Squamish Hospice Society receives $300,000 donation

The Squamish Hospice Society has received $300,000 in funding for a new hospice unit in the community.

The facility will be named the ‘Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Sea to Sky Community Hospice’ in recognition of the donation from the foundation.

Chair of the Squamish Hospice Society Mark McKenzie says the 4 bed facility should be completed by April 2019. Almost $2 million needs to be raised but McKenzie says the recent donation is a huge help; “It’s an immense boost, we’re getting pretty close to our target, with that as well the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has been very supportive from the get-go. We’re really happy to have them on board”.

Key features of the new hospice that will be located in a vacant wing of Hilltop House, include private bedroom’s with en suite bathrooms, as well as a central living/dining/kitchen area, as well as a nursing station, medication room and consultation office among other amenities.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says it is important for individuals and their family members to know that there is support in place that can provide comfort, dignity and quality of life should they require end-of-life care; “It is good news that these options will soon be closer to home for residents of the Sea-to-Sky region.”

The society is still raising funds for the project. Donations can be made here.