HURON HOSPICE TO BE RENAMED FOLLOWING GENEROUS DONATION

David and Susan Bender, of Kitchener and Bayfield, recently made a generous contribution to the Huron Hospice Capital Campaign. (Photo courtesy Huron Hospice)

Huron Hospice recently announced a lead donation to the $1.6 million “Moments Matter … Even More” Capital Campaign with their gift of $500,000, David and Susan Bender are helping Huron Hospice reach the community phase of the campaign.

“We are honored to accept this gift from David and Susan. In recognition of this gift, the Board of Directors has approved the renaming of the Huron Hospice Residence. As of today, the residence will be called Huron Hospice Bender House,” said Jay McFarlan, Huron Hospice chair of the Board at the recognition event held at Huron Hospice on Saturday, June 4.

“Eighteen months ago, David and Susan told us of their vision for end-of-life care in the family home and in the hospice. Their vision was influenced by the experiences of a friend and a family member. When they were not able to receive the compassionate care they needed, David and Susan became firm believers in the importance of hospice care.”

David and Susan believe that the gentleness of spending time with a person is so important. No one should die alone.

“Sometimes people just need tea and a cookie while others need someone to talk to and share with. Hospice affords dignity and the personal care and kindness at the end of life, so a person can die with dignity,” commented David and Susan.

“Today as we embark on an exciting new phase of our service, we are honored to name the hospice residence after David and Susan,” said Willy Van Klooster, Huron Hospice Executive director. “Twenty-eight years ago, generous donors made Huron Hospice possible. Four years ago, they made the residential Hospice a reality. Today David and Susan have brought us close to the finish line and are helping us launch the next exciting phase of Huron Hospice.  They invite everyone in Huron County to join them in this final push to make these new beds at Huron Hospice a reality.”

“This final Community Phase is the one where everyone can join us and push fundraising over the finish line,” said David and Susan.  “Alongside the Hospice Board of Directors, we encourage everyone in Huron County to join us and help reach the goal of increased high quality hospice care close to home where it matters most.”

“Today is an important milestone, since the Ontario Government has previously committed to match all dollars we raise to a maximum of $800,000,” added Van Klooster. Since $120,000 of the provincial contribution was provided earlier to prepare the drawings, the combined contributions from the Benders, other donors and the province is now $1,500,000. We need $1.6 million to be able to put shovels in the ground. We ask others in Huron County to join us and close out the campaign. Now is the time that we say no gift is too small, or too large. Every gift matters as we approach the goal.”

The Huron Hospice Project will be one of the most cost-effective hospice capital projects in Ontario and will increase care provided at Bender House from 65 to 100 families per year.

CELEBRATING ADMIRAL BAYFIELD’S LEGACY

The Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) extends an invitation to two events, an official book launch and a memorial dedication, now that it is possible to gather again

They invite the community to join them on Wednesday, July 6 at 7 p.m. for the official launch of the book “Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield: Master Chart Maker of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River”, written by historian David Yates and published by BHS. The event will be held in the Bayfield Town Hall.

Yates will present an illustrated talk about Bayfield’s fascinating career as a naval surveyor.

Admission is $20 and includes a copy of the book signed by the author. There will be a cash bar.

Tickets are available in person at the Bayfield Archives and Heritage Centre located at 20 Main St. N. or online here via: Eventbrite.  For additional information visit www.bayfieldhistorical.ca.

Three days later, on Saturday, July 9 at 1 p.m, members of the BHS will gather to officially dedicate Admiral Bayfield Square on Main Street and they invite people in the community to join them.

This memorial – which includes a landscaped area with rose compass, a commemorative plaque, and information panels – was established by BHS through the leadership of the Admiral Bayfield Project Committee. They are deeply appreciative of the committee members’ work as well as the generous support of Huron County, the Municipality of Bluewater, the Bayfield & Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bayfield Lions Club, and Diamond Concrete Inc.

Special guests will bring congratulations, and after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, all are invited to browse the display in the Bayfield Archives & Heritage Centre.

NINTH SLAPSHOT GOLF CLASSIC SOLD OUT

Bill Whetstone, far left, presents the 2022 winners Ninth Annual Snapshot Golf Classic with the highly sought after golden hockey stick. The winners were (l-r): Shelby Lovett, Ian Gould, Becky Meriam and Dave Meriam. (Submitted photos)

Similarly to other events hosted by the Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association, this event was sold out with little effort due to the continued great support of the people residing in Bluewater and its surrounding area,

On Saturday, June 4, the Ninth Annual Bayfield Slapshot Golf Classic hosted by Bayfield Arena Community Partners Association (BACPA) was held at the Bluewater Golf Course.

