Celebrating 40 years of Giving

In 1879 the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton opened the House of Providence to care for the elderly and disadvantaged.  Formerly known as “Coleman’s Castle”, Rev. J. McNulty purchased the castle for $10,000 paying $8,000 in cash.  To raise the additional $2,000, the first fundraising event, “The House of Providence Annual Picnic” was held in August 1879. For 92 years (until 1971), the annual picnic was the highlight of the Dundas social season, attracting thousands. The House of Providence was replaced in 1970. This new and modern construction was renamed St. Joseph’s Villa.

On March 7, 1978 the newly incorporated St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation held their first meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. John B. Roy – their purpose to raise funds in support of resident care, research, capital needs and staff education.  Founding members were:  Sister Benedict Godfrey (Sister Katharine), Hugh M. Everett, Corinne Lane, Joyce Armour, Victor J. Cassano, Ralph J. Sazio, Peter Richardson, Peggy Whyte, Dr. Hugo Ewart, John Shea, Sister Ann Marshall and Sister Mary Ambrose.

“How Things Change”

Our physical building aged; changes in health care requirements for an aging population with diverse needs created new challenges; new standards for long term care facilities; the Villa’s Mission expanded to include outreach programs, care and services to support the most vulnerable in our community.   

Most notably:  Adult Day Centre, Therapeutic Pool Program, Community Bathing Program, Alzheimers’ Day Program, Respite Care, Convalescent Care and a variety of clinics – foot care, skin care, wound care, eye care and audiology. 

Through all of these milestones, the Foundation also funded many capital and program needs to improve the quality, safety, comfort and dignity of our residents.

And now – HOSPICE at St. Joseph’s Villa:

Because of you….we have been able to explore new opportunities for enhanced care; expanded services; facility development; and purchase of critical priority capital equipment for the comfort and safety of residents, staff and our community clients.

The “magic” happens when we bring opportunities, caring people and donors together!

Foundation Milestones

1978

St. Joseph’s Villa Foundation Board established & managed by Villa CEO.

1991

A 5-year strategic plan led to hiring the first full-time professional staff Maureen Ellis, taking over from Paul O’Krafka.

1999 - 2003

First Major Capital Campaign

“Miracles & Modern Medicine” joint with our partner Hospital Foundation, raising over $8 million for the Villa’s redevelopment.

December 2002

$5 million gift from Margaret & Charles Juravinski – the largest gift in the history of the Foundation and to long term care in the province.

2004

Phase II Capital Campaign

“Our Family Caring for Your Family” Capital Campaign raising $10 million for Villa redevelopment.

May 31, 2004

Official opening & dedication of two new wings.

2012

January 2012

S.I.M. Gym Expansion.

Graciously supported by sponsors – George McCarter, Pearson Dunn Insurance, St. Mary Secondary School & our community.

January 2012

Partnership between St. Joseph’s Health System, Sisters of St. Joseph and the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care to transfer 12 LTC bed licenses to St. Joseph’s Villa.

AVIVA Community Fund grants $145,000.

March 2012

“Building Today…Changing Tomorrows” Capital Campaign, raising $2 million for renovations to add 12 additional Long Term Care Beds.

City of Hamilton Future Fund grants $400,000.

2014

October 23, 2014

Official dedication of the new 12 bed Resident Home Area “Orchid Garden” named in recognition of June & Doug Barber.

December 11, 2014

New partnership between SJV Foundation; the Villa; Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton to create Retirement Suites in empty space of the Villa’s East Wing for retired Diocesan Priests.

2016

June 23, 2016

Dedication of St. John Vianney Residence (8 suites for retired Diocesan Priests).

July 2016

Foundation commits to raise the capital required to build a new Hospice at the Villa as well as annual operational support not funded by the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care.

November 2016

MOHLTC awards funding to St. Joseph’s Villa for 6 Hospice beds.

December 2016

Foundation & Villa make mission driven “bold decision” to expand scope of service and build a 10-bed hospice with space for community outreach and palliative support programs.

December 7, 2016

Bishop Douglas Crosby accepts role of Honourary Chair for the hospice campaign.

December 2016

Capital Campaign for hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa.

2017

April 11, 2017

Bishop Crosby recruits one of Canada’s top leadership Executives, Mr. Dino Trevisani, then President of IBM Canada to join him and become the “Campaign Chair”.

September 2017

“Gift of Love” media event & celebration.

2018

July 30, 2018

“Gift of Love” Campaign Launch for Margaret’s Place, Hospice at St. Joseph’s Villa