Hospice Peterborough Announces Updated Strategic Plan For 2026 to 2029
/Hospice Peterborough announces an updated strategic plan, outlining goals and priorities for 2026 to 2029.
photo courtesy of hospice peterborough, facebook.
Peterborough Blogs
23rd Annual Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park this Sunday
/Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is ready to go at Millennium Park on Sunday.
Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.
The walk launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.
According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.
Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.
A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’
“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.
Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.
“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.
“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.
“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”
Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.
Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.
The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.
Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sunday, can go online.
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Hospice Peterborough's Biggest Fundraiser Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park Sept. 28
/Hospice Peterborough’s biggest fundraising event returns as the Hike for Hospice is scheduled at Millennium Park for Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participant Kyle McConnell and team Notorious T.A.S.H. walk in memory of Tash McConnell at Hike for Hospice 2024. Kyle plans to participate again this year. Photo by Anne Leavens, courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.
Individuals or teams can raise money to support free palliative care, grief support, and other programs and services provided by Hospice Peterborough.
Participants will walk from Millennium Park to Beavermead Beach — with the option to turn around at Rogers Cove for a shorter route — while Hike for Hospice also serves as an opportunity to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away, uniting the community in grief, memory and reflection.
This year, Hospice Peterborough’s goal is to raise $100,000. Last year, they achieved a record-breaking success of $138,000.
Participant Kyle McConnell is hiking with friends and family in memory of his late wife Tash McConnell. Tash was a past employee and volunteer at Hospice Peterborough, where she spent her final moments in care.
“(It) seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said McConnell.
Those participating can register online.
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Registration Open For 23rd Annual Hike For Hospice
/Registration is open for Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser, occurring at Millennium Park on Sept. 28.
Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.
The walk’s registration launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.
According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.
Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.
A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’
“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.
Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.
“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.
“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.
“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”
Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.
Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.
The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.
Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sept. 28, can go online.
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Hospice Peterborough Celebrates 35 Years of Service
/Hospice Peterborough celebrates a milestone of 35 years of serving the community announced on Thursday.
Hospice Peterborough p[lanting its roots at its groundbreaking ceremony in 1988. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.
The organizations was officially founded on April 1, 1989.
“Reflecting on our history, we are profoundly grateful for the immense support we've received. This is the result of a community banding together to support each other – this is Your Community Hospice,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.
The following is a sample of the Hospice’s timeline with significant milestones:
1988 - 1989: Hospice Peterborough becomes a registered charitable organization, starting with an annual revenue of $50,049 and a caseload of 37 active clients
1991 - 1992: Euthanasia enters mainstream conversation, as Hospice Peterborough advocates for proper palliative care and pain management
2014 - 2015: The ‘Every Moment Matters’ capital campaign is launched, aiming to raise $6.5 million. The campaign cabinet, led by Betty Morris, works tirelessly towards this goal
2016 - 2017: Despite being in the middle of a capital campaign, Hospice still tracks 21,613 client interactions, 12 events, 684 group sessions, and 734 new referrals, the 305 active volunteers along with staff were kept very busy
2018 - 2019: Hospice Peterborough moves to its new location at 325 London Street. On April 8, 2019, the organization admits its first end-of-life residents, marking a pivotal moment in its history
2021 - 2022: Hospice Peterborough proudly became a fully accredited healthcare organization with the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) following a vigorous 18-month process ultimately achieving an outstanding score of 98.67 per cent
2022 - 2023: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became an option for clients receiving care in the Hospice Residence who have requested it, and for those who meet the required criteria, aligning with Hospice’s vision of client-centered care. Founder Dr. John Beamish, Hospice Peterborough’s Medical Director, announced his retirement after 36 years of service to HP
“We've come a long way since our humble beginnings, and today, we stand as a trusted healthcare facility providing 24/7 palliative care,” said Hős.
As part of the journey’s celebration, a small exhibit has been set up in the building where guests can explore memorabilia, view collected photos and gain insights into its history
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Photos: Grievers Seek Comfort and Reflect at Hospice Peterborough's 'Stars For a Dark Night'
/Grievers of lost loved ones could come to reflect and have their stories heard at Hospice Peterborough’s ‘Stars For a Dark Night’ held at Peterborough Square on Tuesday evening.
The event allowed anyone who had lost a loved one to share their story with Hospice staff, volunteers or other grievers (either privately or on an open mic). It also had expressive arts, quiet reflection and a live performance from the Hospice Singers.
Hospice volunteer Sarah Lewis said this event could not have happened at a more perfect time. She had lost her father to cancer in 2021 and felt the holidays last year were not the same without him.
“Because I had lost my father around Christmas time, it was a time of grieving and I wasn't in the Christmas spirit,” she explained. “I think this can be such a difficult time for a lot of people who have lost somebody important to them so having a community gathering where we're allowed to grieve together, not hold that in and share through art, I think, is absolutely beautiful.”
