Handbags for Hospice raises $170,000 for Huron Shores Hospice

The eighth annual Handbags for Hospice gala was another great success, raising $170,000 for Huron Shores Hospice.

The sold-out gala saw about 170 people pack the Kincardine Pavilion, Thursday night, enjoying hors d’oeuvres served by volunteers, and checking out the many designer handbags in the silent auction.

MC Phillip Craig welcomed everyone and then Cathy Herbert, executive director of the hospice, thanked the many sponsors, volunteers and those in attendance for their incredible support of this event.

“Since 2018, when we opened our first suite at Tiverton Park Manor, we have had 156 individuals use the hospice,” she said. “We had 36 in the past year. Huron Shores Hospice is a beacon of light in Bruce County.

“We have to raise about $300,000 each year to maintain the two hospice suites. Your generosity tonight will help us meet that obligation. Thank you for making this wonderful event possible.”

Duncan Hawthorne, who with his wife, Lesley, is the host sponsor of the event, said they were honoured to welcome everyone to the eighth annual fund-raiser.

“I was sitting outside the coffee shop downtown, The Daily Grind, and trying to think of what I would say tonight,” he said. “I saw a white convertible pull up, and the driver said, ‘You’re back in town.’ He’s had a tough go with four separate bouts of cancer and all the treatments and operations.

“He said that nothing makes you feel more alive than facing death. He’s lived here all his life and he knows 30 people who have been at Huron Shores Hospice. For those 30, there are 300 people and families affected. That means for the 156 people who have used the hospice, it has touched thousands in the community.

“This is a vital service that we’re fund-raising for; so when you need it, it’s here. It’s invaluable and continues to be. You’re making a tremendous contribution to a vital service. Enjoy your evening!”

Karen Smith of Bruce Power brought greetings, and thanked the staff and volunteers at the hospice for providing compassionate care for those in need.

Lynda Janzen of Kincardine was the guest speaker, talking about the care and compassion her family received when her mother-in-law, Hilda, was at the hospice in December, 2022.

First off, in light of the Handbags for Hospice event, she pointed out the difference between a purse and a handbag. A purse is a vessel that carries money, while a handbag carries everything else, including your cell phone, identification, keys, photos of your grandchildren, lipstick, and much more. And, of course, Queen Elizabeth II always carried a handbag.

“Huron Shores Hospice is an amazing program,” said Janzen. “My mother-in-law was battling cancer and at that time, it was recommended that she move into Huron Shores Hospice. It was such a great blessing, for her and for our family.

“We didn’t know what to expect, but the medical staff was efficient and with as little intrusion as possible. The volunteers were always ready to help us out, or just sit with us, providing compassion, comfort and love. We had quiet time to pray and read Scripture. Hilda’s death was peaceful and compassionate.

“Supporting Huron Shores Hospice is the most significant thing you can do for yourself and the most loving thing you can do for others. One day, it could be your family that needs the hospice.”

From there, the evening was turned over to Layne the Auctionista. The gala featured live and silent auctions of numerous designer handbags, luxury experiences and get-aways, as well as a wine wall, true-and-false game and a Mystery Handbag raffle.

Huron Shores Hospice opened its doors in 2018 with a one-bed suite at Tiverton Park Manor. In 2019, community programs for grief support, end-of-life planning, Death Cafes and End-of-Life Doula services, were added; and in 2021, the second suite was opened, doubling the number of families the hospice can serve.

How can you help Huron Shores Hospice?
 

• Pledge your financial support by donating on-line at www.huronshoreshospice.ca or by mailing your donation to Huron Shores Hospice, Box 250, 24 King Street North, Tiverton, Ontario, N0G 2T0. All donations are greatly appreciated. Tax receipts can be issued for donations over $20.
• Spread the word to family and friends.
• Volunteer – volunteer on the board, on a committee, provide comfort care in the hospice or help with administration and clerical work.
• Donate – through planned giving, Legacy giving and memorial donations
• Attend the annual fund-raising events – Hike for Hospice in May and Handbags for Hospice in September.