“It Worked”
Overwhelmed with emotion, I made my way back to my office. Once there, I reflected on all the imaginings of Hospice Simcoe constituents, dreaming of this very day, for a better future for loved ones facing death.  I thought of the community volunteers, staff and leaders, who envisioned our first residential hospice, and the countless hours they travelled all over the county to educate. I thought of the hundreds of donors and thousands of dollars contributed, pledged and in-kind gifts, the actual building of the house over the last 18 months, the tremendous leaps of faith taken daily when the finish line seemed distant. The long hours of planning, meeting, hammering, decorating, cleaning, furnishing, worrying, trusting, all of these thoughts and more ran though my mind. I felt a deep sense of gratitude to the people who rolled up their sleeves to accomplish where we were that first day Hospice House opened. 

Together we’ll reach the Capital Campaign finish line. 
To all of our friends and supporters, I want to tell you, “It worked”. The vision came true. The realization of a community home where individuals can spend their final days of life’s journey, surrounded by care and compassion, arrived on December 3rd. This residence was born from experience, from times when there weren’t other options for a more peaceful way to live until you died. Today, there is another way to share end-of- life care in Simcoe County and it’s called Hospice House. The soup simmers on the stove, a gentle meal for an unsettled tummy, children play a quiet game, grandchildren watch television with a grandparent in the living room, families take loved ones outside for a breath of fresh air.

The house permeates with joy.  It is my privilege to have been present to witness these moments, and to be able to tell you “It worked”. Hospice House is operating exactly as was planned. In the first year, 130 Simcoe County residents and another 650 family members will be provided with exemplary compassionate care, at no cost to them.

We need your Help to Finish the Hospice House Reality
It was a tremendous stretch to move forward and open the doors of Hospice House before the Capital Campaign was complete. In a bold and optimistic move, the Board and Staff of Hospice Simcoe decided to offer this necessary service to Simcoe County residents, regardless. By opening now, Hospice House takes pressure off hospital emergency departments and allows those who are in a curative state to utilize the hospital beds in the region.
Individuals, businesses and organizations across Simcoe County, to date, have contributed $3,000,000 to the Capital Campaign.

We are only $675,000 away from covering the remaining expenses for the building, furnishing and initial operational costs for Hospice House, such as heat and hydro. Perhaps you have:

• Been waiting for the perfect time to contribute?  A gift now is ideal.
• Been thinking about making a donation in memory of a loved one?  Now could be the perfect time.
• Only recently heard about Hospice House and would like to assist us in reaching our goal? Any assistance you may be considering would be welcome.
• Been a volunteer with Hospice Simcoe and have wondered if there is another way to help? We can work with you to look at the many ways in which you can help.
• Already contributed in a significant way to the Capital Campaign and would consider adding to your contribution? Your continuing support will reinforce the foundation that you already have helped to build to serve our community.

A House Built For Neighbours by Neighbours
Wherever you are on the Hospice Simcoe journey, a founding member of 21 years, a longstanding volunteer or just recently involved, it was and continues to be an absolute pleasure to welcome the first and future residents into Hospice House on your behalf.
We are here because of the courageous commitment to neighbours, friends and family members.  Together we’ll complete the Hospice House Capital Campaign. For more information, please contact me at 705-722-5995 or faith@hospicesimcoe.ca today.
With heartfelt appreciation for your consideration and support,

Thank you,
Faith Orlando
Manager, Resource Development

Jim McIntosh
Chair, Hospice Simcoe Capital Campaign

A Gift for Each Moment of Life

Your Gift of RADIANCE-$1,000.00

• Keep the residents warm and bathed in light throughout the house, heat and hydro for 2 residents for 2 months
• For Neighbours by Neighbours - assist with accumulative construction costs
• Help residents stay connected – cover yearly phone costs for all 10 resident rooms
• Making Hospice House Accessible -  cover the cost of snow removal

Your Gift of JOY--$500.00

• Help residents stay connected – cover yearly phone costs for 5 resident rooms
• For Neighbours by Neighbours -  assist with accumulative construction costs
• Keep the residents warm and bathed in light throughout the house, heat and hydro for 1 residents for 1 month

Your Gift of COMFORT--$200.00

• Provide nurturing through the purchase of groceries for 1 month
• Help residents stay connected— cover phone costs for 2 residents for a year

Your Gift of PEACE--$100.00

• Help residents stay connected – cover yearly phone costs for one resident
• Provide treats for residents for 2 months through the purchase of light snacks

Your Gift of GRACE--$50.00

• Provide treats for residents for 1 month through the purchase of light snacks
• Put cable in a residents’ room for 2 months

Yes! I want to make a Gift for Each Moment of Life. Please accept my FIVE-YEAR gift of:
$50.00   $100.00 $200.00 $500.00 $1000.00              Other Amount

Yes! I want to make a Gift for Each Moment of Life. Please accept my MONTHLY gift of:

  $20.00                 $25.00                   $50.00                   $100.00        Other Amount

Yes! I want to make a Gift for Each Moment of Life. Please accept my ONE TIME gift of:
   $50.00                $100.00 $200.00 $500.00 $1000.00              Other Amount 

Yes! I want to make a Gift for Each Moment of Life, and I have already contributed to the Capital Campaign. Please add an additional year to my pledge.  ______________

I would like to contribute through, Cheque (Payable to Hospice Simcoe)   OR
Visa/MasterCard  #_______________________________________ Exp. ______________________
Name: ________________________________
Company Name( if applicable)______________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________________
Telephone:____________________________ Email _______________________________________
                                                                                 (yes I’d like further communication through email)
Tax Receipts available for donations of $20.00 or more.
Privacy Note: Hospice Simcoe is collecting this information as we may need to
contact you to provide a receipt, information and our newsletter.