With more than a week left in the fundraising campaign, the Milford Bay Community Centre has raised over $35,000 for Andy’s House.
Gordon Roberts, chair of the community centre’s board, says they wanted to support the Port Carling-based palliative care home, which is run by Hospice Muskoka, because its multi-million-dollar yearly budget heavily relies on donations. He notes the Ministry of Health provides some funding, but it’s for clinical staffing costs with the remaining dollars coming from donations and grants.
Since they’ve surpassed the fundraising goal, Roberts says they’re now pushing to raise $45,000.
“Andy’s House is a gem and provides a service that is not provided nearby,” he says.
Since the facility opened in Oct. 2020, he says they have helped over 500 people “die with dignity” by being surrounded with friends and family in a home-like setting, rather than the hospital. “It takes the pressure off the families,” he continues.
Andy’s House held a “celebration of gratitude” in July to thank those who have supported them since they opened and look towards the future.
He explains how the end-of-life process for families is difficult for so many reasons and it’s not easy to figure out who to call. “Andy’s House bridges that gap,” he says.
Anyone interested in contributing can donate online or by sending a cheque to Andy’s House, noting it’s for the Milford Bay fundraiser. The fundraiser ends on Aug. 11.
“It’s just so heartwarming to see the support,” says Roberts.
