Rotary Hospice House—A place which honours life, values humility and shares hope

by British Columbia
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strawberries

The Salvation Rotary Hospice House in Richmond opened its doors to the community, Saturday, June 28th, for a strawberry garden party.

Fifteen years ago, individuals in the community of Richmond initiated the idea of a community-based hospice, an option to hospital and home for individuals and their families at the end of life. They created a partnership between the Rotary Club of Richmond and The Salvation Army, and with the support of Vancouver Coastal Health, created The Salvation Army’s Rotary Hospice House.

The Rotary Hospice House became operational in February 2006, and has since served 256 residents and their families.

Saturday’s event was beautiful, as local dignitaries including Acting Mayor Linda Barnes (City of Richmond), and MP Alice Wong, joined Richmond and lower mainland residents in the hospice’s wonderful garden for strawberries and other treats, and live entertainment from a number of musical acts.

“It was a special day to honour the lives of all of those who have taken residence at the Hospice, and to celebrate the good work of all of the volunteers, staff members and donors that make this such a special place for so many people,” said Major Brian Venables, Salvation Army spokesperson.

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Over 150 people took in the event. They experienced the warm and caring atmosphere of the Hospice, and with the sun shining down on the garden, enjoyed delicious strawberry treats donated by local bakeries and volunteers.

Major Margaret Evans, Director of the facility, was happy to open her doors to the community. “We continue to celebrate the lives of each resident that has passed through our doors,” she said.

Rotary Hospice House Guiding Principles

We:

∙ accompany residents and their families through the journey of dying, death and bereavement with hope, sensitivity, and trust

∙ elicit values and respect individual choices and decisions

∙ believe in the privilege of sharing a most intimate and sacred time in life

∙ embrace and express the concept of community and its value in hospice recognize our common humanity, our spirituality and our connection to each other

∙ affirm the dignity and value of life

∙ uphold the search for meaning and purpose in one’s life

∙ value the whole person;  body, mind and spirit

∙ acknowledge the mystery of life

 

To donate to Richmond Rotary Hospice, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or click here.