Similarly to other events hosted by the BACPA,  this event was sold out with little effort due to the continued great support of the people residing in Bluewater and its surrounding area,

Eighty golfers took to the course to raise money to subsidize programs at the Bayfield Arena and Community Centre so everyone can play or take part.

This year’s winners of the highly sought after golden hockey stick were: Shelby Lovett, Ian Gould, Becky Meriam and Dave Meriam.

Event Coordinator Bill Whetstone said, “It’s incredible that this tournament has sold out since the first year. The dedication that the community has for this event and the others that BACPA puts on has been outstanding.  Our tournament is much different than most.  It’s not about prizes, it’s about fun. In fact, there are basically no prizes so many non-golfers take part as well simply due to the cause. Our slogan is: ‘The prizes suck, it’s all about the fun and fun we do have.’”

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR RUMMAGE SALE

The Pioneer Park Association (PPA)  is very excited to announce the return of the 73rd Annual Pioneer Park Rummage Sale on Friday, July 8 – their number one fundraising event of the year for the park and the unofficial kick-off to the summer season in Bayfield.

Organizers expect this year to be their best ever so be sure to save the date, gather friends and arrive early! The outdoor sales area will open at  6 p.m. with the arena door rising at 6:30 p.m.

But before the sale begins there is some work to be done. Volunteers are now being sought for donation sorting, for sale day set up, for during the sale and cleaning up afterward. Organizers encourage people to join the team of over 200 volunteers it takes to make this event happen. To lend a hand email info@pioneerpark.ca and join in the fun!

And it is difficult to have a successful event without donations so now is the time to clear out all the things that have been accumulating in basements, spare rooms, garages and attics since the pandemic began.

Event organizers like to say, “If you are proud to give it, we are proud to sell it!”

The following items are welcome for donation: indoor and outdoor furniture, tables and chairs, linens, draperies, antiques, dishware, housewares, tools of all sorts, gardening tools,  decorative items, festive decor, games, books, DVDs, record albums and stereo equipment, lamps and lighting, sports and recreational items, home electronics and small appliances provided they are CSA approved and in good working order. These are just some of the items in great demand and always popular.

The following items cannot be accepted: mattresses of any size, sofa beds, children’s furniture or strollers, damaged or soiled toys, large appliances, televisions or monitors, printers or fax machines, no clothing or shoes, Tupperware or plastic kitchen utensils, water bottles, lone coffee mugs and no used candles please.

As in years past, donations can be dropped off at the Quonset Hut on Hwy 21 just North of the village at 76614 Bluewater Highway. Organizers would like to thank Ron and Pat Reder for their generous loan of this facility for collecting treasures. Having this space to use prior to the sale makes a world of difference for pre-sale organization. Donation dates have been arranged for three Saturdays in the next month: June 11, June 18 and June 25. On all three of these dates drop off times are 9 a.m. to noon.

There will also be a silent auction section featuring extra special items, gift certificates and/or gift bundles generously donated by the community and local businesses. In the coming weeks, members of the PPA will be dropping by local businesses to see if they would like to include a donation in this year’s Silent Auction.

All sales proceeds go directly to Pioneer Park, a privately owned public space that all can enjoy. People will soon be able to drop by to see progress at the new addition to the park, a generous donation of neighboring land by the Thompson family.

If anyone has questions, please email info@pioneerpark.ca.  Volunteers look forward to greeting people at the Quonset hut!

WORKSHOPS INSPIRE CREATIVITY

Bayfield Centre for the Arts is hosting three workshops this summer that invite people to play with paint or with their food!

Learning how to paint with more impressionistic strokes will be a highlight of the “Paint Better Reflections in Water” workshop to be offered by John David Anderson on Thursday, June 9.

Anderson enjoys passing the joy of painting on to others. This has led him to teaching summer courses for Fleming College, Southampton Art School and a number of other arts organizations around the province over the last 20 plus years.

This workshop will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $120 per person.

People can register here by clicking on: Better Reflection in the Water Workshop.

“Anatomy of the Charcuterie Board” will see participants learning how to create an appetizing and beautiful charcuterie board composed of local food under the direction of Chef Frank Ihrig of Hessenland Inn and Winery on Thursday, June 23.

