“I have been a volunteer with the Townsend Smith Foundation for a few years now on the Awareness, Catch the Ace, Golf Tournament and Hike for Hospice Committees. I also donate my time to manage the TSF Twitter account. I have a very full plate as a solo parent and a business owner; however I will always make time for what is important. After having lost friends and family members to cancer it became evident to me how important it was to have a Hospice in our community and that is why I have chosen to donate a good part of my volunteer time to Townsend Smith Foundation to make this Hospice a reality for our community members.” – Robin Read Griffin
“I am thrilled to be a volunteer. To me it is my duty as part of a community to Volunteer. They are the heart of any community. Great way to get to know the residents in your area. The reason I wanted to volunteer with the Townsend Smith Foundation is because I know first hand what a Hospice means to a community. It means a person can leave this earth with dignity!” – Debbie Stokes
Bonnie joined Townsend Smith Foundation in memory of her mom, Loreen who lost her battle with cancer at just 58 years of age. She puts her heart into the Townsend Smith Foundation Hike for Hospice and has raised over $6,000 in donations over the past 2 years. Bonnie helps promote the Catch the Ace lottery and serves on the Awareness Committee.
As a community ambassador, Bonnie attends public events with passion and dedication to raise awareness for the need to have a hospice built in North Halton.
“Volunteering has given me a greater appreciation for life and an understanding of what is truly important.” – Bonnie Huenemoerder
MILTON, ONTARIO, April 21, 2022 – The Townsend Smith Foundation (TSF) accomplished the first of many steps to achieving specialized hospice care for North Halton following a recent agreement with the Hillcrest United Church to purchase the Church’s property and redevelop the site for a 10-bed community hospice facility. “As the saying goes, ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’, and today TSF secured long sought property in North Halton which with planning and approvals secured, will be developed into dedicated hospice care for those in need” shared Board Chair, Astrid Lakats.
The Hillcrest property offers a unique opportunity for TSF to finally develop a project that will offer the type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient’s pain and symptoms. It will support emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life for those in need. The charity fully understands that under current provincial guidelines more beds will be needed as soon as possible and TSF continues discussions about a facility at the Milton Education Village (MEV) Innovation Centre.
“Hillcrest United Church was built following a gift from a local family that still has deep ties to our Church and community, said Hillcrest United Church Council Chair, John Field. “We’re proud to continue that tradition of community philanthropy through our partnership with TSF. Hillcrest United Church will not cease to exist, but will continue as an active congregation during the construction, and will have a unique space within the hospice to continue our ministry in the community”, he added.
“Through our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, TSF has and continues to work tirelessly to build access to hospice beds, programs, and supports that our community needs. With the achievement of property for our first site, TSF will ramp up our community engagement and fundraising efforts to ensure the ambition for specialized end of life care in North Halton is realized as quickly as possible”, summarized Lakats.
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.
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/.
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
Do something awesome (for yourself and us too!) Purchase some Purdy’s chocolates between now and March 26th and support our fundraising campaign to building the first hospice residence for North Halton! These are delicious chocolates made with sustainable cocoa and crafted right here in Canada. Lots of selection and great gift ideas just in time for Easter !!! ORDER TODAY: https://fundraising.purdys.com/1498415-92679 Pickup is scheduled for April 13th at Scooter’s Catering #3 – 390 Ontario Street between 2-7pm. Share online with Friends and Family Between March 1st – 26th