The drop-in event had anyone who stopped by write a name on a star (paper or wooden) of someone they commemorated and remembered. It was placed on a window at Peterborough Square with other stars.
“This is a celebration of honouring and remembering our loved ones, our people who have passed on,” said Lewis. “(It’s nice) Just to gather to share stories, strengthen hope, poetry, art and song together and grieve as a community.”
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100 Women Peterborough Returns to In-Person Philanthropy With Donation of Over $10,000 to Hospice Peterborough
/With 100 Women returning to their first in-person gathering since 2019, their first donation of $10,800 was made to Hospice Peterborough.
100 Women’s first donation was made to Hospice Peterborough in 2018. Photo courtesy of 100 Women Peterborough.
The decision was made after a majority vote as representatives of Abbeyfield House Society, Hospice Peterborough and Peterborough Veterinary Outreach made their cases to be the recipient on Sept. 19.
“We're honoured that 100 Women Peterborough has chosen to support us again, marking a full-circle moment," said Aimée O’Reilly, Hospice Peterborough manager of development. “This community of women initially helped us build our 10-bed end-of-life residence and expand our programming facility. Their renewed investment speaks volumes about the trust they place in us. Importantly, their donation will help sustain programs that aren't government-funded including special touches of care and grief programming.”
With 108 active members, 100 Women contributed $100 each towards the total donation.
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The 21st Annual Hike for Hospice Fundraiser Is Open For Registration
/It’s time to get your feet moving as registration for Hospice Peterborough’s 21st annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is now open and scheduled for Sept. 10 – 17, announced on Tuesday.
Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $100,000 with over 150 participants and sponsorships. File photo.
The fundraiser helps fund the Hospice to keep end-of-life and bereavement support free in Peterborough and the County while offering a space to remember and honour loved ones who have died.
Participants are welcome to walk, run, cycle or move in any way to raise funds for those seeking hospice palliative care or grief support. The hike also provides opportunities to connect virtually through activities that encourage participants to pause and remember those who have passed, reflected in the event’s motto: ‘Who are you hiking for?’
“It’s a beautiful event and different every year,” said Mary Blair, Hospice co-chair.
“What’s really impactful is how the event becomes an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died. It can be very moving,” said Heather Easton, co-chair.
Since moving to a virtual platform, Hike for Hospice has seen participants from between the east coast and west coast, participating in creative ways such as kayaking with their families or rowing a kilometre for every $10 raised.
“It’s a highlight of the year,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director. “We are so incredibly grateful to those who participate each year to ensure hospice care remains accessible to everyone. We truly could not do what we do without you.”
More information on the event, registration and fundraising can all be accessed at easypledge.ca/hospice-peterborough.
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Hospice Peterborough to Receive $473,000 In Additional Funding Over Two Years For Palliative Care
/The Ontario Government has expanded palliative care services in Peterborough-Kawartha increasing Hospice Peterborough’s funding by $473,000 over the next two years, announced on Wednesday.
MPP DAVE SMITH (LEFT) WITH HAJNI HŐS, HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (RIGHT) IN FRONT OF HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH ON LONDON STREET. Ontario is expanding end-of-life care services by adding 23 new hospice beds to the 509 beds already available across the province to connect Ontarians with end-of-life care. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
The funding is part of the Ontario Government’s ‘Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care’ initiative to expand access to palliative care services in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This increase is part of the provincial government’s $147.4 million investment over three years for palliative care according to MPP Dave Smith.
“Families have expressed their gratitude regarding the service that their loved ones receive,” he said. “This funding will allow Hospice Peterborough to continue the remarkable care for not only patients but for family members as well. This is Part of our government’s commitment to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it most.”
“These much-needed funds will cover approximately 80 per cent of our expenses, compared to the previous 60 per cent coverage, for our 10-bed hospice residence which offers 24/7 professional, patient-centred palliative care to those in their last weeks of life,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice Peterborough executive director.
Some of the funding for palliative and end-of-life services across Ontario include:
Grief and bereavement support that help families and caregivers who are grieving the loss of a loved one;
Advance care planning to help patients and families prepare for future health care decisions; and
Perinatal palliative care programs that provide specialized grief, bereavement, and peer support that help parents prepare for the loss of their infant.
“At a time when the healthcare system is under unprecedented strain, both in terms of capacity and a challenging healthcare labour market, these funds make it possible for us to continue to provide the high quality, patient-centred care we have provided for over 30 years,” said Hős.
The investment also provides funding for nursing, personal support and other services delivered to patients at Hospice Peterborough.
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Hospice Peterborough Speaks On Medical Assistance in Dying
/When the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation was introduced in Canada in 2016, Hospice Peterborough formed a committee made up of clients, Board of Directors members, community palliative program staff and palliative physicians to support the service.
File photo.
