Hospice Care Ottawa News
April 11, 2022
The Ottawa Citizen
Oped: Vincent: Hospice, properly funded, can save health-care dollars for Ontario
CLICK HERE to read the full article
February 26, 2022
LeDroit
Opinion: La solution des soins palliatifs
Partout au Canada, les gouvernements tentent de trouver une solution à l’escalade des coûts des soins de santé et à la pression exercée sur les ressources. Il est certain que l’Ontario s’efforce de trouver une solution à un système de soins de santé qui était déjà sous pression avant même la pandémie de COVID. Que peut faire la province pour faire face à l’augmentation des coûts et à la pénurie de capacités qui se traduit par des soins de santé en souffrance?
CLICK HERE to read the full article
The Ottawa Citizen
Oped: Vincent: Hospice, properly funded, can save health-care dollars for Ontario
CLICK HERE to read the full article
February 26, 2022
LeDroit
Opinion: La solution des soins palliatifs
Partout au Canada, les gouvernements tentent de trouver une solution à l’escalade des coûts des soins de santé et à la pression exercée sur les ressources. Il est certain que l’Ontario s’efforce de trouver une solution à un système de soins de santé qui était déjà sous pression avant même la pandémie de COVID. Que peut faire la province pour faire face à l’augmentation des coûts et à la pénurie de capacités qui se traduit par des soins de santé en souffrance?
CLICK HERE to read the full article
September 22, 2020
The Ottawa Citizen
Oped: Hospice care needs a funding boost from both Ontario and the federal government
CLICK HERE to read the full article
The Ottawa Citizen
Oped: Hospice care needs a funding boost from both Ontario and the federal government
CLICK HERE to read the full article
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May 11-17, 2020
This week was National Nurses Week. It was extra special as it marked the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. To celebrate our team we had daily themes, activities, prizes and goodies. And the nurses got decked out on May 12 to celebrate Florence's birthday (This video garnered lots of attention and even made it on the evening news! Watch the clip here at 33:17 https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1954558&binId=1.3523119&playlistPageNum=1 ) |
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December 24, 2019
Santa made a special early visit to our hospice residences to surprise families and to thank our amazing team of staff and volunteers who will be providing care over the holiday season.
Santa made a special early visit to our hospice residences to surprise families and to thank our amazing team of staff and volunteers who will be providing care over the holiday season.
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December 23, 2019
Back in September, Trinity Presbyterian Church hosted Wine Women & Song in support of Hein House. We were thrilled to hear how much was raised...$23,000 (and money is still coming in!). Thank you to Rev. Shaun Seaman, Marg Connelly and Sheila Brady for stopping by and presenting us with the cheque! |
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December 19, 2019
Many Hospice Care Ottawa staff and volunteers gathered at the May Court Hospice to celebrate the season. There were refreshments, games, prizes and lots of good cheer. Thank you to the Senior Leadership Team for organizing a fun night and to the Board members for the prizes. Happy Holidays to all!
Many Hospice Care Ottawa staff and volunteers gathered at the May Court Hospice to celebrate the season. There were refreshments, games, prizes and lots of good cheer. Thank you to the Senior Leadership Team for organizing a fun night and to the Board members for the prizes. Happy Holidays to all!
November, 2019
The Day Hospice at the May Court Hospice site has started a poetry club. Our guests will bring poetry or pieces of writing that are meaningful to them and share with the group. Here is a piece written by one of our Day Hospice guests.
The Day Hospice at the May Court Hospice site has started a poetry club. Our guests will bring poetry or pieces of writing that are meaningful to them and share with the group. Here is a piece written by one of our Day Hospice guests.
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Steel me with courage
Steel me with courage Mock not my weakness Know I am assured In the face of fear I will bend but not break Fire my soul to be tempered like iron Folded back upon itself Again and again As my weakness grows. Soothe my searing pain From which there is no healing Let me rest awhile To catch my breath I must not, cannot quit Let time be my guide As my senses deceive me. I am not blind but I cannot see Who will I talk to when I have nothing to say. What will it be like to be silent and alone I am afraid of what is to come Yet I have courage and will not run. I will not let my children see fear, Only resolve to do as I must when the time is right. For that is all any of us can really ask. |
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October 22, 2019
On Friday, October 18, 2019 Hospice Care Ottawa bereaved clients spent the day at the May Court Hospice site for the Fall Bereavement Retreat. The day included sharing experiences and clients enjoyed various activities including yoga, an outdoor walk and expressive art. A lovely lunch was also provided. Thank you to the volunteers and staff who helped to make this special healing day possible. "It was a very inspirational day that helped in the grieving process." - Retreat participant |
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October 11, 2019
In honour of his Mom, who died at the May Court Hospice 11 years ago, Paul and his fiancée Sarah made a donation to Hospice Care Ottawa in lieu of wedding favours. "Everyone took such good care of my Mom and family while we were there. We feel the donation will go further than any wedding favours we could have gotten."-Paul Thank you Paul and Sarah for the kind gift and we wish you all the best in your marriage. |
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October 7, 2019
On Friday, October 4, a group of volunteers from Modern Niagara came out to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. They helped clean up the grounds, repaired some rotted wood on the building and they even built a new pole shed at the back!