In addition to learning how to create an attractive food presentation, participants will go home with a live edge charcuterie board created by Hunters Charcuterie Boards, they will also have the opportunity to sample two of Hessenland’s wines during the two-hour session to be held in the Inn’s Garden Room.

The cost for the workshop is $150. Participants may bring one guest for an additional $15 charge to help them build the board, wine sampling included.

Hessenland Inn and Winery is located at 72981 Bluewater Hwy., Zurich, ON.

To register for BCA’s first culinary event click on: Anatomy of the Charcuterie Board.

After a sold-out session in 2021, Carol Finkbeiner Thomas is returning to the village to offer a “Paint the Abstracted Landscape” workshop on Thursday, July 7.

Participants will learn to paint with loose brushstrokes in oil or acrylic with this artist who was the Paint Ontario First Place winner in 2019.

This workshop will be held from 9:30 am to 4 p.m. at the Bayfield Community Centre. The cost is $160.

For more information about the artist visit and to register click on: Paint the Abstracted Landscape.

CANADIAN TALENT TO GRACE STAGE

Sarah Smith of The She Wolves

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will be hosting several concerts this year to raise funds to continue in their efforts to maintain and enjoy the Bayfield Town Hall. Music lovers can look forward to concerts from June to December. The kick-off event features folk music sensations Ken Yates and Jadea Kelly on June 18 while The She Wolves will offer a variety of genres on July 2nd.

Yates, who was born and raised in London, ON, has gained a reputation as one of this country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Yates has spent recent years expanding his sound and touring North America and Europe.  The Bayfield Town Hall concert occurs days before the launch of his upcoming album “Cerulean”.

Kelly, described by CBC’s Tom Power as “one of the shining jewels in the crown of Canadian songwriters”, has performed and showcased her music across the United States and Europe and in Canada at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Calgary Folk Festival, Edmonton’s Interstellar Rodeo, Metal Toronto and Peterborough Folk Festival.  Kelly was also a recipient of the Contemporary Singer of the Year award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

The concert, which will feature Yates and Kelly performing separately, will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25.

The She Wolves are next on the docket on Saturday, July 2nd. This group of talented musicians are returning to the village to perform an outdoor concert. The She Wolves is composed of some of the best female musicians in Southwestern Ontario and includes, singer-songwriter Sarah Smith, blues-rock singer Cheryl Lescom, keyboardist and Rhythm and Blues artist, Chuckee Zehr, singer-songwriter Laurie McColeman and drummer Dale Anne Brendon.

Each of these women have recorded their own albums, or recorded for other artists during the years and each has their own style.  Be prepared for a mix of great original music and covers from artists including, Amy Winehouse, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Bonnie Rait, Aretha Franklin (Zehr’s specialty), Etta James, Melissa Ethridge and even a little Joe Cocker.

Tickets for The She Wolves concert are $30 and participants are asked to bring their own chair. The gates will open at 6 pm. and the performers will take to the stage at 7 p.m.

There will be a cash bar at all of the shows. Tickets for these concerts are available now  online at www.bayfieldtownhall.com. Please note there are no additional surcharges.

FOSTERS DESPERATELY NEEDED

Tiffany and Tina (Submitted photo)

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has helped hundreds of feral and abandoned cats find their forever homes but many are still waiting.

“We’d like to take this opportunity to reach out to those people who have been supportive and helpful and to let them know that we are desperately in need of fosters,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “In the past 24 hours alone we have had calls for close to 50 kittens and a number of adult cats. We also have several mature cats at the Rescue that would do well to be in a foster situation and out of the shelter while a pending adoption is found.”

Penhale went on to say that it’s been the most overwhelming kitten season to date and that BFF is backlogged with requests.

“We are trying to get everyone in to be vetted,” Penhale said. “As adorable as all these sweeties are, they aren’t inexpensive to take care of. Sadly, we have also lost some babies along the way. That is another one of the heartaches of doing Rescue and something that our volunteers will never get used to.”

The Adopt-A-BFF kittens of the week are Tiffany and Tina.

These two adorable sisters come from a litter of six. They are the smallest ones of the bunch.  Their Mama Millie (who was featured in Issue 673 along with three others in the brood) was a feral kitten herself when she became pregnant with this large group. She has been an amazing mom but is still skittish around humans. However, her adorable babies are super friendly and love to play hard, cuddle lots, eat plenty and sleep like only kittens can!

