Nearly $100,000 raised to date
BY MOYA DILLON, THE INDEPENDENT
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WARKWORTH — The Bridge Hospice in Warkworth is one step closer to reality thanks to a donation from the recent community performance of ‘Steel Magnolias’.
“We are very grateful to Bev (Roy) and the rest of the cast for their generosity,” said Dr. Cheryl Gibson, chair of The Bridge Hospice’s board of directors, before accepting a cheque from Ms. Roy, one of the stars and organizers behind Steel Magnolias.
“I’m a fundraiser, I like to do this kind of stuff because I have fun doing it,” Ms. Roy said of the production.
“What better way to take people’s money than to entertain them? We are all going to be in a facility like this some day, so it’s a very good cause.”
The production, which was held Sept. 17-19, raised $6,382 towards the hospice. So far, fundraising efforts have raised a total of nearly $100,000 in pledges and donations. The board’s overall goal is $350,000, which would cover the cost of land, construction, furnishings and operating costs for the facility’s first year.
“Anyone who’s ever been with a loved one as they faced a terminal illness will understand why we are so passionate about building a residential hospice in this community,” Dr. Gibson explained.
“You can go to a place where people are trained to be with you during that time and to walk that journey with you, that’s what being in a hospice is all about.”
The Bridge Hospice is hoping to close on a piece of land in Warkworth, across from the former site of Rubbs Bar and Grill, in November. Pending that deal, Dr. Gibson said she expects construction to begin in the spring.
The organization is currently seeking volunteers to help with fundraising and different elements of building and designing. To volunteer or for more information, call 705-924-9222 or visit www.thebridgehospice.com. To make a donation visit www.canadahelps.org.