“Thanks to everyone that made it out to spend their 2nd Annual Modern Niagara Community Day helping out at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice! I am very proud of our team and the amount that we accomplished!! There were a few tasks that we said “no way are we going to get that done….”, and working together we managed to get them done!! And, had fun doing it!!
A huge shout out to the shed building team, they stayed late to finish the job- now that’s DETERMINATION AND PASSION!!”
– Genevieve, Modern Niagara.
We here at Hospice Care Ottawa are truly appreciative to Modern Niagara and to the dedicated team who help to keep our hospice looking great for the individuals and families that we provide care for. THANK YOU!
On Friday, October 4, a group of volunteers from Modern Niagara came out to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. They helped clean up the grounds, repaired some rotted wood on the building and they even built a new pole shed at the back!
“Thanks to everyone that made it out to spend their 2nd Annual Modern Niagara Community Day helping out at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice! I am very proud of our team and the amount that we accomplished!! There were a few tasks that we said “no way are we going to get that done….”, and working together we managed to get them done!! And, had fun doing it!!
A huge shout out to the shed building team, they stayed late to finish the job- now that’s DETERMINATION AND PASSION!!”
– Genevieve, Modern Niagara.
We here at Hospice Care Ottawa are truly appreciative to Modern Niagara and to the dedicated team who help to keep our hospice looking great for the individuals and families that we provide care for. THANK YOU!
September 24, 2019
Many Hospice Care Ottawa stakeholders attended our Annual General Meeting on September 23, 2019 at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice, eager to hear our exciting updates as well as our guest speaker Dr. Jack Kitts.
We made a difference!
Thanks to our many volunteers, donors and staff we continue to provide high quality palliative and end-of-life care. This year we were able to support over 1,700 people living with a life-limiting illness.
Board of Director changes
Last night we said goodbye to some board members: Sheila Brady, Dawn Cooper, Sandy Foote and Randy Tivy. Over the years they have provided invaluable guidance to Hospice Care Ottawa and we’re delighted to know that they will all be staying involved in other ways with us.
We did, however, welcome some new Board members: Barbara McNally, Wendy Nicklin and Ioanna Sahas Martin and look forward to working with each of them. Click here to read the biographies of all Hospice Care Ottawa Board Members.
Thank you!
Thank you to the many staff for their hard work in helping to make the evening a success. And a big thanks to our members and supporters for helping us shape the future of Hospice Care Ottawa.
Many Hospice Care Ottawa stakeholders attended our Annual General Meeting on September 23, 2019 at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice, eager to hear our exciting updates as well as our guest speaker Dr. Jack Kitts.
We made a difference!
Thanks to our many volunteers, donors and staff we continue to provide high quality palliative and end-of-life care. This year we were able to support over 1,700 people living with a life-limiting illness.
Board of Director changes
Last night we said goodbye to some board members: Sheila Brady, Dawn Cooper, Sandy Foote and Randy Tivy. Over the years they have provided invaluable guidance to Hospice Care Ottawa and we’re delighted to know that they will all be staying involved in other ways with us.
We did, however, welcome some new Board members: Barbara McNally, Wendy Nicklin and Ioanna Sahas Martin and look forward to working with each of them. Click here to read the biographies of all Hospice Care Ottawa Board Members.
Thank you!
Thank you to the many staff for their hard work in helping to make the evening a success. And a big thanks to our members and supporters for helping us shape the future of Hospice Care Ottawa.
September 20, 2019
On Thursday, September 19 we launched our largest fundraiser, Homes for the Holidays. We welcomed the committee, volunteers, florists, homeowners, and sponsors to our May Court Hospice to thank them for their support of this important event.
