January 2012

January 27th • Hospice Celebrates "A Time for Joy"

Carol Derbyshire, left, the Executive Director of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County accepts a donation of $10,000 from, (from left to right), Richard Cosley White, President of Blackburn Radio, local musicians Jody Raffoul and Jeff Burrows and Dr. John Strasser, President of St. Clair College.

The warm tidings of the Christmas season truly made it a joyful time for The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

On Jan. 23, The Hospice received a donation of $10,000 from the A Time for Joy holiday CD, a joint fundraiser that supported both The Hospice and St. Clair College. The CD featured music from local artists Jody Raffoul and Jeff Burrows and was produced in partnership with St. Clair College and Blackburn Radio Inc.

The money received from this fundraiser will go toward the 2011 Hospice Face to Face Campaign. This puts the total for the campaign at $52,000.

For more information on the A Time for Joy fundraiser and the cheque presentation, please visit www.stclaircollege.ca/news/hospicebenefits.html

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January 30th • Shop Smart and Have a Heart

Chris Appleton, right, Community Director of SmartBetty.com, shares the details of the new partnership between the discount shopping website and The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. Guests at the announcement learned how to use the site, the type of discounts and deals that would be available and that 10 per cent of revenue is donated to not-for-profit organizations, like The Hospice.

Most of the time people shop it is either out of necessity or impulsivity. But The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County is hoping people will now start to shop with their hearts.

The Hospice, in partnership with deal-of-the-day website SmartBetty.com, will now offer shoppers the chance to save money while, at the same time, donating 10 per cent of the revenue from their purchase to charity.

An information session on how to use SmartBetty.com and the partnership between the two organizations was held at The Hospice Wellness Centre Jan. 30 and offered attendees a small orientation from Chris Appleton, Community Director for SmartBetty.com.

SmartBetty.com will officially launch in the Windsor area on Feb. 8 and the hopes are high for a positive response from consumers.

“Our aim is to give back to the communities we operate in,” said Appleton. “If you live in Windsor and buy a coupon for a service in Toronto, you can still choose that your money goes to The Hospice in Windsor. It’s about helping your community.”
For more information on how to sign up for SmartBetty.com and to choose The Hospice as your charity of choice, click the picture below.

December 2011

December 27th, 28th & 29th • Hockey For Hospice Scores Again!

The 2011 edition of Hockey For Hospice - the three-day annual holiday tournament - raised an incredible $155,500 for
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, brining the 16 year total to $1,472,000.

75 teams, comprising more than 1,600 players, from different minor hockey leagues across Windsor and Essex County competed in a uniquely Windsor tradition.  The hockey players fundraise for Hospice by getting pledges.  Pledge points are awarded to the individual teams and added to their on ice points, to determine over-all standings.

Congratulations to this year’s over-all pledge champions, Mr. Meat Market Atoms from the LaSalle Minor Hockey Association. Backed by team member Brayden Romualdi’s $2,400 in pledge donations, the team raised a total of $5,066.50.

The 16th annual Hockey for Hospice co-chairs Tim Beaulieu and Paul Pietraszko, along with long-time Hospice volunteer, Doug Bertram are thrilled with the success of this year’s tournament.  Utilizing 5-arenas (Amherstburg, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Adie Knox and Windsor Arena) it was a logistical achievement by all involved to stage 169 hockey games in 3-days
(Dec. 27-29).  

This tournament would not be possible without the tremendous support of coaches, parents, volunteers, advertisers, sponsors and most importantly the players, whose generous pledges, community involvement and love for the game make this tournament memorable year after year.

Freedom 55 Financial Regional Manager, Al Broadbent, presents Hospice Executive Director, Carol Derbyshire, with donations to the Hockey for Hospice campaign and the 2011 Hospice Gala.  Hospice Event Coordinator, Heather Robinson, left, and Hospice Manager of Events, Marianne Lanoue, also take part in the presentation.

