FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH HALTON, ONTARIO, December 04, 2023 –The Townsend Smith Foundation (TSF) was pleased to use the internationally recognized “Giving Tuesday” day to recognize and thank the many community-mind volunteers and donors that have helped TSF make measurable gains in its journey to build and operate a residential hospice in North Halton a reality.
“2023 saw much progress” shared Board Chair, Astrid Lakats, “The community can always celebrate the past months as the time that the land and planning permissions necessary to build North Halton’s first hospice residence were secured at the geographic heart of North Halton on Trafalgar Road and 5th Line, strategically and conveniently nestled between the urban centres of Milton and Georgetown and a short drive to downtown Acton”.
TSF’s hospice care will prioritize patient comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering but will also support the needs of family and friends in a supportive environment.
“Like other health infrastructure projects in the Province of Ontario there is an expectation that the community rally to raise a ‘community share’, and to this end TSF is dedicated to the fundraising efforts necessary.”
“We live in a wonderfully generous community” shared former, now retired, Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette who has joined the fundraising campaign as a volunteer and who was celebrated by close to a hundred volunteers, donors, and guests at the Tuesday (November 28, 2023) appreciate event. “While we will need leadership gifts, no donation is too small. All gifts and offers of support are gladly, and gratefully accepted. Townsend Smith Foundation understands that the fundraising task is substantial”, added Rick.
Those wishing to learn more about hospice care for North Halton, the work of the Townsend Smith Foundation, or to offer support through a generous gift or as a volunteer are encouraged to visit https://www.townsend-smith.ca/donate/.
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About Palliative Care
According to the Global Atlas of Palliative Care, over 56.8 million people are estimated to require palliative care every year including 31.1 million prior to and 25.7 million near the end of life. The majority (67%) are adults over 50 years old and at least 7% are children. The majority (54%) are non-decedents who need palliative care prior to their last year of life. The burden of severe illness and health related suffering, and the corresponding need for palliative care, are immense. Yet palliative care is still not accessible to most people in need, especially in low and middle-income countries.
About Townsend Smith Foundation
Working vigorously since 2012, the Townsend Smith Foundation, TSF, is a registered charitable organization with a unique mandate to provide the supports and education to those interested in hospice care, in the last stages of living, or bereaved. Our meaningful projects include free seminars to raise awareness for the need and benefit of hospice palliative care, support for caregivers, children and will planning, group discussions of death through death cafes, and honouring those who have passed through candlelight ceremony. TSF volunteers consistently engage our community on hospice care and its needs in North Halton with a key objective being to raise funds to build hospice facilities in North Halton.
For further information at Townsend Smith Foundation please contact:
Ms. Astrid Lakats, Chair, Board of Directors
bod@townsend-smith.ca I 289.878.3407