For more information about Homes for the Holidays and or to purchase a ticket visit: https://www.hospicecareottawa.ca/homes-for-the-holidays-2019.html
On Thursday, September 19 we launched our largest fundraiser, Homes for the Holidays. We welcomed the committee, volunteers, florists, homeowners, and sponsors to our May Court Hospice to thank them for their support of this important event.
For more information about Homes for the Holidays and or to purchase a ticket visit: https://www.hospicecareottawa.ca/homes-for-the-holidays-2019.html
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July 22, 2019
A big thank you to Stephen, Clarence & Gib from the Knights of Columbus Holy Redeemer Council 9544 for dropping by with a generous donation of $3,280. These funds were raised through their annual Rita Maheral Memorial Charity Golf Tournament which took place on May 21 at the Stittsville Golf Course. We are so grateful for their ongoing support of Hospice Care Ottawa! |
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July, 2019
May Court Hospice - Family Kitchen Renovations
Last November 27, 2018 we participated in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations. Our campaign goal was to raise $40,000 to refresh the Family Kitchen in our May Court Hospice to make it more efficient and welcoming for families and volunteers.
Thanks to many generous supporters and a $5000 matching gift from Laurysen Kitchens Ltd. we surpassed our Giving Tuesday goal!
The past few months the crew has been busy working and construction is now complete! We replaced the cabinetry, counter tops and kitchen table and purchased new appliances including a sanitizing dishwasher.
May Court Hospice - Family Kitchen Renovations
Last November 27, 2018 we participated in Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations. Our campaign goal was to raise $40,000 to refresh the Family Kitchen in our May Court Hospice to make it more efficient and welcoming for families and volunteers.
Thanks to many generous supporters and a $5000 matching gift from Laurysen Kitchens Ltd. we surpassed our Giving Tuesday goal!
The past few months the crew has been busy working and construction is now complete! We replaced the cabinetry, counter tops and kitchen table and purchased new appliances including a sanitizing dishwasher.
Before
After
Kitchens are the heart of the home and we thank everyone who made a gift to help us create an even warmer and friendly space for residents, families and volunteers. Thank you.
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May 28, 2019
On May 28, 2019 Hospice Care Ottawa’s Board Chair Stephen Whitehead (R) and Board Member, Dawn Cooper (C) attended the annual Changeover and Awards Dinner of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa. On behalf of Hospice Care Ottawa they happily accepted the Club’s Family and Community Service Award from Club President Pardeep Ahluwalia (L). Thank you to the Rotary Club of West Ottawa for recognizing the importance of hospice and palliative care in our community. |
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May 3, 2019
Spring Bereavement Retreat
On Friday, May 3, 2019 Hospice Care Ottawa hosted 18 clients at our full day Bereavement Retreat held at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. Participants were provided a presentation about grief, there was time for sharing and then they enjoyed a lovely lunch. In the afternoon participants had their choice of an array of activities including expressive art, a gentle nature walk and Mindfulness Meditation. Thank you to the staff and volunteers for organizing and facilitating a special day.
"It was all excellent - made me feel I'm not alone in my feelings." - Feedback from a Bereavement Retreat participant
Spring Bereavement Retreat
On Friday, May 3, 2019 Hospice Care Ottawa hosted 18 clients at our full day Bereavement Retreat held at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. Participants were provided a presentation about grief, there was time for sharing and then they enjoyed a lovely lunch. In the afternoon participants had their choice of an array of activities including expressive art, a gentle nature walk and Mindfulness Meditation. Thank you to the staff and volunteers for organizing and facilitating a special day.
"It was all excellent - made me feel I'm not alone in my feelings." - Feedback from a Bereavement Retreat participant
April 8, 2019
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!
On Friday, April 5 we kicked off National Volunteer Week with a special dinner to show our great appreciation to the hundreds of phenomenal volunteers who provide countless hours of their time and share their talents at Hospice Care Ottawa. Nearly 200 people attended at the Ron Kolbus Centre to enjoy a special evening of mingling, dinner and honouring our long service recipients.
Without volunteers we would not be able to provide the compassion and care that we do. From direct client care, to administration to fundraising, volunteers are the backbone of Hospice Care Ottawa.
To show their appreciation, staff made a delicious meal for the volunteers and performed a song (lyrics below).
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!
On Friday, April 5 we kicked off National Volunteer Week with a special dinner to show our great appreciation to the hundreds of phenomenal volunteers who provide countless hours of their time and share their talents at Hospice Care Ottawa. Nearly 200 people attended at the Ron Kolbus Centre to enjoy a special evening of mingling, dinner and honouring our long service recipients.
