News

Wendy Schultz, General Manager of Sevenoaks Shopping Centre presented a cheque for $9000 to Debbie Lehmann, Executive Director of Abbotsford Hospice Society on January 5^th, 2012 (see attached photo Left to right: Debbie Lehmann, Executive Director AHS, Wendy Schultz, General Manager Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, Marion Keys, Capital Campaign Manager, AHS, and Trish Neufeld, Marketing Co-ordinator Seven Oaks Shopping Centre).

The Trees of Hope is a community event hosted by Seven Oaks Shopping Centre and was started in 2009 and since its inception contributions have benefited Abbotsford Hospice Society and the building of the first adult hospice residence in Abbotsford to be named Holmberg House in honour of David Holmberg Jr. who passed away in March 2010 at the age of 48.  This year, Trees of Hope raised $9,000. The capital campaign has a goal of 7.5 million and has raised 5 million in donations and commitments to date. 

Twenty two organizations sponsored and decorated trees located in Seven Oaks Shopping Centre for the enjoyment of holiday shoppers from November 28^th to December 26^th.  Nearly 800,000 customers viewed these trees and had the opportunity to vote for the best decorated tree.  The voters have chosen the winner for this year……….The Abbotsford Children’s’ Theatre with second prize going to Lee’s Fine Jewellery.

Abbotsford Hospice Society wants to thank the following organizations for their support:

Backgrounder on Abbotsford Hospice Society

In addition to helping those who are living with a terminal or life-threatening illness, AHS provides programs to comfort children, teens and adults on their very personal journey of grief and loss. Services offered by specially trained volunteers and team members include one-to-one companioning, support groups, family counseling, expressive therapies, music and play for bereaved children and equine facilitated grief support for teens. Additionally, AHS offers a comprehensive lending library designed to support patients and families, along with public education, outreach and community referrals.

AHS will build Holmberg House, a facility to house its existing Resource and Support Center and a hospice residence for people as young as 19 that will allow families to stay together in the same community.  AHS will form part of an innovative partnership with Canuck Place Children's Hospice and Matthew's House children's respite centre to create a one of a kind Campus of Care in Abbotsford. AHS has taken a huge step towards helping make Abbotsford the very best city to live in, a city that cares for all of its citizens including those children, teens, adults and families who are facing challenge in its many forms.  The Campus of Care, with the three facilities, will set a high standard and will become a model for other communities; in fact it will most likely become a North American leader in hospice and respite care.

The design of the Abbotsford Hospice facility, on the Campus of Care, will involve a home-like building, while offering the necessary medical care, to accommodate the person who is ill as well as family and friends.  The two storey building will house the hospice residence with ten private patient suites. Family members will be welcome to stay overnight.  Hospice staff will prepare home-cooked meals on site and meals are provided in the dining room.  Additionally, the family quiet room, living room, sanctuary, library and outdoor gardens will provide calm, peaceful and private spaces.

For more information:

Debbie Lehmann, Executive Director and Capital Campaign Chair

debbie.Lehmann@abbotsfordhospice.org

Marion Keys, Capital Campaign Manager

MarionKeys@abbotsfordhospice.org

Abbotsford Hospice Society

Phone: 604.852.2456

33134 Marshall Road, Abbotsford B.C.                                 

www.abbotsfordhospice.org