HUNTSVILLE – It takes a community to build an end-of-life care facility.
Hospice Huntsville is in the process of building a five-bed residential hospice and over the next two months its capital campaign committee will be organizing a series of fundraisers to help make that happen.
The palliative-care organization, which helps terminally ill patients live their final days with medical and emotional support, is set to start construction on the residential structure in April, said Dr. Deb Harrold, president of Hospice Huntsville.
“We’re aiming for early April,” said Harrold. “The contract is being signed with our builder and the lease agreement is at the Ministry of Health to be approved. As soon as we get that we’re able to move.”
In August of last year the organization announced it had received a $500,000 FedNor grant to help cover construction costs but another $875,000 needed to be raised.
Since then, fundraising efforts have been going well, said Harrold, noting that between $300,000 and $400,000 is still needed.
To help raise the remaining funds, the capital campaign committee came up with Blitz and Boon, a series of fundraising events scheduled for April and May.
“The capital campaign team has been working on the idea of having a blitz, meaning a compact dates of events happening in the community to get public awareness about the beginning of our build project,” said Harrold. “The name has come from a couple of our volunteers who have a background in marketing.”
In a media release, the word “boon” is defined as “a request, thing asked for; favour, gift; blessing, advantage.”
The release also lists six scheduled events, the first two of which begin April 1.
The first, called J. Rock is the Goof on the Roof, happens April 1–2. Jenn Rock, news director of FM 105.5, will camp on the roof of Robinson’s Independent Grocer off Howland Drive for 36 hours. During that time, Rock will be broadcasting from her rooftop location, promoting upcoming events and community involvement.
From April 1 to May 14, the Huntsville Forester will sponsor the Buy a Brick campaign. Volunteers will sell paper bricks at $5 each and the bricks will be displayed around the community. Bricks can be purchased from volunteers or Hospice Huntsville.
Another event, held April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m., Chartwell Select Muskoka Traditions will host a tea at 16 Legacy Lane in Huntsville. Cost is $20 per person but space is limited. Seats can be reserved by calling Hospice Huntsville.
Deerhurst Resort and Savvy Company will host a wine tasting and food pairing on May 6 starting at 7 p.m. The evening will include three white and three red wines paired with food prepared by chef Rory Golden. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by calling Hospice Huntsville.
On May 8, Huntsville town council will serve meals for Mothers’ Day at 3 Guys and a Stove, off Highway 60. Breakfast is $15 and lunch is $18. The event goes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations, which are recommended, can be made by calling the restaurant at 705-789-1815.
During April and May, the capital campaign committee is also asking community members to host their own fundraising events for hospice, with event organizers and sponsors receiving publicity and recognition. This initiative is sponsored by TVCogeco. Anyone interested in hosting an event is encouraged to contact Hospice Huntsville for more information.
Hospice Huntsville, located in the Howland Building at 100 Frank Miller Dr., Unit 3, can be reached at 705-789-6878.