Sep 5, 2019 | Donation, Press Releases
NEWS RELEASE
(MILTON, September 3, 2019) – The LWSP Slo-pitch tournament is giving a boost to efforts to bring residential hospice care to the Milton and Halton Hills areas with a $20,000 donation to the Townsend Smith Foundation.
Organizers say they have been supportive of the work of the Townsend Smith Foundation and the founding Smith and Townsend families for several years and wanted to help propel them even further with this contribution.
“On behalf of the LWSP organizing committee and the players, spectators, volunteers, local businesses and community partners who have supported the tournament over the years, we are thrilled to be making this donation to the Townsend Smith Foundation,” says Laurie Day, LWSP committee chair. “The Townsend Smith Foundation’s plan to bring residential hospice care to the Milton and Halton Hills area will support residents for years to come and it’s an effort we’re proud to support,” says Day.
Since its inception, the LWSP Slo-pitch tournament has been rooted in community spirit and giving. The event was founded in 1996 by friends in their last year of high school when one of their group suffered a tragic pool accident resulting in a spinal cord injury. Witnessing the community come together prompted the group to continue the event for the benefit of others.
While the organizing committee has evolved over the years, the founding group’s compassion and commitment to supporting individuals, families and organizations in Milton has lived on. Over the past 24 years, the LWSP Slo-Pitch tournament has been attended annually by hundreds of players and spectators and has provided financial support to dozens of Milton families, individuals and organizations. To this day it remains one of the most popular summer events in Milton and draws teams from throughout the GTA and beyond.
For more information contact:
Laurie Day – laurie.day@investorsgroup.com
Jul 11, 2019 | Press Releases
Chris Hadfield Park will be explored as a site for potential New Palliative Care Hospice for Milton & North Halton
July 9th, 2019, Milton, Ontario – The Town of Milton will work with the Townsend Smith Foundation (TSF) to determine if Chris Hadfield Park at the northwest corner of Martin Street and Steeles Avenue will be suitable to build a hospice
On July 8, Milton Council agreed to continue to investigate the viability of this location.
“We are so delighted that the Town of Milton recognizes the benefit of giving those near the end of life an option to die with dignity nearer to home,” said John Barrett, TSF President. “Residents of Milton, Georgetown and Acton, as well as the communities in between, could soon have the peace of mind that a residential hospice provides in their final days.”
The potential hospice is centrally located to all communities and the organization will begin a $10 million dollar fundraising campaign.
“On behalf of the Town of Milton, we are pleased to explore opportunities for Townsend Smith Foundation in Milton,” said Mayor Gord Krantz. “I know a hospice facility would be a great benefit for Milton and North Halton communities.”
Residential hospices are built by communities. Once a hospice is built, government funding can cover some of its operational costs. Largely, a hospice comes together with the support of private and corporate citizens in the form of donations of land, money, and expertise. At the moment, the Foundation is focused on finding a suitable property and raising the $3.5-5 million necessary to build a ten-bed facility for residents of Milton and North Halton.
The Foundation is currently raising funds to build a palliative care hospice to serve members of the North Halton communities. Established in 2011, the Townsend Smith Foundation was named for the late Ron Townsend and the late Tessie Smith, both active Milton residents. The Foundation is a registered charitable corporation.
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CONTACT:
Kate Holmes, Director of Development
Townsend Smith Foundation
Tel: 289-878-3407
E-mail: kholmes@townsend-smith.ca
May 1, 2019 | Hospice, Palliative Care, Press Releases
May 1, 2019, Milton, Ontario – With National Palliative Care Week almost upon us, The Townsend Smith Foundation (TSF) is in full support of recognizing the importance of end-of-life care for patients, their loved ones and the caregivers that support them.
National Palliative Care Week will be observed in Canada from May 5-11 this year.
The Foundation is currently raising funds to build a palliative care hospice to serve members of the North Halton communities in their final days. One TSF fundraising initiative will be its second annual Hike for Hospice on May 25, 2019.
