A panel discussion on Cultural Considerations at End-of-Life was held on October 20 ,2022 at the Gellert Community Centre in Georgetown. There were over 40 people in attendance for a very informative and interesting discussion about faith and cultural rituals, beliefs and practices at end of life.
The panel included: Rev. Steve Boose Minister at the Knox Presbyterian Church and Limeshouse Presbyterian Church, Iman Daood Butt, Director of Community Outreach and Education at the Islamic Community Centre in Milton, Harmohan Singh Parmar, Trust Secretary and Governing Official Halton Sikh Cultural Association and Rabbi Stephen Wise Shaari-Beth El Congregation, Oakville.
Panel facilitator Kristina Tesser Derkson guided the panel through a number of topics including faith and cultural practices prior to and at death, support for individuals and their families, burial and cremation beliefs and practices, role and approach to suffering, grief support and perspectives on Medical Assistance in Dying.
Townsend Smith Foundation would like to thank the panelists for participating and providing the attendees with new knowledge and insights about faith and culture and its intersection.
Townsend Smith Foundation and Hillcrest United Church attended the Committee of Adjustment on Tuesday, September 7, 2022 to ask for confirmation that a hospice could be built at Trafalgar Road and 5 Side Road, Halton Hills.
We were successful at the Committee of Adjustment. A hospice can be built on the site where Hillcrest United Church currently exists. The decision of the committee is still subject to a 20 day time period for appeals – we are hopeful there won’t be any.
Before explaining what this all means, we want to take a moment to highlight a few of the outstanding acts of kindness and volunteerism that lead us to this result:
Glenn Wellings of Wellings Planning Consultants Inc., along with his colleague Sarah Burjaw, researched, opined on and worked with various levels of government in submitting and reviewing this application. All of this work was done free of charge and this work was extremely time consuming and immersive. Townsend Smith Foundation is especially grateful for this act – Thank you Wellings Planning Consultants Inc.
David de Sylva, a local and a residential developer within North Halton, was engaged by Townsend Smith Foundation for $1. Mr. de Sylva, being much more knowledgeable and experienced in these matters, guided Townsend Smith Foundation in finding property, engaging experts, and explaining each step. Mr. de Sylva, in addition to personally donating his time, engaged experts at his own cost to make sure Townsend Smith’s fundraising burden was minimized. Thank you Dave de Sylva.
The congregation of Hillcrest United Church has spent many years thoughtfully considering their next steps and engaging their community. It has been through the vision and leadership of Jean Howden, Verna Bird, John Field and their many volunteers at Hillcrest United Church, that we are at this critical point in our journey. Thank you to the Hillcrest United Church for engaging with hospice.
Board member, Victoria Hughes, began her presentations to Hillcrest United Church and her meetings with Mr. de Sylva more than 15 months ago. Her passion, tenacity and perseverance has been an inspiration to her fellow board members. Thank you, Victoria Hughes for bringing all the parties to the table and coordinating their efforts.
This application included over 60 letters of support. The outpouring of honesty, passion and compassion has been overwhelming. Thank you to every single person who took the time to voice their support and ask “What can I do to bring a hospice to North Halton?”
Finally, thank you to North Halton. Hospice needs a community filled with heart, and Townsend Smith Foundation is honoured to be in such a community.
What does the result at Committee of Adjustment mean and what is our next step? FUNDRAISING! Every dollar matters, every fundraiser drives us to our goal, every volunteer spreads the need for a hospice, every major donor propels us forward.
Many thanks to Mayor Bonnette for his recent column in the The Independent and Free Press and his endorsement of Townsend Smith Foundation and our dedicated volunteers who are working tirelessly to build a hospice for North Halton.
“Hospice care is the gift of dignity during the dying journey, support for families and compassionate care. A hospice is a critical part of our community, a truly selfless and loving environment, but one that is often forgotten about and underserved.”
Townsend Smith Foundation looks forward to working closely with the Town of Halton Hills to make the vision of a hospice in North Halton a reality. Again our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Bonette for his support.
Our Mission cannot be achieved without the support of the Mayor, our amazing volunteers and the community of North Halton.
As TSF Board vice-chair Margaret Doma says “This is a journey of many hands and many hearts.”
The Townsend Smith Foundation is working to build the first hospice residence for North Halton (Acton, Georgetown and Milton).
About the Opportunity
The Townsend Smith Foundation (TSF) is a registered charity working to build a hospice for North Halton. The foundation is currently sourcing viable sites to build a hospice, raising funds through events and generous donors, and bringing awareness to the need for a hospice in the community.
This is an exciting opportunity to create a meaningful impact on your community and the lives of many. Hospice care is compassionate care and is often overlooked within our health care system. TSF seeks to build a supportive and warm environment to serve its residents, their families and the broader community.
As a member of our Board of Directors you will embrace the mission and values of TSF and engage volunteers, partners, and the community in the implementation of our vision. TSF does not operate a hospice residence currently, and as such, this organization is in the develop, fundraise and build phase of creating a hospice residence.
TSF is supported by an experienced executive director, an events coordinator and a seasoned professional Campaign Director. TSF is also largely operated by its board of director members and the board is called a “working board” with each individual offering their skills and expertise, not just passive counsel.
General Expectations for TSF Board of Directors:
Understand and demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s vision, mission and values.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of the strategic plan.
Keep up to date with issues and trends that affect the organization.
Prepare for meetings by reading agendas, minutes, reports and other documentation required to actively participate in them.
Attend meetings regularly.
Make inquiries when clarification or more information is needed.
Understand and monitor the organization’s financial affairs.
Avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Understand and maintain confidentiality.
Ensure the organization is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities:
Provide direction in line with the organizational mission, vision and values.
Undertake financial and risk management.
Attend and present at monthly board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.
Participate as a member on at least one board committee, most likely two.
Engage in advocacy and networking.
Participate in annual special events and other fundraising activities.
Analyze relationships with current and prospective major donors, funders, and corporate sponsors to develop individualized strategies to cultivate or strengthen those relationships.
Qualifications:
Previous experience with not-for-profit organizations.
Working knowledge of the functioning of non-profit boards.
Time Commitment:
Board members hold office for three-year terms.
Board members can expect to contribute at least 10 hours per month to this role and all contributions are unpaid.
Board meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of every month.
Ability to attend functions outside of normal business hours, as required.
“We all hope to die quietly in our sleep, many years from now. Unfortunately, for many this will not be the case. Most of us will end up in a hospital where the noise, frantic pace and medical intervention to prolong our days at all costs will be the far from peaceful norm. A hospice allows us to end life’s journey gently, calmly, with dignity and surrounded by love. We do not have a hospice in North Halton. We desperately need one, and that is why I volunteer. Please join us in making this a reality.” – Pauline Russell
