News Release
November 12, 2020
DUNDAS, ONTARIO — St. Joseph’s Villa & Foundation are thrilled to announce a leadership gift of $500,000 from Dundas Lions Club to Margaret’s Place Hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa. This generous Gift of Love puts St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation over the top of the $13,000,000 community capital fundraising goal.
Few of us will ever have the opportunity to make history or leave a legacy like this in our lifetimes. The Lions care deeply about our community, and they know how important it is to have dignified and compassionate end of life care. This gift will serve the Dundas and surrounding communities for decades to come.
“Service clubs are the backbone of our community. We are very proud to live in a community that truly cares for one another. This gift will leave a lasting legacy of dignity, comfort and peace to thousands of families. This is truly the hospice that community built and this gift from the Dundas Lions Club confirms that,” said Don Davidson, Foundation President & CEO.
The Dundas Lions Club is an integral part of the Dundas community, as well as the Villa’s history. Margaret’s Place Hospice is one of the most important projects Dundas has seen in the last two decades. It is the first hospice to be built in the West Hamilton region that includes Dundas, Flamborough, the Ancaster area.
“This hospice will impact the lives of thousands of patients of all ages, and their families, in the coming years,” says John Woods, President, St. Joseph’s Villa. “The need for a hospice in our community is great. It is important to offer those facing a life-limiting illness a place where they can spend their last days or weeks with their family in a setting where they are comfortable and their medical needs are taken care of. Margaret’s Place will not only serve patients, but it will also provide compassionate support to their families during the most difficult time in their lives.”
Since the launch of our Gift of Love Campaign for Margaret’s Place Hospice in 2018, our community has fully embraced this vision. “We are so thankful to our generous individual donors, local businesses, service groups and partners, for their compassion and faith in our work. This leadership gift is instrumental in taking us over our $13 million capital fundraising goal – it’s just wonderful.” said Dave Curto, Board Chair, Villa Foundation.
Hospice is now rising on the St. Joseph’s Villa Campus! Fortunately, construction has been uninterrupted during the pandemic and we expect the building to be enclosed by the time winter weather arrives. Work will continue on the interior over the winter months, with completion set for Spring 2021.