirely funded by donations. The Bereavement Program provides counselling and support to people who have lost a loved one for up to one year post-death.

Support includes one-on-one counselling sessions, check-in phone calls, support and walking groups, specialized sessions for widowed men, children and those with complicated grief, and assistance with practical matters such as funeral arrangements and financial plans. The Bereavement Program helps people get through their grief in a timely and healthy manner while offering ongoing support to those whose grief is more complicated.

Thank you to all the BC Public Service Employees who have helped people through one of the most difficult times of their life. l

Victoria Hospice Donors Recognized at National Philanthropy Day Awards Each year, National Philanthropy Day recognizes outstanding members of our community who are making a difference in the lives of others. This year’s awards take place November 18 and Victoria Hospice is pleased that long-time donor, fundraiser and Society Board Member Steve Clark, thirteen-year-old Victoria Hospice fundraiser Jarod Waters and community partner Hillside Centre have been recognized as three of this year’s finalists. Victoria Hospice donor Rudi Hoenson was last year’s recipient of the Generosity of Spirit Award. Congratulations to all! l

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Bob Searle: A Fleeting and Lasting Heart As many who are reading these words already know, love is an emotion which, like water, finds a way to flow no matter what obstacles are on its course. In January 2014, several women in the room of a patient at Victoria Hospice discovered this to be true under particularly moving and mysterious circumstances.

The patient was James Robert Searle, known to everyone as Bob, who would have celebrated his ninety-third birthday that February. Born in Regina, Bob had served with the Regina Rifles in the Second World War and was discharged in 1945 as a lieutenant. He married Cay two years after that, and the couple raised their daughters – Susan and Barbara – in Regina. Bob and Cay moved to Victoria in 1995.

After a period of hospitalization, Bob became a patient at Victoria Hospice.

“My father was unable to communicate at that point,” says Susan Searle. “But he persevered.

We purchased a denim heart for him at the Royal Jubilee gift shop that had the word ‘love’ in the centre, and as he lay there, Dad would point to the heart and say, ‘love’.” Shortly after this, Bob entered a state of unconsciousness. “Of course, this made his efforts to show his love to us all the more precious,” Susan explains.

The day before Bob died, Susan was helping a nurse bathe her father. “She did one arm, I did the other,” Susan recalls, “and when I got to his left leg, I saw a most unusual mark. It was red and raised and in the definite shape of a heart.” Her father had no such birthmark, Susan says, nor was there any reason why a mark should be there. “Nothing was pressing against his leg,” she adds. “Nothing was there to cause this shape on his skin.”

Susan brought Cay and Barbara into Bob’s room, where they examined the mark and were as moved as Susan and the nurse. “Mom put her hand beside the mark and a photograph was taken,” Susan says.

“Then she leaned down to kiss the mark. When she did so, it got visibly redder.” According to a nurse who was present, the atmosphere of the room seemed charged with love, as if it were an element of the air that everyone, including the unconscious Bob, was breathing in like oxygen.

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Susan, Cay, Barbara and Bob Searle Bob Searle died on January 19, 2014, and the mark on his leg, which both his daughters searched for, had disappeared, “as if it had never been there,” Susan recalls. “It was so incredible, so inexplicable to everyone,” she says, “yet it spoke to something we all understood clearly: love. It was as if my father, unable to tell us or point to the cloth heart, found a way to communicate with us up to the end—a continuation of the love he showed us in life, and the love he had for life.” l

atmosphere of the room seemed “ The charged with love, as if it were an element of the air that everyone, including the unconscious Bob, was breathing in like oxygen.

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902

Number of registered end-of-life patients who died during 2013/2014

394

Average number of program patients registered with Victoria Hospice on any given day

Remembering – Memorial Gifts to Victoria Hospice

Patricia Hitchens

Gerald Merner

Eleanor Sherwin

Graham Hollins

Sally Miklic

Martin Shore

Louie Hong

Diane Moen

John Simon

When people receive care from Victoria Hospice, it has been largely funded through the generosity of strangers. Almost half of Victoria Hospice’s funds come from donations. Below is a list of people who have died and whose family or friends asked that donations in their memory be sent to Victoria Hospice.

Through this kind gesture, these families are helping to ensure that end-of-life care will be available to other people when they need it. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have lost a loved one and thank them for helping to ensure that quality end-of-life care will be available for others.

