A Campaign was born…

Why?
 
In a time of fiscal restraint, increased demand of an aging population and a decreasing workforce, the society developed an innovative and unique community-based initiative.  The project was developed out of a need to change how care is delivered to people who are dying and bereaved.  It is changing the “medical model” of people dying in hospital emergency departments and acute care wards, in pain, alone, and with no follow-up or support for those in extreme distress when a loved one has died either from an anticipated or sudden death.
 

This project is unique because it is a partnership with the public health care system and the non-profit sector and is designed to be cost-effective, collaborative and to address many of the gaps that impact on high quality care. 
 

What is the Capital Project and why is it unique?
 
In a unique partnership with Delta Hospice and the Fraser Health Authority, the Society attained a long-term lease for 1.3 acres of land adjacent to Delta Hospital to build and operate the hospice residence and the centre for supportive care.  It negotiated annual operating funding from Fraser Health and governance of the hospice residence.  This gives the society the autonomy to hire the staff and create a culture of a community-based model that involves family, friends and neighbours to be a part of the care.   In turn, the Society committed to raising 100% of the cost of the project for construction, furnishing and equipment for the 7,500 SF centre and 12,200 SF residence.
 

How much money has to be raised?
 
A campaign to raise $8.5 million began in September 2007 and by November 2008, with $5.6 million raised (and pledged), a decision was made to build both facilities at the same time.  Fundraising continued throughout the construction phase and the Society, with the help of the community, reached a fundraising milestone of $7.6 million. The project was substantially complete December 2009 with a funding shortfall of $900K.  The official opening of the Harold & Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care and the Irene Thomas Hospice was held in January 2010.
 

What is the outcome?
 
Our first patients were admitted to the Irene Thomas Hospice mid February 2010.  In the short time of being open, Delta Hospice has cared for over 80 individuals in the hospice residence and all their family members and friends. In addition, our centre for supportive care and outreach programs average over 14,000 phone calls and visitors annually.
 

What services are available to the community?
 
Free and confidential services are offered by a team of professional counsellors, support staff and trained volunteers who work closely with the hospital and community health care teams to coordinate care.  A comprehensive program of care exists to meet each individuals’ specific need, including one-to-one counselling, support groups to specialized programs that support children and teens who are ill, who are living with a significant person who is ill or have a death in their family.

What are the future needs of the Society?
 
The Delta Hospice Society is presently appealing to individuals, corporations, philanthropists and the community who have an interest in health and wellness, community capacity building, innovation, cost-effective solutions and sustainability, to help raise the final $900,000 for the project.  Once this funding goal is complete, donations will go towards an Endowment fund that will provide a legacy to the Society and future programs and services.