As the popular “Handbags for Hospice” fundraising event for hospice services in Northumberland nears, a group of physicians has stepped up to help double the impact of donations made in support of Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.
The doctors will be the matching donors for the Ed’s House Foundation’s “Give a Gift from the Heart” campaign at the sixth annual Handbags for Hospice fundraiser. The sold-out event is scheduled for Thursday, April 10 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre in Cobourg.
Led by Ed’s House medical director Dr. Kate Everdell, the team of local physicians has pledged $15,000, with community donations up to that amount matched dollar-for-dollar. According to a media release, ensuring that supporters’ contributions are doubled to go even further in providing high-quality, compassionate care to individuals and families in need at Ed’s House in Northumberland County.
“We are truly grateful to these local physicians for their dedication to improving end-of-life care in Northumberland,” said Trish Baird, CEO of Community Care Northumberland (CCN).
“Their involvement as matching donors through Give a Gift from the Heart demonstrates their unwavering commitment to our community and to ensuring Ed’s House continues to provide essential services to individuals and families during life’s most difficult moments.”
The Ed’s House foundation’s purpose is to raise money to support the operation of CCN’s hospice service programs in the community, including the palliative care community team, volunteer hospice visiting program, and grief and bereavement support, which operate alongside the 24/7 end-of-life care provided at Ed’s House.
Handbags for Hospice features a silent auction, live auction, golden ticket draws, and other fundraising opportunities. Every dollar raised will directly benefit the services and operations of Ed’s House, “Northumberland’s heart and hub” for compassionate hospice care.
With more 275 guests expected, attendees will have the opportunity to shop, sip, bid, and raise money for the foundation. Guests will receive a complimentary drink and can explore a variety of handbags, silent auction items, and partake in live auctions. There will be a golden ticket draw, photo booths, mystery bags and more, including hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
“The best possible outcome for this year’s Handbags for Hospice event would be to raise vital funds for Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre while also shining a light on the services we offer,” Chelsea Rankin, communications specialist for CCN and Ed’s House, told kawarthaNOW.
“Above all, we hope everyone has a truly special time, coming together to celebrate and support our mission. It’s a chance to connect with others who care deeply about making a difference for individuals and families in need during some of their most difficult times.”
Rankin said this is the first year physicians have teamed up to be matching donors for Give a Gift from the Heart “and we’re thrilled by their involvement.”
Along with Dr. Everdell, the other doctors participating as matching donors are Dr. Tapas Banerjee, Dr. Stephen Cornish, Dr. Marcus Cunningham, Dr. Fraser Cameron, Dr. Doug Dersnah, Dr. Mark Essak, Dr. Erin Pepper, Dr. Gordon Plue, Dr. Mark Azzopardi, Dr. Michelle Long, Dr. Francesco Mule, Dr. Rachel Schoon, Dr. Karen Northey, Dr. Carla Sabatini, Dr. Emma Smith, and Dr. Helena Whyte.
The foundation is also giving a shout-out to Tony Pulla of Re/Max Lakeshore Realty Inc. and Jacqueline Pennington of Re/Max Hallmark First Choice Group as lead sponsors of the event.
Ed’s House recently undertook a significant expansion, increasing its capacity from a six-bed to a 10-bed hospice. The expansion allows the team to extend care to more individuals and families in need during one of the most challenging times in their lives. The suite of services is offered at no charge to clients and their families.
The centre, which opened in the fall of 2020 in Hamilton Township, strives to provide a comfortable setting for people to receive palliative support. Ed’s House acts as a centralized hub for CCN’s interdisciplinary hospice services team.
For more information about Handbags for Hospice or to donate to the Give a Gift from the Heart campaign, visit www.handbagsforhospice.ca.
