Hospice Quinte’s most dedicated donors were in the spotlight at a recent donor appreciation event.
On Thursday, October 30, Hospice Quinte held its annual recognition event at Bayside Secondary School to honour everyone who has earned a spot on their donor wall, reserved for donors who have supported the organization at the highest level.
A crowd of over 100 donors attended the event that coincided with Hospice Quinte’s 40th Anniversary, and the 4th anniversary of the Stan Klemencic Care Centre receiving its first resident.
The event was also preceded by Hospice Quinte’s annual open house, welcoming the community to the Stan Klemencic Care Centre. This year saw more attendees than ever before, and we want to thank everyone who came in to see how Hospice Quinte helps the community.
The donor recognition event was highlighted by the wonderful story of the family of Hawk Haytaoglu, a recent resident of Hospice Quinte.
After a career as a pilot in the Air Force, Hawk developed terminal cancer and spent his final days at Hospice Quinte. His family, inspired by the other names on the donor wall, wanted to get his name on the wall in his honour.
They held a 5k walk that was attended by dozens of friends and family of Hawk and raised over $25,000 in support of Hospice Quinte. We cannot express the gratitude we have for your kindness, and the courage of Hawk’s wife Maura Jo to tell their story at the donor recognition event. Thank you!
The event also saw Kim Lander named as the winner of this year’s John Williams Champion of Care award.
Kim has been a long-time volunteer and supporter of Hospice Quinte, donating her time as a volunteer in the kitchen, as a greeter, and at various fundraising events. She is currently a member of Hospice Quinte’s Board of Directors, and she has previously served as President of the board.
Hospice Quinte relies on donations to operate, with only 40% of operations being covered by Ontario Health funding. Please visit hospicequinte.ca/donate to learn more about how you can help support quality hospice palliative care in the Quinte region.
(BROCK ORMOND)