Final tournament results may be found on the Hockey For Hospice website:
www.hockeyforhospice.com

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December 12th • Singing Firefighter Sings Praises for Hospice

Executive Director of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, Carol Derbyshire, and Major Ralph Young, right, of the Salvation Army, accept cheques for $1,000 donations from Wayne Pestru, retired Windsor Fire and Rescue District Chief. Pestru donated the money from the sale of his CD A Walk Down Memory Lane to both organizations.

Wayne Pestru still remembers the first time he dealt with The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County.

“Hospice was the first organization to invite me to sing at a function,” said Pestru, a retired Windsor Fire and Rescue District Chief, also known as 'Windsor's Singing Firefighter'. “It was around the holidays and I sang songs from the 50s and 60s and then went into some Christmas music.”

Years after his first performance at a Hospice function, Pestru is repaying the organization for their kindness and generousity.

On Dec. 12, Pestru was at The Hospice to donate $1,000 from the sales of his CD, A Walk Down Memory Lane. Along with his generous donation to The Hospice, Pestru also contributed $1,000 to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.

“This was my first CD,” said Pestru. “I really wanted to get a good collection of music from the 50s and 60s that people love and just make a good record.”

The CD was sold independently by Pestru along with his family and friends. He said it took about four months total to complete the project and that he received help with the manufacturing from Peter Palazzolo from the Canadian Conservatory of Music. Pestru notes that people were more than happy to purchase his CD when they heard who
would benefit from the proceeds.

“When people heard who the money was going to they were on board with buying the CD,” he said. “Everyone likes to help Hospice.”

Windsor's Singing Firefighter, Wayne Pestru will be performing Dec. 20 at Billie's Place, 3179 Sandwich St. in Windsor from
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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December 8th • Knights of Columbus Donate Proceeds of Pasta Evening

Executive Director of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, Carol Derbyshire, accepts a cheque from Knights of Columbus Visitation Parish Council 8783 in Comber, Ontario. Representing the K of C are Deputy Grand Knight, Maurice Janisse, left, and Past Grand Knight, Len Lassaline.

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County received an early Christmas gift Dec. 8 from long-time supporters The Knight of Columbus.

On Oct. 29, The Knights of Columbus Visitation Parish Council 8783, located in Comber, hosted the annual Knights of Columbus Pasta Evening with proceeds being donated to The Hospice. The event was a success, raising $6,450 from ticket sales and a variety of auctions over the course of the evening.

Event chair, Len Lassaline, said the pasta dinner rotates between city and county chapters of the K of C each year and this year his chapter was lucky enough to host the 14th annual dinner and show their support for The Hospice.

“We had about 130 people in attendance at this year's dinner,” said Lassaline. “And along with those folks that came out we also had 80 contributors for our three different auctions throughout the evening.”

The auction portion of the evening offered something for everyone. There was a silent auction, a live auction and most popular with the crowd, a balloon auction.

“The way the balloon auction worked was we had a bunch of balloons filled with helium,” said Lassaline. “You would pay $5 per balloon and then you would pop it and see what the slip of paper inside had written on it. Whichever number you found in your balloon, you would win the corresponding prize. But, some balloons said 'Thank you for your support' and didn't have a prize to win so it was really a game of chance.”

The event, said Deputy Grand Knight Maurice Janisse, is all about giving back to the community. “Hospice does so much for everyone else that this is the least we can do for Hospice,” said Janisse.

November 2011

NDP MP Joe Comartin • National Palliative Care Strategy

NDP MP Joe Comartin told a gathering of media and health care professionals at The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County that a recently released report from the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care recommends establishing a National Palliative Care Strategy.  Comartin, one of the co-chairs of the committee, thanked The Hospice for hosting some of the committee’s original research forums and for providing its services and programs to people in Windsor-Essex, “We are one of the few communities in this country that has palliative care services available.  Only 16 to 30% (of people in Canada) have access to some type of palliative care” Comartin said. 