From May 1, 2014 to September 19, 2014, Victoria Hospice has received gifts in memory of the following:

Graydon Hooker

Jack Moffat

Margaret Skelton

Michael Hubbard

Jose Moniz

Margaret Smith

Deb Humphrey

Gerald Montgomery

Murray Smith

Irene Ingham

Bea Morley

Maggie Smith

Mohinder Johal

Margaret Morris

Benjamin J. Smith

Elaine Johnson

Ken Murphy

Allan Smitten

Megan Johnston

Justice Murphy

Peter Songhurst

Robert E. Jones

Patrick Murray

Dave Jones

Jean Myescough

Gordon G. Sorenson

Barbara Keller

Meno Nywening

Clifford Kelly

Lorelei O’Byrne

Janet E. Kelly

Peter Ogilvie-Smith

Philip Kenherve

Howard Oja

Stella King

Regan Paetz

Thomas Kirk

Diana M. Patterson

Daniel Knowles

Verna Payne

Marion Koola

Mary Peressini

Charles Krausche

Patricia Peters

James W. Kuresh

Neville Pfaff

Deirdre Lang

Joan Phillips

Gary Lang

Catherine Phillips

Lloyd Larson

Stuart Piets

Julia Darley Laver

Bernie Potentier

Lloyd Lawson

Gail A. Provan

Duncan Lee

Mary Quigley

Pat Lennox

Gurdave (Dave) Rai

Elaine Leppard

David Ramsden

George Lobson

Ruth G. Reader

Hing Lum

Carol Reid

Johannes Lutter

Allen Robb

Judy Maclachlan

John Robertson

Walter M. MacLean

Sharon Robinson

Marjorie Maltby

Paul A. Roggeveen

John S. Mason

Milforde Rose

Harry Mathias

Margaret Sadowski

Elinor McCallum

Mary Schaufele

June McCormick

Peter Schoerle

Leon McGregor

David Schultz

William F. McInnis

Patricia Scott

Clarence McMullen

Sue Sentes

Bernard A. Mentha

Suzanne Shaw

Dilys Achtymichuk

Alice Chang-Kue

Joan Fletcher

Michael Adams

Beverly S. Church

Raymond Formosa

Siv Kristina Anderrson

Catherine Clement

John Fornasa

Valerie Cochrane

Joyce Fraser

Irene M. Cooper

Charles Gahr

Lorna J. Cottrell

Michael Galley

George Cowman

Lavri Geary

Patricia Cracknell

Deb Gentles

Gladys Craig

Stu Gibson

Sharon Crumly

Leonard Graves

Grace Dafoe

Gordon Greaves

Eva Dawkins

Helen Greene

Kathryn L. Dawson

Michael Gregson

John Dawson

Andrew Grigg

Severino De Paoli

Stanley Grocutt

Neil de Valk

John W. Haddock

Alan Duffus

Patricia Hanson

Barb Duncanson

Linda Harmon

Esther Duquette

Robert G. Harvey

Doris Ellett

Jean Harvey

Louise C. Falconer

Keith Hawkins

John C. Fawcett

Heather Hazel

Gladys Firth

Art Henny

Linda Carruthers

Audrey L. Fitzgerald

Barbara Heron

Margaret Carruthers

Ed Flack

Tom Carscadden

Florence Flannigan

Manfred Angene Joe Armitage Richard Attwell Gordon Ayre Jean Baird Morgan Baker Helen Bandy Mel Bedard Carol Bellows Guy Bicknell William J. A. Black Ed Bodnar Maria Bown Mary Braeder Walter Brain Graham Brehaut Curtis Bridge Patricia Buchholzer Mary Carpenter Irene Carruthers

Joan M. Highton Margaret Hildebrand

Helen Spain Dave Spence Carie M. Spendiff Frances Springer Diana Springer Steve W. Starchuk Evelyn Stauffer Christian Stieda Mike Stock Leif Sunde Leone Sveinson Frank Szy Holly Taylor Joy Te Kampe Peter C. Thompson Robert Thornburn Philip Trofimuk Gerry Tubin Brian Turnbull Linda Vance Louis Villeneuve Kathy Vowles Alec Walker Shelagh Wand Judy Wasylenko Joan M. White George White David Winn Janice E. Won Gilbert Wong Kit Wong Peter Yates

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Irene Besley Leaves Victoria Hospice Largest Bequest in its History

patient at Victoria Hospice. She was extremely grateful of the care given to her husband during his last days and wanted to thank Victoria Hospice by leaving us a legacy gift in her Will.

