News Release
January 12, 2021
DUNDAS, ONTARIO – Today, the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club (DVSRC) presented another incredible gift of $15,000 to St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation. The rotary club’s support contributes to the development of Margaret’s Place Hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa, slated to open this June.
In 2018, DVSRC committed to supporting the vision of building a state-of-the-art hospice on the Villa’s grounds. The club pledged a total of $15,000 over a three-year installation period. Now, in the third year, the club has surpassed its initial promise, raising a grand total of $25,000.
The final installation was a product of creativity – the pandemic greatly limited DVSRC’s ability to hold annual fundraising activities that require gatherings and social involvement. To work around these challenges, the club engaged the community by hosting a 50/50 draw, promoting it entirely on social media and word of mouth. The raffle exceeded expectations by selling out quickly, raising $10,000 for the Villa Foundation and $10,000 for a lucky winner. In addition to this sum, an anonymous DVSRC member has gifted $5,000, contributing to the grand total.
“The acceptance and support of the club from day one of this project has been extraordinary,” says Don Davidson, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation. “They’ve been instrumental in the vision of the new hospice, and it’s community support like this that truly makes a difference.”
Bettering the community through service
DVSRC’s history with the Villa dates back to 2000, when the club significantly contributed to the Villa’s major redevelopment to improve long-term care. Then, in 2014, DVSRC supported the Orchid Garden Wing’s renovation to add 12 additional long-term care beds to the facility. It’s this generosity that helps create a legacy of care in our community.
“Over the past 20 years, our club has been a vibrant contributor to this community,” says Kathy Starodub, President, Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. “We truly believe in the vision of Margaret’s Place Hospice, and being alongside the Villa throughout this development has been inspiring. This end-of-life home is just what our community needs.”
About Margaret’s Place and hospice funding
Margaret’s Place Hospice is rising rapidly on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Villa. Construction remains on schedule and completion is projected for June 2021. The ten-bed hospice will accept patients of all ages who face terminal illnesses. Located in Dundas, Margaret’s Place is a tranquil setting backing onto the Spring Creek Ravine, giving patients and their families peace and dignity in their final days.
While hospice care is free to patients, the Ministry of Health only supports approximately 60 per cent of the operational expenses annually. To provide the services and programs for patients and their families, the St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation is responsible for the other 40 per cent – totaling approximately $520,000 every year. The Villa Foundation will continue to reach out to our community to sustain much-needed programs and services at the Villa and Hospice.
To learn more about Margaret’s Place and how you can help, visit: http://margaretsplacesjv.ca/
About Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club
Chartered in 2000, the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club (DVSRC) has been committed to serving its community for over 20 years. The club is composed of 46 active members and two honourary members, both men and women. DVSRC has been very involved in bettering the community for the people of Hamilton and Dundas, taking on projects like the build of Dundas Driving Park’s ice-surface and operating annual events like Lobsterfest and Victoria Day Fireworks.
To learn more about DVSRC, visit: https://dvsrc.ca/