The report “Not to be Forgotten: Care of Vulnerable Canadians” recommends creating a secretariat to provide leadership in establishing national standards for palliative and compassionate care.  Comartin said, “We are hoping this report will be used as a model”. 

Comartin said one of the most captivating findings, for the committee, was the dedication of the people who currently work in providing palliative care.  He told the crowd, “We were just taken aback by the passion and compassion the people in palliative care have.”  

Comartin, who last week received the Maclean’s/Dominion Institute award as Canada’s Most Knowledgeable Parliamentarian, said the findings of the report reaffirm his belief that the way The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County provides service is a model for Canada, “Would we be better moving to a community based palliative care?  I think we would and this report makes that recommendation.”

October 2011

Donation from German-Canadian Business & Professional Association

Gunther Wolf, left, President of the German-Canadian Business & Professional Association and Franz Hauser, right, Treasurer and 2nd Vice-President, present Carol Derbyshire, Executive Director of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, with a cheque for $2,000. Each year the association holds raffles or similar events with proceeds being generously donated to The Hospice.

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Donation from Knights Hospitaller Foundation

Emma Darby, left, Donor Relations Manager at Hospice, accepts a cheque for $500 from Allison Amos on behalf of the Knight Hospitaller Foundation.

September 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bayshore Home Health recognizes the need for nationwide government support of family caregivers

Vote To Support Caregivers social media campaign asks Canadians to “vote” for public funding for family caregivers

Mississauga, ON – Sept. 28, 2011 - Bayshore Home Health, a leading Canadian health care company, has kicked off a new social media campaign aimed at garnering public support for increased government funding and supportive policies for family and informal caregivers.

Recent Canadian statistics show that our seniors’ population is steadily on the rise, and expected to reach 6.7 million in 2021 and 9.2 million by 2041 (representing nearly one in four Canadians). In fact, the growth of our seniors’ population will account for close to half of the growth of the overall Canadian population in the next four decades.1 As our senior's population increases, so too does the percentage of middle-aged adults who comprise a demographic that juggles employment with the responsibility of caring for both elderly loved ones as well as their own family. Until now, the contributions of these family caregivers have largely gone unnoticed. Bayshore Home Health is encouraging governments to support this growing group of "care champions," who are rapidly becoming a formidable force in the future of Canada's health care system and significantly reducing it financial burden.

“Family caregivers make invaluable contributions to Canada's health care system and require and deserve the support of our provincial and federal governments," says Stuart Cottrelle, President of Bayshore Home Health. "Vote for Caregivers is an eight-week campaign encouraging all Canadians to log onto Facebook, share their stories and vote to support family caregivers.” The Vote to Support Caregivers Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/votetosupportcaregivers.

With the future outlook of an aging population, Bayshore is urging Canadian's to make the case for provincial and federal funding initiatives aimed at reducing financial stress and improving the lives of family caregivers – a program that if implemented, would be akin to the notable benefits of providing parental leave for parents to care for their young families.

An encouraging debate is currently underway in Ontario's general election, where some political parties are taking action and making the necessary steps toward providing caregivers with the support they need. For instance, the Ontario Liberals recently committed to providing eight weeks of unpaid job security to those individuals who need to take time off work to care for a sick loved one. The eight-week family caregiver leave program would give Ontarians time to care for family members suffering from a serious illness. The federal government has also recognized the importance of supporting family care giving with its own commitment to increase funding for community-based home re.

"Family care giving is a rewarding, yet stressful undertaking – an around the clock job, often adding an additional 20 hours per week caring for a loved one, over a four-year period," Cottrelle continues. "Bayshore Home Health supports family caregivers and will be taking the Vote to Support Caregivers campaign results to policy makers across the country, advocating for stronger government policies and the funding needed to care for our loved ones."

Bayshore Home Health is an organization that offers solutions and resources to family caregivers to help ease the burden on the caregiver’s own health. Bayshore encourages all levels of government to support family caregivers by providing the necessary funding to ensure public policies are established nation-wide.