Following Dennis’ death in 1996, Irene continued to live in her home until her health started to decline.

In 2004, Scotiatrust became her financial Power of Attorney and helped her transition into St. Charles Manor and sell her beautiful home in Gordon Head.

Irene Marjorie and Dennis Besley Victoria Hospice always has mixed feelings when we are informed of an estate gift. While estate gifts make up a significant part of our fundraising needs and are very much appreciated, most of the time we don’t have the opportunity to personally thank donors for their generosity and foresight in naming Victoria Hospice as a beneficiary in their Will. This was the case with Marjorie Irene Besley.

Irene (as she liked to be called) was born Marjorie Irene Blackbourn in Kamloops, BC, on April 20, 1926.

She was the fourth youngest of five children born to early Victoria pioneers Elizabeth and Charles Blackbourn. Upon the death of her father in 1946, Irene and her mother moved to Victoria to be closer to other family members.

In the early 1950s, Irene met Dennis Besley. They married and built their home at the end of Gordon Head Road in Saanich. Both Irene and Dennis were avid gardeners and won many awards over the years for their spectacular vegetables and flowers.

Irene was a very private and quiet person but was very kind to others and always enjoyed time with family and friends. She liked to travel and made several trips to Europe. Both she and Dennis enjoyed many years at their Thetis Island cabin. Irene was also a long time employee of the BC Forest Service in their Victoria office.

In 2000, Irene became a client of Scotiatrust so they could manage her investments and finances and assist with her estate planning. Irene was touched by the care and compassion that her husband, Dennis, had received while he was a

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Irene passed away on April 2, 2013. Scotiatrust, as Executor of her estate, contacted Victoria Hospice and advised us that we were named as one of the residual beneficiaries of her estate. Scotiatrust attended to the administration the Irene’s estate, ensuring that her assets were protected and her wishes carried out pursuant to the terms of her Will.

We were unaware that Victoria Hospice was going to be the recipient of the largest estate gifts it has ever received – over $470,000!

And, while we can’t thank Marjorie Irene Besley personally for this tremendous legacy gift, we can thank her by sharing her story. Thank you, Irene! l

$470,000

The largest estate gift ever received by Victoria Hospice

Meet Victoria Hospice’s Youngest Fundraiser Four-day-old Adilynn, the newborn daughter of Justin and Kim Clews, became Hospice’s youngest fundraiser in its history. The tiny tot attended the annual Clews Charity Golf Tournament organized by her parents that raised over $16,000. Born almost three-weeks early, it seems clear that Adilynn didn’t want to miss the big event and is destined to become an avid golfer like her parents. Welcome to the world Adilynn, at only four-days-old you have already made a big difference for our patients and families. l

Meet Fran Cornish – Victoria Hospice Volunteer Volunteers are essential to the services we provide at Victoria Hospice and Fran Cornish is part of our institution of volunteerism.

Fran Cornish Fran Cornish has been a unit volunteer for over 30 years!

She arrives at 7:30 am every week, with a friendly smile and a willingness to help wherever she can, from making coffee and sorting laundry to feeding patients and comforting those in need – both patients and families.

A former Registered Nurse, Fran’s passion for volunteering at a hospice came after she attended an inspiring lecture in Montreal by Dr. Balfour Mount, considered to be the father of palliative care in North America. Dr. Mount shared a personal story which resonated with Fran. As an intern, Dr. Mount was doing his daily rounds and noticed a young girl in a hospital room by herself. He went into the girl’s room and chatted with her. When he was about to leave, the girl said, “Thank you for visiting, no one ever comes and talks to me about cancer.”

who raised six children, acted as an amateur psychologist, and always gave good advice.

Fran says her biggest accomplishment in life is raising her four children and seeing her own children raise her four grandsons. We would like to add to that list Fran’s tremendous voluntary contribution to Victoria Hospice. Thank you, Fran!