Residential hospices are built by communities. Once a hospice is built, government funding can cover some of its operational costs. Largely, a hospice comes together with the support of private and corporate citizens in the form of donations of land, money, and expertise. At the moment, the Foundation is focused on finding a suitable property and raising the $3.5-5 million necessary to build a ten-bed facility for residents of Milton, Georgetown, Acton and the communities in between.
“Few people at the end-of-life actually require acute medical care, yet 70 per cent of deaths occur in hospital,” said John Barrett, TSF President. “Most people would prefer to die at home, but not all have the resources to make this possible. A residential hospice provides a peaceful, private space at no cost to residents and their families.
“Excellent hospice care is provided in Oakville and Burlington, with residents of those cities being a priority. Over a ten-year period, Milton District Hospital classified almost 600 patients as palliative. Only one received a hospice bed. With a combined population of almost 200,000, North Halton desperately needs a local option.”
Established in 2011, the Townsend Smith Foundation was named for the late Ron Townsend and the late Tessie Smith, both active Milton residents. The Foundation is a registered charitable corporation.
CONTACT:
John Barrett, President
Townsend Smith Foundation
Tel: 289-878-3407
E-mail: admin@townsend-smith.ca
Apr 24, 2019 | Event, Fundraiser, Press Releases
Hospices are residential palliative facilities dedicated to the care of patients near the end of their lives due to life-limiting illnesses, and their families. The provincial government leaves their establishment up to communities.
The Townsend Smith Foundation is looking to establish a 15,000 sq. ft. hospice with 10 beds in north Halton. Residential hospice care operates at about $500/day compared with compared with $1100-1500 for a hospital bed. Maintaining it will cost an additional $1.6 million/ year, 50% of which is to be covered by community fundraising. “This hike is a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness to the work that Townsend Smith Foundation is striving to accomplish. A hospice is so needed locally, and would bring so much value to our community. Fundraising from this event will go directly to supporting building a hospice,” says John Barrett, Board Chair.
As part of these efforts, we’re holding the second annual Hike for Hospice on Saturday May 25, 2019 at Milton Community Park. The 5 km route will wind its way through the picturesque streets of the Willmott neighbourhood. Events kick-off at 9 a.m. with registration, and family events. Walkers are invited to register online, or in person. The hike begins at 10 a.m.
The Townsend Smith Foundation is a registered charity led by a volunteer board. It was started in 2011 by the families and friends of Milton residents Ron Townsend, and Tessie Smith. For more information on the foundation visit our website: www.townsend-smith.ca
For more information contact:
Kate Holmes
Director of Development
kate@townsend-smith.ca
Feb 14, 2019 | Press Releases
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Townsend Smith Foundation Welcomes Director of Development – Kate Holmes
February 14th, 2019
The Townsend Smith Foundation proudly announces Kate Holmes as its first Director of Development. She will work alongside the Board of Directors to source land and work on a capital funding campaign that will result in the establishment, construction and operation of a ten-bed palliative care residential hospice serving clients in North Halton.
“It is imperative that we come together as a community to make this happen and I believe strongly every donation will truly make a difference,” said Holmes.
Holmes brings two decades of experience in the charitable sector to the role. She was previously with United Way Milton, where she served as Chief Executive Officer for six years. She has immense dedication to the communities in which the eventual hospice will serve, having lived in Acton and Milton. She understands the importance of compassionate end of life care and will work competently with the Board and Volunteers to make this vision a reality and meeting our goals.
John Barrett, Chair of the Board at Townsend Smith Foundation said the Board of Directors is excited to have Kate in the role. “We are delighted to have Kate join the team,” he said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the role that are simply unmatched. Her enthusiasm for the cause fills us with hope and conviction we will see this goal through to a successful conclusion.”
The Foundation is working towards a place where those who are dying receive end-of-life care in a private, comfortable home-like setting, knowing that every person’s values, beliefs and dignity are fully respected as their lives come to an end.
For more information contact Kate Holmes at 905-299-7197 or kholmes@townsend-smith.ca