About Bayshore Home Health
Bayshore Home Health has been enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Canadians in their homes since 1966. Canadian owned and operated, it is the country’s largest provider of home and community health care services, with more than 50 home care offices and two-dozen community care clinics. It delivers nursing, personal care, home support and companion services to more than 70,000 Canadians annually, and also offers nurse and caregiver staffing services to health care organizations and corporate clients. Its subsidiaries provide specialty pharmacy, infusion and pharmaceutical support services (Bayshore Specialty Rx), physiotherapy and rehabilitation services (Bayshore Therapy & Rehab), and dialysis services (Bayshore Dialysis). More information can be found at www.bayshore.ca.

For more information contact:
Liz Daniel
Area Director
Bayshore Home Health, Windsor
Email: ldaniel@bayshore.ca
Phone : 519 973 5411 ext.30405

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1 Global News; The Aging Journey; 2008

November 2010

November 10th
Face to Face Surpasses Annual Campaign Goal

With an army of just 230 face to face canvassers, The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County Inc. achieved its financial goal of $50,503.53 with some funds still trickling in.

The Annual Face to Face Campaign aims to recruit 500 people from Windsor and Essex County who will ask ten people for $10 in hopes of raising $50,000 to ensure The Hospice can continue to provide programs and services in this community. The 6 week campaign started on August 15th and ended September 30th and attributes much of this year’s success to social media and online resources. “Our savvy canvassers made use of the Facebook to Facebook as well as the email tools to assist them with gathering their pledges this year. Our long-time Face to Face supporters employed the traditional phone call or actual face to face meetings to do their asking”, stated Kathy Vincent. The exciting kick-off event in August and the recent Wrap up party featured new Faces as well as annual canvassers. Under the encouragement of John Fairley, who originated the Face to Face campaign, and Carol Derbyshire, Executive Director of The Hospice, the many Faces of Hospice were treated to food and entertainment and a special visit from The Windsor Spitfire player Kenny Ryan, who along with franchise representative Rob Gagnon, announced a surprise gift of $1,000 from the Spitfires Foundation. A number of other generous large donations were also received this year which helped us reach our campaign goal.

The Face to Face Fundraising efforts have just celebrated its 8th year and has been  dubbed “the easiest fundraiser you’ll ever take part in. No need to walk, eat pasta, dress in your formal wear – just open your wallet and your heart.” Those interested in canvassing or making a donation are urged to contact The Hospice directly.

The mission of The Hospice is to support, educate and empower those who are affected by or caring for a person with a life-altering diagnosis.  The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. is Canada’s largest community-based palliative care facility affectionately known as The Hospice Village. Patients, families and caregivers are offered support, education and the tools of empowerment to pursue opportunities for personal growth and wellness during a challenging time in their lives. To date, our innovative programs and services have supported and educated more than 30,000 people.

Our full range of services offered to individuals from the point of pre-diagnosis include: counseling, support groups, transportation, education, and home visits. Through the generous support of donors and funders, people in Windsor and Essex County have access to the first ever Hospice Village in Canada; featuring a Wellness Centre, Pain and Symptom Management Clinic, our Residential Home and the Solcz Family Home for Children and Family Programs. For more information about our services please visit www.thehospice.ca or contact Kathy Vincent, Public Relations and Communications Coordinator at 519.974.7100, or via email kvincent@thehospice.ca .

A personal thank you to all that assisted us. Whether you canvassed for us, communicated on our behalf or contributed with a pledge…you ALL played an integral part of the success of this year’s campaign.

THANK YOU so much!!!

October 2010

October 15th
2010 Hospice Gala Raffle Winners Annoucement

Raffle winners drawn Friday, October 15th at the Rainforest Gala at 10:15pm.