Anyone who would like to meet this family in-person are asked to please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information.

The adoption fee is now $200. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Donations are also always appreciated. E-transfers can be sent to the Rescue’s email or email to arrange for a drop off or pick up of donations. Cheques can be mailed to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

CYCLISTS RAISE PANCREATIC CANCER AWARENESS

On June 1st, a dedicated group of 30 riders rode through the rain and thunder from Goderich to London, ON with a stop in Bayfield on day five of the “7 Days in May” charity cycling event.  “7 Days in May runs from May 28 to June 3rd to raise funds to combat  Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer remains the deadliest of all adult cancers in Canada with a 93 per cent mortality rate.

The initial  leg of the 154 km journey took the riders out of Benmiller and along Porters Hill Line.  The first rest stop was in Pioneer Park in Bayfield where much needed refreshment and local encouragement was given before the journey continued along Bronson Line through Dashwood and on to Lucan until arriving in  London.

To learn more about the event click here: 7 Days in May – Pancreatic Cancer Canada.

COUNTRY MUSIC SALUTE OPENS FESTIVAL

Whiskey Jack (Photos by Gary Beechey, BDS Studios)

Huron Waves Music Festival is thrilled to present its first live Festival events this June, with varied programming that’s sure to captivate music lovers all month long.  The Festival’s first is a concert saluting Canadian Country Music legends.

Stompin’ Tom Connors’ tremendous backup band “Whiskey Jack” will appear at Wingham Town Hall Theatre on Sunday, June 12 at 3 p.m., presenting their brand-new show, a “Salute to Canadian Country Music Legends”. Everyone is invited to sit back and reminisce through the songs and stories of the good times shared among friends: Tommy Hunter, Gordie Tapp, Gordon Lightfoot, Hank Snow, Lucille Starr, Willie P. Bennet, and more.

This year, Whiskey Jack celebrates 45 years as a musical force in the Canadian country music community. During the pandemic, it was only natural that they should sit around the dinner table talking about the “old days” – exploring their roots.

“If there’s one thing COVID gave us, it’s time to reminisce,” said Duncan Fremlin, producer, raconteur, and band leader . “It’s also only fitting that this inaugural show be presented in the town many consider to be the home of Canadian country music – Wingham, Ontario.   The local CKNX barn dance during its 60-year run, spawned a generation of performers who almost single handedly created the soundtrack for the nation – Tommy Hunter for the singers and Al Cherney for the fiddlers. They grabbed the heart of the nation and never let go.”

Members of the band feel they owe a debt of gratitude to those who paved the road and made it possible for each to enjoy a career in music. It began with Wilf Carter, the father of Canadian country music, who began his professional career in 1920, when there were no fancy PA systems, no promoters handing out gigs, no contracts offering some assurance that payment would be made when the gig was over, no proprietary rights to the songs that he wrote, no record companies to finance and distribute his 78’s, no TV, few if any professional musicians to accompany him on stage, perhaps only one radio station, and few if any music stores. Plus the highways were terrible! His most popular song and the one most associated with the Carter legend, is the song parents of Whiskey Jack members would listen to when they tuned into the CBC on a Saturday night. “Blue Canadian Rockies” will be sung by another renowned Canadian songwriter, multiple Juno Award nominee, Douglas John Cameron, Whiskey Jack’s guitarist who won nominations for his 1983 hit, “Mona With The Children” and his 1996 TV hit, “Ants in Your Pants”.  The link between Wilf Carter and Stompin’ Tom Connors is a straight line. According to Connors, “Wilf was my inspiration. That’s all there is to it.”  Fremlin will dip into his 25-year history with Connors and sing “Bud The Spud”. He might even share a story or two from his best-selling book, “My Good Times With Stompin’ Tom”.

Whiskey Jack has invited even more Canadian country music royalty to join them as they celebrate the superstars that inspired them.  Marie Bottrell has her own supply of “road stories” having been a pioneer, one of the first, and most definitely the youngest woman to lead her own band on endless tours of North American beer halls and theatres. Her hard work and exceptional talent earned her eight Juno nominations. Besides her own hit, “The Star”, Bottrell will sing what has become a Canadian National Anthem, “Snowbird”.

