Photo: (Left to Right) Jennifer Innis, Ian Sinclair, John Sanderson, Lynn Kiernan, Allan Thompson, Lynn Dobson, Johanna Downey, Christina Early
Mayor Allan Thompson, along with several Regional and Area Councillors, made a special presentation at Bethell Hospice today in honour of the 10th anniversary of the residential hospice in Inglewood.
Along with a commemorative plaque which will be placed in the Bethell Hospice courtyard, generous financial support from the Town of Caledon will be used to beautify and enhance the hospice courtyard for residents and visitors. Though the funding was announced last year, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the official plaque presentation until this week.
“Bethell Hospice is a special place. Volunteers and staff always go above-and-beyond in caring for residents and their families,” said Mayor Thompson. “Bethell Hospice is a part of the Caledon family, and we are a better community because of this incredible organization. On behalf of Town Council and our residents, I thank you for the wonderful care you provide to those at end of life, and the tremendous support you give to their families.
Bethell Hospice is the only residential hospice serving all of Caledon, Brampton and Dufferin County, and also offers a broad range of community programs throughout Caledon. Founded by Caledon resident, Lorna Bethell, Bethell Hospice offers compassionate end-of-life care in a beautiful home-like setting, with round-the-clock professional care, headed by Medical Director, Dr. Michael Gagnon, with a team of Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers and Social Workers, along with countless volunteers who prepare custom meals, tend the beautiful gardens, and offer kindness and compassion to residents and their family and friends.
All programs and services at Bethell Hospice are available at no cost to residents, community clients or their families, thanks to the generosity of community donors. Since opening its doors in April 2010, Bethell Hospice has cared for over 1,500 residents and their families, and served over 8,800 through their community programs over that same period.
In attendance with the Mayor were Regional Councillors Johanna Downey, Jennifer Innis and Ian Sinclair, and Area Councillors Christina Early and Lynn Kiernan. Bethell Hospice Board Chair, Lynn Dobson, and Bethell Hospice Foundation Board Chair, John Sanderson, hosted the event. The presentation took place outside Bethell Hospice next to the gazebo, which was previously funded through proceeds from the 2011 Caledon Council Charity Golf Tournament>
“The Town of Caledon has been a strong advocate for Bethell Hospice since its inception, and we are so grateful for its ongoing support, and belief in the importance of Bethell Hospice in our community,” said John Sanderson. “Bethell Hospice Foundation must raise over $1,500,000 each year to keep the doors of Bethell Hospice open. We are fortunate to have such tremendous support from our community, and from our Mayor and Councillors.”