1st Prize
Rolex Watch donated by Joseph-Anthony Fine Jewelry
Won by: Kathryn Hengl, Tecumseh, Ontario

2nd Prize
One Year of Pampering donated by Pure Day Spa
Won by: Katie Marier, Tecumseh, Ontario

3rd Prize
Toronto Hockey Fan Package donated by Shibley Righton LLP & Royal York Hotel
Won by: Brian Gregg, Windsor, Ontario

4th Prize
Spitfire Game Suite Package donated by VIP Windsor Shuttle Services
Won by: Chad McPhedran, Windsor, Ontario

August 2010

August 10th
Hospice raises funds $10 at a time

The Windsor Star • Dylan Kristy
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County is inviting community members to contribute $10 each to its eighth annual Face to Face Campaign. The campaign’s goal is to recruit 500 people from Windsor and Essex County as “ambassadors” and have each person collect 10 pledges of $10 in the hope of raising $50,000.

Hospice communications coordinator Kathy Vincent said The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County affects many people. “Unfortunately here in Windsor we have a huge cancer affliction rate but we take care of everyone,” Vincent said. “We see patients that have a disease like heart disease, cancer, multiple sclerosis, pretty much all life-altering diagnosis.”

John Fairley, founder of the Face to Face Campaign, said the goal of the campaign is one that can be easily accomplished. “We’re not asking people to get dressed up for a gala or go rollerblading or anything else you can think of that people do for fundraisers,” Fairley said. “You can easily ask 10 people you know, work with, go to church with or the neighbours for $10 and when you have had the services at Hospice and have seen what it has done it’s life changing.”

The campaign runs from Aug. 15 to Sept. 30 and officially gets underway with a barbecue on Aug. 16.
The barbecue runs from noon to 2 p.m. at The Hospice Village at 6038 Empress St. and will allow interested participants the chance to see the facility.
The orientation and barbecue are free.
New to this year’s campaign is a social media element that will allow ambassadors to canvass with social networking tools to obtain pledges.

June 2010

June 20th
Tristan Snip of Kingsville • LemonAID for Hospice

"Dear Hospice,
My name is Tristan Snip. I am seven years old. I was selling lemonade for you and two of my friends, Ryan and Colton came along to help. We got lots of money for you. We’re not done selling everything yet. In the fall we want to sell granola bars for money for you. I hope you can use the money.
From
Tristan Snip”.

Tristan,
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We will put your donation to very good use to help Hospice patients and families.
Sincerely,
The Hospice

May 2010

May 25th
Blankets made by the members of Christ Church Colchester ACW

Hospice Social Worker Katie Tubb and Hospice Nurse Daniel Jimenez hug blankets so lovingly made
“With Blessings, with Love , and with Prayers”…by the members of Christ Church Colchester ACW.
These set of beautiful blankets are being distributed to Hospice families in the community.

April 2010

April 21st
It's All About You The Raffle Prize Winners
Prizes drawn at 1:10pm at the Caboto Club at the Luncheon and Fashion Show. License # M630859

Christine King #0316 1st prize • Pure Day Spa, One Year of Pampering Valued at $5,650.00

Helen Eccles #0567 2nd prize • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning by Nunes Valued at $1,050.00

Doris Lapico #1618 3rd prize • Jewelry Wardrobe Cabinet with 2 pearl Necklaces Valued at $655.40

Mary Jane Wisner #1503 4th prize • 3 hours of indoor cleaning plus 3 hours of outdoor cleaning by Nunes Valued at $630.00

Wendy Zucchet #1030 5th prize • Fashion Consultation at Anne's On The Avenue plus a $250 Gift Certificate Valued at $512.50

Laurie Gibb #0383 6th prize • Sony E-Book Reading Aid Valued at $339.00

March 2010

March 27th
Congrats to our Savour the Sea 50/50 raffle winner

Elisabeth Costa of Windsor

December 2009

The Mildew Maple Leafs make a donation to The Hospice
at their annual tournament

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‘Triangles to the Stars’ themed beautiful QS Quilt
was the prize of the draw.

Sheila Draper of Windsor was the lucky winner.