Brian and Susie Good are the gold standard in their field. Country duets? You bet! One of the songs they will sing was made famous by their good friends, Ian and Sylvia. “Four Strong Winds” is another anthem having been voted Best Canadian Song in 2008. Brian of course is one of “The Good Brothers”. What you might not know is that Susie learned her chops from another Country Music Royal Family. Her dad Rex Yetman is the founding member of Canada’s very first bluegrass band, “The Yorktown Boys”. The supporting cast will be featured throughout the show. Stompin’ Tom’s long time fiddler from PEI, Billy MacInnis, will show us why Don Messer, Al Cherney and more were so important to our version of country music. Not to be outdone, bass player Tim Hadley is another Juno nominee with “The Grievous Angels”.

For tickets or more information about this presentation as well as the Festival’s many other offerings in June, please visit: HuronWavesMusicFestival.ca.

NEW FINANCE MANAGER WELCOMED

The Municipality of Bluewater is pleased to announce that Charlotte Tunikaitis, CPA, CA has accepted the position of Manager of Finance.

Tunikaitis will officially start with Bluewater on Wednesday, June 22nd. She comes to Bluewater from the Town of Pelham where she has served as the Manager of Financial Services and Deputy Treasurer for seven years. Tunikaitis is well-versed in municipal financial processes and accounting procedures, having completed the Ivey AMCTO Executive Leadership program in addition to completing an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree. As Manager of Finance, Tunikaitis will serve as Treasurer, overseeing municipal finances, budgeting, financial reporting and tax collection.

“Ms. Tunikaitis’ experience speaks for itself. Her time as a senior accountant and then as Manager of Finance and Deputy Treasurer has allowed her to gain a lot of valuable experience. That experience is going to benefit Bluewater going forward,” said Mayor Paul Klopp

Tunikaitis will take over for the current Manager of Finance, Ansberth Willert, who announced her retirement after a full career in municipal government. Willert has successfully fulfilled this role with the Municipality over the last thirteen years. During her time as Manager of Finance, Willert provided overall stewardship of the Municipality’s finances while also implementing numerous new policies and procedures to modernize Bluewater’s financial processes to bring the municipality into compliance with provincial and federal legislation.

“Ansberth’s knowledge of the Municipality and municipal finance will be missed upon her retirement, but we wish her well. She’s dedicated a lot to the Municipality over her career and we want to thank her for her service. At the same time, we look forward to working with Charlotte over the years to come,” said CAO Laurie Spence Bannerman.

ONE CARE LAUNCHES SHOP FOR SENIORS

Cait’s Cafe in Goderich is participating in a new fundraiser for ONE CARE. Looking forward to the program are l-r: Trista Billings, Spencer Vail, Cait Vail, Devin Sturgeon and Kim Hart. (Submitted photo)

Cait’s Café in Goderich is proud to support ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services this June, and is encouraging businesses and community members to do so as well.

They are one of many local businesses who are participating in ONE CARE’s month-long “Shop for Seniors” campaign where people can shop, dine and golf locally in support of seniors and people with health challenges living in Huron County. Throughout the month of June, retail businesses, restaurants and golf courses will be generously donating a portion of their proceeds to ONE CARE.

“ONE CARE is a vital beat in our community,” said Caitlin Vail, owner of Cait’s Café. “We are honored to help support their programming to allow those in need access to a better quality of life.”

Funds raised through the Shop for Seniors campaign will go directly towards a client in need of financial subsidy, and the purchase and maintenance of essential program equipment and facilities. ONE CARE is working hard to ensure cost is not a barrier to receiving the programs and services that clients rely on. Many of these programs and services require equipment, and funding does not cover the cost of many of these essential items.

More than 25 businesses across Huron and Perth counties will be participating in ONE CARE’s Shop for Seniors campaign. Participating businesses in Huron County are: Woodlands Links Golf Course, Clinton; Beach Street Station, Cait’s Café, Fincher’s, Olive & Rose Flower Studio, Park House Restaurant, Shanahan’s Quality Meats, Steve & Mary’s On The Square, Watson’s Home Hardware and West Street Willy’s, all in Goderich; Castings Public House, Wingham; and Hansen’s Grocery, Exeter.

Additional businesses in Perth County are also participating. Visit www.onecaresupport.ca or follow ONE CARE on Facebook for more information on the participating businesses and their designated dates throughout the month of June.

“We are grateful to these generous businesses and to everyone who supports this campaign as you are helping us to provide care for people in need living right in our community,” said Kathy Scanlon, Executive director, ONE CARE. “As a not-for-profit agency, we rely on funding from the government to operate and keep fees low for our clients, especially those who are on a fixed income. Over the past decade, we have received little to no funding to support the essential work we do, making our fundraising efforts that much more critical.”

