By Ray Yurkowski, EMC
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Warkworth – Long-time Warkworth resident Aureen Richardson has donated $50,000 to the Bridge Hospice project and their fund-raising drive to build a three-bedroom hospice at Warkworth.
It was a year ago when area icon and Order of Canada honouree Dr. Bob Stevens approached her with the idea says Richardson’s son, Ray.
“You know mom, if you want to, you can afford to do this,” he recalls telling his mother. “I think it might be a good thing and the donation is because she’s always believed in supporting the local community.
“If she thinks something is right, she says ‘let’s do it,’” he adds.
And this isn’t a first-time act of benevolence from the local philanthropist. She helped out financially to bridge the gap between upgrading the Trent Hills Venture Van, which provides rides for anyone who is physically or functionally disabled, and the fund raising to pay for it.
“My parents are not from a background of money,” says Ray. “Mom taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She finished high school when she was 16 and was teaching the next year, at the age of 17. She worked hard her whole life.
“In this day and age, we’re all getting older, and the hospice is to let people, young or old, who are terminally ill, die with dignity and respect. Not all families can afford it and this is an avenue that will help support that in the community. I think it will be great.
“For a lady that started out very poor, she’s done well,” he added. “And it’s nice to help your own local area.”
The plan is to construct the only freestanding residential hospice in Northumberland County thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers who have been working on the project since 2006. The first step was to gain the support of Campbellford Memorial Hospital, Trent Hills Family Health Team and the Health Unit.
“A group of palliative care nurses are part of the instigation of the group,” explained Bridge Hospice publicity director Joan Sampson. “They felt it was something that was needed in this area.”
“The hospital feels they will be able to refer up to about 40 people a year to the hospice.” But, she points out, the facility won’t be bound by municipal borders.
“It’s taken hold in the Warkworth area and we’re spreading it out from there,” she said. “But it will not be a Warkworth hospice, it will be for the entire county.”
So far, $120,000 has been raised, enough to purchase the land. Now, they’re looking for more funding to build and equip the hospice with the hope of opening the doors later this year.
Bridge Hospice will serve the residents of this entire area free of charge and will provide a serene, home-like setting says a media release. As well, the hospice will be co-operating with the local health care providers to ensure a seamless transition between services. The focus will be on the patient and family and about making this difficult time as comfortable as possible for everyone.
“We’re trying to spread the word around the rest of the county,” said Sampson. “We really want to get started this summer.”
In addition, she points out the building committee has their sights set on the structure built as a “green” building. While it might cost a little more at the outset, the cost of maintenance will be much less than a conventional structure.
“It’s quite a lively group we’ve got together to do this,” said Sampson. “In volunteering, it’s nice to be doing something that has a real purpose. It’s a really good concept and it really does work.”
If you want to volunteer or make a donation call 705-924-9222 or visit online for more information.
