Rotary: Crossroads Hospice
Isy Beane gave a presentation on the Port Moody Rotary International program.
She showed pictures of unloading a container in South Africa, and people distributing and receiving the contents.
Pictures showed how organized our local warehouse is.
Isy said we sent hospital beds to a woman in South Africa who houses children who become homeless. Now a hospice is open. We sent many linens and 3 pianos.
A picture showed a woman appreciating the hospital gowns we sent.
Yashir, who has spoken to Port Moody Rotary, helps to distribute goods we send.
Martin Wyant, Chief Executive Officer of Share Family and Community Services, spoke to us about the food drive, and introduced Kate Lawrence, Share’s new Director of Development. Share supports vulnerable families. Share volunteers will be at 6 local grocery stores on Oct.13 + 14 to accept food donations.
Martin asked us to support the food drive.
Demands on the Food Bank have grown since 2008.
Half of the recipients are children.
Janice Hansen Bouvier, Manager of Hospice Programs at Crossroads Hospice Society, explained the origin of the word ‘hospice’ from ‘hospitality.’ She said hospices originated when people travelled, and at times got hospitality in local homes when they were unwell.
The modern day hospice gives care to help people live peacefully until the last day of their lives.
Our community opened the Inlet Centre Hospice on the 4th floor of 101 Noons Creek Drive, by Ungless, in Port Moody about nine years ago.
Janice told a story of how a 9 year old boy went to a hockey game with his aunt when his mom went into hospice and was not well enough to go with him. The mom was able to see the game on TV.
Rotary donated to the kitchen and dining room of the hospice
The average age of patients is 69 years old.
The hospice is available to anyone needing their services who is over 19.
Anna Wilczewski, Fund Development Officer of Crossroads Hospice Society told us that a Thrift Store in Coquitlam contributes to their fundraising. She told us their other sources of revenue and said they have 400 volunteers.
Shannon Milne, Special Events Coordinator for the Crossroads Hospice Society, worked on the Hike for Hospice. She said they had 188 hikers and raised $56,000. Port Moody had a site, and there was a booth in Coquitlam Centre.