Pictured are Marcie McCallum (member of the Piecemakers-Windsor), Lina Sabitini of The Hospice,  Barb Kersey (Piecemakers) and Carol Derbyshire  of The Hospice with the winning ticket and quilt.

Members of the Piecemakers – Windsor group who handcrafted the quilt were:

The quilt raffle raised over $2,000 for The Hospice. Thank you so much ladies!

November 2009

November 17th
Riverside High School Fashion Show Fundraiser for Hospice

The Hospice’s Cal Little accepts a cheque for $1,724.23 from the students at Riverside High School this month.

Last April 29th 2009 – “Vices and Virtues” Fashion Show Chairs Kathleen Liu and Lotus Pupulin steered a dynamic team of students through a very successful Fashion Show. Also pictured are Diana Gesuale and Simona Gesuale-Baggio with Cal Little.
THANK YOU!

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30th Annual Hospice Gala • TV Cogeco Donation

Peggy Winch and Kathy Vincent of the Hospice graciously accept a major donation from TVCogeco’s Marlene Corey for $5,000 towards this year’s Gala.

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November 7th
Windsor and Essex County Knights of Columbus Annual Fundraiser

A wonderful evening at Sacred Heart Parish was enjoyed by all.
L.A. Elvis and crew entertained the Sock Hop themed event

Carol Derbyshire accepts a recognition plaque from K of C representative Joe Vallincourt.

October 2009

October 16th • 30th Annual Hospice Gala

Raffle Prize Winners:
1st Prize Winner: John Murphy of Tecumseh
2nd Prize Winner: Yvonne Chappus of Amherstburg
3rd Prize Winner: Pam St. Louis of Windsor
4th Prize Winner: Douglas Gammon of Windsor

Congratulations to Yvonne Chappus who won the second place raffle prize from Pure Day spa.
Pictured here is Sonja and Rita with Yvonne on Gala night.

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Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem

Another wonderful organization making a generous donation to The Hospice...
Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem

Shown here are Keith Amos, Allison Amos, and Pat Kelly presenting Peggy Winch with their check.

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Girls Night Out

Girls Night Out representatives Darlene Clark and Susan Pettinato present Peggy Winch with a generous donation from
their wonderful night of fun.

June 2009

June 20th • Charity Golf Event at On The Green

A cheque was presented to Cal Little of Hospice in the amount of $1200.00 from Rob Ryan.

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June 23rd • Rock Harbor Financial Customer Appreciation Night

Tim Jones' Team hosted a wonderful evening at Hospice. Wonderful food, friends and Canada Day themed fun.

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June 19th • Hits for Hospice a BIG Hit with fans

The band The Greatest Hits Live raised $2,000 for Hospice through concessions and a guitar draw.

May 2009

Giant Tiger

May 2009 – Giant Tiger Store owners Brian and Patty Banks presents gift cards to Cal Little, Director of Resource Development, of the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. Their receipt program , which offered $10 back for every $100 spent at Giant Tiger for a designated 6 week period afforded the Hospice numerous gift cards from a generous customer.

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Windsor LCD 1/Tecumseh Post Office

May 2009 - Windsor LCD 1/Tecumseh Post Office Station presented the Hospice with a donation check on behalf of their
old friend Harry. As an employee organization they donated $ 250 in memory of their friend.

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May 20th • Brian Masse MPP

May 20, 2009 – Brian Masse MPP presents Kathy Vincent, Communications Coordinator at The Hospice with a certificate of participation at the recent Community Services Expo organized by his office.

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May 21st • GCBPA

May 21, 2009 – GCBPA Raffle Winners were drawn.
Lottery Raffle license # M596197
$1000 winner – ticket # 028
$500 winner – ticket # 792
$250 winner -  ticket #311

Left to right: Tony Hems (President), Günther Wolf (Past President), Ewald Hesse (Director), Carol Derbyshire and Dr. Rudzinski.

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Grade 7 GECDSB

Grade Seven Leadership students from the GECDSB presented a cheque in the amount of $16,000.