Construction is set to begin soon on a new facility in Squamish for end-of-life care, thanks in part to a $300,000 contribution from the The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
In recognition of the funds, the new $1.74 million wing will be called the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Sea-to-Sky Community Hospice.
“So many people have worked so hard to bring this to fruition,” said Mark McKenzie, chair of the Squamish Hospice Society, at an announcement at Hilltop House on Thursday.
McKenzie made the funding announcement alongside representatives from Vancouver Coastal Health and executive director Mei Madden from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
Foundation director Dave Krasny said when the project was first presented to the board, there was surprise that it didn’t already exist.
“It was such an obvious need, and we’re thrilled to be able to help it come to fruition. It’s just so important to the community to have this and it was such a surprise that we didn’t,” he said.
A currently unused wing at Hilltop House will be renovated for the new hospice facility. The four-bed facility will be a “tranquil” place for people receiving end of life care and their families.
There is currently no similar facility in the Sea to Sky corridor. Patients requiring end-of-life care typically spend time in Squamish General Hospital, Hilltop House or have to travel long distances outside the community.
Squamish resident Trevor Harris spoke at the announcement about how valuable the local facility will be.
The Harris family spent five weeks at a private room in the Squamish Hospital before Trevor’s wife Linda died. The announcement means that other families will be able to have a similar experience.
“We’ve been residents here for over 50 years, and it was just amazing for us that we could have this quality of service right here in our own community,” said Harris. “We’re so appreciative to everyone involved, as board members, volunteers, staff and of course donors, so thank you from the Harris Family.”
The facility is scheduled to April 2019, and Vancouver Coastal Health will provide an annual operating budget of $566,000.
In January, the provincial government announcedit would provide $400,000 toward the project, part of a larger $1 million commitment in the province. The additional funding has been raised by individual donors.
The total cost of the project is an estimated $1.74 million, and donations are still welcome, added campaign organizer Greg Gardner.
