As Hospice Muskoka eyes an uncertain financial future the community is rallying to their assistance.
The Rotary Club of Bracebridge recently announced a $20,000 donation to Hospice Muskoka, which provides end-of-life care including grief and bereavement support, home caregiving and more.
“Hospice Muskoka has become an integral part of healthcare in south Muskoka with its services being particularly critical when compassion and emotional care are most needed,” says Rotary President Don Smith.
Rotary’s donation underscores the club’s support of the compassionate care delivered by the staff and volunteers at Hospice Muskoka, says Smith, and the difference they have made for so many Muskoka families at end-of-life times for their loved ones.
“Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ speaks to the importance of volunteering and using our talents to assist others,” says Smith.
The donation comes at a time when Hospice has been visiting municipal councils in an effort to shore up base funding.
Donations to Hospice Muskoka in 2023 are down some $311,000 versus this time last year and Hospice is not on track to make their $1.2 million annual budget.
According to Donna Kearney, executive director of Hospice Muskoka (which operates Andy’s House in Port Carling), if the organization can’t reach a funding agreement with the province, they risk closing their doors.
Find out more about Hospice Muskoka and how you can help at www.hospicemuskoka.com
Photo : Bracebridge Rotary president Don Smith, and Director Karen Quemby (far Right) present a cheque for $20,000 to Donna Kearney of Hospice Muskoka.
The Rotary Club of Bracebridge was formed in 1936 and is one of 34,000 community-based service clubs throughout the world.
Recent, notable projects of the Bracebridge Rotary Club are the establishment of the Rotary Gardens on Taylor Road and Pine Street and the ongoing support for youth through the hosting of Girl Guides and Boy Scouts at the Rotary Centre for Youth. The Bracebridge Club has been a significant supporter for the world-wide “End Polio Now” Campaign.
