It was exciting to organize Heartland Hospice’s inaugural fundraiser since everyone who was asked to participate immediately jumped on board to help, says one of the event organizers.
“The generosity is really overwhelming,” said Della Ferguson, a board member with Heartland Hospice and co-organizer of the fundraiser, An Evening of Love, Hope, Faith and Resilience. “The other side of it, too, was how many people — as we were preparing for this — shared their story of their loved one’s passing. They expressed a desire that we have a hospice in the community.”
Hospice service is specialized care provided at the end of someone’s life that accompanies the natural process of death, Ferguson explained. It provides comfort to patients and their families in a profound way.
Heartland Hospice held its inspirational fundraiser on March 28 at the Mae Wilson Theatre. It featured Yorkton couple Greg and Leone Ottenbreit as the guest speakers. They shared how their deep faith in Jesus Christ helped them find the strength to continue functioning when their five-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer, and later died from it.
The evening also featured a short video of now-deceased resident Arlene Kolosky discussing the need for a dedicated hospice building in Moose Jaw; a silent auction; Hors d’oeuvres; jazz music; and a testimonial from the Ackerman family about how a deceased family member used the hospice’s services.
There was also an original song performed on guitar by singer-songwriter Nicholas Hennink; a plaque presentation honouring the Moose Jaw Early Bird Lions Club’s $10,000-donation to the hospice room; and recognition of Colleen Oshowy’s creation of a quilt — 110 inches by 68 inches — that will be laid on patients at the hospice who die and are transported to the hearse.
Ferguson joined the Heartland Hospice board in memory of her mother and father, she explained. Both of her parents could have used specialized hospice — or palliative — care at the end of their lives. Ferguson noted that every board member joined the organization in memory of a loved one who died.
“We all have a story, and I bet you every person here tonight has a story,” Ferguson remarked.
Ferguson estimated that at least 110 tickets were sold for the fundraiser. She noted the board is thrilled with that turnout, considering this is a first-time event and they were unsure how it would go. However, board members were thankful that residents came to support the organization.
“I want like to express gratitude for the people of Moose Jaw who have been with us since the beginning, of our research and development and the whole journey we’ve had,” added board chair Lena Hartman, noting 35 people have used the organization's services since 2014.
Residents have supported Heartland Hospice not only financially, but also with moral support, Hartman continued. The community has always provided feedback when asked and has been there for the organization every step of the way.
“This is the kind of thing that has really inspired us to continue and has really pushed us forward,” she added.
More information can be found on the Heartland Hospice website.