Without volunteers we would not be able to provide the compassion and care that we do. From direct client care, to administration to fundraising, volunteers are the backbone of Hospice Care Ottawa.
To show their appreciation, staff made a delicious meal for the volunteers and performed a song (lyrics below).
"Volunteers"
To the tune of "Yesterday"
Original words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Copyright: Sony/ATV Songs LLC. Nashville, Tennessee
Volunteers, you make all our troubles disappear -
And we cherish you please have no fears,
Cause we believe in volunteers.
Suddenly, we do twice the work we used to do.
It's because you're always here on cue.
Oh, volunteers, we do need you.
Don't you ever go.
Hope you know
We want you near.
We say with this song
You belong
Here, volunteers.
Volunteers, stick around us and we'll give three cheers
Hope this song has made it very clear
That we believe in volunteers.
To the tune of "Yesterday"
Original words and music by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Copyright: Sony/ATV Songs LLC. Nashville, Tennessee
Volunteers, you make all our troubles disappear -
And we cherish you please have no fears,
Cause we believe in volunteers.
Suddenly, we do twice the work we used to do.
It's because you're always here on cue.
Oh, volunteers, we do need you.
Don't you ever go.
Hope you know
We want you near.
We say with this song
You belong
Here, volunteers.
Volunteers, stick around us and we'll give three cheers
Hope this song has made it very clear
That we believe in volunteers.
June 28, 2018
Gayle's Garden
On Thursday, June 28, Steve Madely, former CFRA radio host, held a strawberry social for friends, family and donors to officially open ‘Gayle’s Garden’ at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. The garden is dedicated to “The Caregivers”, professionals, friends, families and volunteers who care for loved ones in the final stages of life.
Steve was involved with the Hospice Ottawa West (HOW) campaign to raise funds to build the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. To honour his late wife Gayle their friends wanted a garden for clients and families to enjoy. “Gayle was surrounded by family, love and beauty when she passed away. This is what we want for other families too.”
Steve was instrumental in cultivating donors to support the HOW Campaign and we now have a beautiful space for hospice residents, Day Hospice guests and families to enjoy. The Greater Ottawa Water Garden Horticultural Society and the Kanata March Horticultural Society made it their cornerstone joint project for 2017 to install the beautiful water feature, plant and maintain the garden.
A big thank you to Steve, our many donors and volunteers for making the gardens a special place for families.
Gayle's Garden
On Thursday, June 28, Steve Madely, former CFRA radio host, held a strawberry social for friends, family and donors to officially open ‘Gayle’s Garden’ at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. The garden is dedicated to “The Caregivers”, professionals, friends, families and volunteers who care for loved ones in the final stages of life.
Steve was involved with the Hospice Ottawa West (HOW) campaign to raise funds to build the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. To honour his late wife Gayle their friends wanted a garden for clients and families to enjoy. “Gayle was surrounded by family, love and beauty when she passed away. This is what we want for other families too.”
Steve was instrumental in cultivating donors to support the HOW Campaign and we now have a beautiful space for hospice residents, Day Hospice guests and families to enjoy. The Greater Ottawa Water Garden Horticultural Society and the Kanata March Horticultural Society made it their cornerstone joint project for 2017 to install the beautiful water feature, plant and maintain the garden.
A big thank you to Steve, our many donors and volunteers for making the gardens a special place for families.
June 21, 2018
Opening of 'Richard's Woodland Walk'
We were delighted to have a little ceremony to officially open 'Richard's Woodland Walk' at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice.
Linda Schumacher was a member of the Hospice Ottawa West Campaign Cabinet which raised the funds to build the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. She and others supported the campaign and to recognize that support Richard's Woodland Walk was named in honour of her late husband Richard 'Dick'.
For nearly three years countless volunteers from the community worked to clear the back bush behind the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice and landscape the now beautiful trail.
Thank you to Linda, the many volunteers and donors for making such a special place for families to enjoy while at hospice.
Opening of 'Richard's Woodland Walk'
We were delighted to have a little ceremony to officially open 'Richard's Woodland Walk' at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice.
Linda Schumacher was a member of the Hospice Ottawa West Campaign Cabinet which raised the funds to build the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice. She and others supported the campaign and to recognize that support Richard's Woodland Walk was named in honour of her late husband Richard 'Dick'.
For nearly three years countless volunteers from the community worked to clear the back bush behind the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice and landscape the now beautiful trail.
Thank you to Linda, the many volunteers and donors for making such a special place for families to enjoy while at hospice.