In honor of Seniors’ Month, the community is encouraged to come together this June to support local businesses who have been operating at a reduced capacity or were temporarily shut down throughout the pandemic, while also helping to make a difference in the lives of people living in the community.

IMMUNIZATION CLINICS FOR STUDENTS UPCOMING

To help students get up to date with routine immunizations, Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) will offer catch-up community clinics starting this week and continuing through the summer.

Routine immunizations for school-age youth include protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap vaccine); human papillomavirus (HPV vaccine); hepatitis B (Hep B vaccine); and meningococcal disease (MenC-ACYW-135 vaccine).

Typically, students receive these immunizations at school-based clinics. However, disruptions to healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic have meant that many youth have not been able to stay up to date on immunizations.

“We encourage youth and their parents/guardians to take the opportunity to stay up-to-date on their immunizations,” said Dr. Lauren Hayward, Physician consultant at HPPH. “Routine immunizations help build up and strengthen the immune system, protecting youth from serious diseases.”

Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), all students attending elementary or secondary school are required to provide proof of immunization against certain diseases, including tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

HPPH is holding Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) immunization clinics in June for youth born in 2004-2006.

Appointments are available for a clinic to be held on Wednesday, June 8 at the Goderich Memorial Arena, 180 McDonald St., Goderich. This clinic will run from 1-6 p.m.

In addition two clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 10. These will be held at the HPPH Clinton site located at 77722B London Rd., Clinton and the HPPH West Gore site which can be found at 653 West Gore St., Stratford.

Appointments for these clinics can be booked online at www.hpph.ca/schoolvaccines or by calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098.  If a child has already received the Tdap vaccine, please ensure it has been reported to HPPH.  To view or submit immunizations, please visit www.hpph.ca/icon or call 1-888-221-2133.

In July and August, HPPH will hold clinics to offer HPV, Hep B, and MenC-ACYW-135 vaccines for students born in 2009, and those born in 2007-2008 who previously missed receiving these immunizations. Appointments for the July and August clinics will be available once clinic dates are finalized. Please do not try to book for one of these vaccinations at the May or June clinics; only Tdap vaccine will be available at the May and June clinics.

In the fall, HPPH plans to resume school-based immunization clinics.

LET’S HAVE A PARTY

July 2022 is Huron Hospice – Let’s Have a Party month. “Let’s Have a Party” is an exciting new way to connect with friends and neighbors and an ideal way to have a charitable impact.

Current world circumstances have allowed people to re-evaluate their priorities. The “great reset” helped many people realize that it is possible to do good things, help the community, and have fun at the same time. One example is the Huron Hospice – Let’s Have a Party. Throughout July, people can invite friends to an event with the understanding that the event is a fundraiser for Huron Hospice. It could be a cocktail party, a dinner, a BBQ, a themed event or even a lakeside social.

Donations from the event will help cover a day of operations at Huron Hospice.

“Huron Hospice needs $1,000 a day to cover operations. The government covers half of hospice residence operations annually. We ask the community to fund the other half, $1,000 each day. In July, we are asking 30 people to have a party – a social gathering and raise $1,000. When this happens, Huron Hospice will finance operations for the month,” said Willy Van Klooster, Executive director at Huron Hospice.

He went on to explain further, “When you have a social gathering with 50, you would ask people to contribute $20; 20 people would donate $50. Ten guests at a dinner party would contribute $100. The result is the same; these gifts will cover nursing and other programs and maintenance of the hospice residence for a day. A member of the Hospice board of directors is hosting a Lakeside Social at their cottage. They will invite 50 people to visit for sandwiches, snacks, and summer conversation at the cottage. When they invite people, they will ask everyone to give $20. Collectively the Lakeside Social will contribute $1,000 to Hospice operations.”

People choose to support Huron Hospice for many reasons. It could be the in-home care and respite offered by a trained volunteer. It could be personal experience in the hospice residence or grief recovery support for someone who has experienced a loss.

For anyone who would like to host a Huron Hospice, Let’s Party event, Huron Hospice is available to help. They will provide electronic or printed pamphlets about Hospice, issue tax receipts, and send a thank-you note for donations over $20.

To learn more, contact  Van Klooster by calling 519 525-6856 or by email at willy.vanklooster@huronhospice.ca.