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Victoria Hospice Donor Wall – An Enduring and Visible Thank You Almost half of Victoria Hospice’s funding comes from kind-hearted donors like you. All gifts are needed and all are appreciated. Every gift is recognized in the Donor Recognition Book and donors receive thank you calls and letters. Anonymity is respected. To recognize individuals whose cumulative lifetime gifts exceed $5,000, Victoria Hospice installed a Donor Recognition Wall on the fourth floor of the Richmond Pavilion in May, 2014. The categories of giving are:

Visionaries

$1,000,000+ Founders

$500,000–$999,999

Patrons

Benefactors

Champions

$50,000–$99,999 Believers

$25,000–$49,999 Sustainers

After Fran and her family moved to Victoria, she decided to follow her passion and started volunteering at Victoria Hospice.

$250,000–$499,999

After 30 years of volunteering week after week, one would imagine that it may become mundane, but not for Fran who says, “I am inspired by the patients – the way they handle death.” Fran also enjoys working with the nurses, staff and other volunteers and they share lots of laughs.

There is also a separate section to recognize those donors who have left a gift to Victoria Hospice in their Will. The Donor Recognition Wall is updated every six months. New additions include Rudi Hoenson (Benefactor) and Dick and Linda Auchinleck (Champions.)

One would also expect that there would be days that are harder than others. Fran’s response to this was, “Some days are busy, but never hard ones.”

Thank you to all our donors who make care of the dying and support for the living possible at Victoria Hospice. l

$100,000–$249,999

$10,000–$24,999 Supporters

$5,000–$9,999

One of Fran’s most memorable experiences here at Hospice happened during her first month. She was visiting a delightful Scottish lady on the unit.

Fran talked about this and that, and the lady had a poetry reference for everything. She reminded Fran of her biggest inspiration – her mother,

325+

Number of active Hospice trained volunteers

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Events Raise Over $210,000!

Many thanks to all the families and friends who held and supported events to raise funds for Victoria Hospice including: Victoria Hospice Shred-A-Thon Thanks to Access Records & Media Management, Bank of Montreal and a team of volunteers $3,653 was raised for end-of-life care.

A Great Night of Country Music Dodd’s Furniture presented a night to remember with David James & Big River a Tribute to Johnny Cash with proceeds to benefit Victoria Hospice.

Third Annual Hike for Hospice

The Third Annual Hike for Hospice was a huge success! This year’s walk brought in $44,000 to support the Palliative Response Team (PRT).

Together with two additional donations for the purchase and operation of a new PRT car, a grand total of $107,000 was raised!

4th Anneswer to Cancer and World Record Attempt

9th Annual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour Thank you to all our garden owners, volunteers and sponsors for making the 9th Annual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour a beautiful day to remember. Over $14,000 was raised to support Hospice programs!

Cedar Hill Ladies Field Day Charity Event These fabulous ladies work tirelessly to make their golf tournament an unforgettable day of fun. This year’s much anticipated event raised their most yet – $13,386 – and has raised over $90,000 for end-oflife care since 1986.

Cycle of Life Tour 2014 This summer 50 local cyclists and hospice supporters pedaled their hearts out in a two-day round trip, Victoria to Salt Spring Island, to raise funds and awareness for hospice care in our communities. This year’s ride raised over $60,000!

Morgan Turner Photography

Jaguar Car Show – Jaguars On The Island A record $60,000 raised and new Canadian record set for the most consecutive soccer passes!

Victoria Wood Studio Wine and Cheese Victoria Wood Studio along with Charelli’s Cheese Shop & Delicatessen hosted an elegant evening of wine and cheese.

18th Annual Teeing it Up for Victoria Hospice Mixed Golf Extravaganza This year’s much-loved annual event at Olympic View Golf Course raised over $19,000 for Victoria Hospice. A heartfelt thank you to the Brooks family for their long standing support of Hospice.

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The Jaguar Car Club of Victoria celebrated its 11th anniversary by hosting Jaguars On The Island 2014 this summer with proceeds to benefit Victoria Hospice.

Gordy Dodd’s 5th Annual Walk for Peace Victoria Hospice was the grateful recipient of the proceeds raised by this year’s Gordy Dodd Walk for Peace. This year’s walk raised over $32,000, including a $28,000 donation from TELUS. Darts Victoria Icebreaker Charity Shot Darts Victoria went for bulls eye again for Hospice with their annual charity shot. The group has been supporting Victoria Hospice since 1999.

Hugh Carbery Pro Am Golf Tournament Golfers delighted in a great day on the course at this memorable event! Thank you to Brent, Brian, and Brock for their on-going support of Hospice in memory of their father.

