An over $10,000 donation from Muskoka 100 People Who Care will help Hospice Muskoka-Andy’s House continue to service our community.
Donna Kearney, Hospice Muskoka executive director, said 50 per cent of their operating budget comes from these donations, which makes them “really important” to keep Andy’s house and Hospice Muskoka open.
“We get 20 per cent from the Ministry of Health, and we get 30 per cent from the local hospital who rents five of our beds,” shared Kearney. “Our two nurse practitioners, our social worker and all of that is paid through donor dollars. Whenever we run a program in the community, like a grief and bereavement program or advanced care planning program, it’s paid for by donor dollars.”
Kearney said they are constantly asking the province to fund hospices across Ontario.
“What we provide to people is specialized palliative care at a fraction of the cost of hospital care,” said Kearney.
Muskoka 100 People Who Care collected the funds at their inaugural meeting on June 18 at Bass Lake Roadhouse. The cheque was given to Hospice Muskoka-Andy’s House on June 24.
“We were very honored to be able to receive that money and also to make some connections,” Kearney said.
Kearney added it was a “huge opportunity” for them to be able to share their message and network with more people in the community, raising awareness of what Hospice Muskoka does.
“The more people who know about that, the more the government will hear from people and help us get permanent funding,” shared Kearney. “Andy’s house is almost four years old now, and the health care system has really embraced what we offer.
Kearney added the local community has also welcomed them and their programs and services.
“People are now understanding that end of life and dying in comfort and with dignity is a right, and it needs to be funded properly. And in doing so, it costs 50 per cent less than a hospital,” said Kearney.
