Losing a loved one is never easy, but Donna Kearney, executive director of Hospice Muskoka, says it’s important to open about it and remember to celebrate their life.
The not-for-profit runs Andy’s House, a palliative care home in Port Carling, and is preparing to host its annual Hike for Hospice from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8 at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery at 1074 Cranberry Rd. in Bala.
Kearney says the fundraising goal has been set at $75,000. Anyone wanting to donate can contribute through Hospice Muskoka’s website.
The farm and winery will donate 10 percent of food and retail sales the day of the hike to Hospice Muskoka.
She points out how the organization’s annual budget is just over $3 million with half of it coming from donations and grants. Kearney adds five of the 10 beds offered at Andy’s House are supported through a partnership with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare while three others are partially funded by Ontario’s government.
“Death is not a failure of the healthcare system,” she continues. “Death is just a passage of life and we all need to be open about talking about it.”
Kearney says it’s important to grieve when you lose someone, but also to honour their legacy. “All of our events are connected to quality relationships,” she explains.
Lesley Commandant, customer relations manager with the farm and winery, says it’s important for them to give back to their neighbours. “We really, really hope it’s going to be an enduring partnership,” she adds about hosting the fundraiser for a second year.
She shares how she’s had family members die in a hospital. “I said to the palliative care doctor one time, ‘I don’t know why you chose this profession, but I’m eternally grateful that you did,'” remembered Commandant.
While noting her appreciation for the work and high-quality care provided at hospitals, Commandant says she appreciates that hospice provides a place for someone at the end of their life to die with dignity, surrounded by loves ones. “Donna’s – and those at hospice – kindness, love, and belief in what in what Hospice Muskoka is doing just really shines through,” she continues.