Upcoming Events to Raise Funds for Victoria Hospice Blue Tuesdays at Charelli’s Cheese Shop Stop by Charelli’s Cheese Shop for a Blue Tuesday! 15% of all blue cheese sales every Tuesday will support Victoria Hospice. (some exceptions apply) Visit them at 2851 Foul Bay Road. heART for Hospice – Gala Reception and Art Auction – Wednesday November 19 at The Union Club of BC, 7–9 pm

Russ Hay’s Ambriss Clermont Memorial Ride

Bike enthusiasts from Victoria came together this fall to raise $33,680 for Victoria Hospice in the 3rd annual Ambriss Clermont Memorial Ride put on by Russ Hay’s The Bicycle Shop.

Firm Management Golf Tournament It was a beautiful day at Cedar Hill Golf Course for the annual Firm Management Golf Tournament.

Thank you to the Fimrite Family and everyone at Firm Management for the incredible support!

Clews’ Charity Golf Tournament Thank you to Justin and Kim Clews for hosting their 3rd annual tournament for Victoria Hospice at Uplands Golf Course. This fun, fall event raised over $16,000! Special thanks to Garry Rai and Tony Fathers for their beard and head shaving challenge.

29th Annual Swimathon for Victoria Hospice From October 4–11 swimmers of all ages and abilities made a splash for Victoria Hospice during the 29th Annual Swimathon. Participants were able to swim their laps or take a dip at one of the ten participating recreation facilities. Since 1986, Swimathon has raised over $2M for end-of-life care. l

Join us for an elegant evening of art, music and mingling to support exceptional end-of-life care. You’ll enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres service, a live art auction, silent auction featuring local art and artists, live music, and some delightful door prizes! Tickets are $45, on sale at http://heartforhospice.bpt.me or by calling 250-519-1744.

How to Cope with the Holidays When You Are Grieving – November 22, 10:30 am–12 noon Join us for this free workshop to learn tips to help you develop practical strategies for dealing with grief during the holidays. Pre-registration is required. Email Hospice.Bereavement@viha.ca or call 250-370-8868.

Night of Lights at Hillside Shopping Centre – Monday, November 23, 6–10 pm Victoria Hospice is once again selling tickets for the Night of Lights (formerly the Night Before Late Night Shopping) at Hillside Centre. Tickets are $5, all of which benefit Victoria Hospice when purchased from Hospice, and include a chance to win lots of prizes including a trip for two to New York! You can still enter the draw even if you can’t attend the event. To purchase tickets, please call 250-519-1744.

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Upcoming Events Continued Giving Tuesday – December 2 Imagine a day dedicated to giving back… around the world, across Canada and in your own community! Just as Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, GivingTuesday is the opening day of the giving season. Victoria Hospice will be sending a special e-mail invitation to supporters to encourage donations on this special day. To be added to the list or to learn more, please email Wendy.Innes@victoriahospice.org or call 250-519-1744.

Celebrate-a-Life – December 1–12 Victoria Hospice’s Celebrate-a-Life, now in its 29th year, invites the community to visit Hillside Centre and place tributes to loved ones on the Hospice tree from December 1–12.

Celebrate-a-Life Memorial Service – Sunday, December 14, UVic Interfaith Chapel, 3pm Join us as we remember and honour the memory of loved ones at the Interfaith Chapel at UVic.

Victoria Hospice Vision

Quality end-of-life care for all.

Victoria Hospice Mission

To enhance the quality of life for those facing advancing illness, death and bereavement through skilled and compassionate care, education, research and advocacy.

Editor: Carlie Curry Contributors: Natasha Benn, Jennifer Jasechko, Wendy Innes, Grant Menzies When you have finished reading this newsletter, please pass it on. If you would like to share your story, have other story ideas, would like us to send a copy to someone else, or would like to not receive this newsletter please contact Carlie Curry, Donor Relations Officer, at 250-519-1744 or by email at carlie.curry@victoriahospice.org. Thank you.

Fourth Annual Hike for Hospice Save the Date – May 3, 2015 is the date of our Fourth Annual Hike for Hospice! l 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8 250-519-1744, info@victoriahospice.org

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Much of the beauty in life is found in people who care. Thank you for the wonderful care you gave to my mom.

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www.victoriahospice.org Registered Charity # 11928 4230 RR0001 Victoria Hospice respects your privacy and we do not sell, trade, lend or rent any of your personal information.