Moments That Mattered...

A Visit from Archie: Therapy Dog Archie and volunteer Charles visit our hospice home every week, bringing comfort and smiles to all they meet.

Celebrating our Care Team: We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our nurses and PSWs during National Nursing Week. Read more below.

Local Schools Join Hike for Hospice: With Hike for Hospice just around the corner, local schools Anne Hathaway P.S., Stratford Intermediate School, and the staff at Stratford District Secondary School are stepping up in support of hospice care. We are so incredibly grateful to have these schools help us spread awareness. Read more below.

Proceeds from April Karma Classes: Christa from Modo Yoga Stratford and Sherry from Inspired by Fitness stopped by with the proceeds from their April Karma Class fundraiser! Thank you to everyone who supported these classes!

Lunch at the Local: Staff members were invited for a community lunch and tour at The Local. It was a beautiful opportunity to connect with this local organization that is doing such important work.

Giant Tiger Anniversary Celebration BBQ: Our local Giant Tiger on Huron St. recently celebrated Giant Tiger's 65th anniversary by hosting a BBQ lunch in support of Rotary Hospice. Thank you to everyone who came by!

Summer Season Prep: Staff and volunteers have been working hard to prepare our outdoor spaces for the summer season. They have been busy cleaning the BBQs, getting the Reflection Pool up and running, and preparing our garden beds for planting.

The Flour Mill Anniversary: Our friends at The Flour Mill celebrated their anniversary by donating a portion of their sales during their anniversary week to our hospice home. Thank you for including us in your celebrations!

Career Lab at St. Mike's Catholic School: Executive Director Louise Lepp and Director of Resident Care Stacey Hallahan attended the Ontario Career Lab, sharing their career journeys and engaging students in meaningful discussions.

Stratford Perth Pride: Did you see our booth at this year's Pride Festival in Upper Queen's Park? We were proud to be part of this special day and share the message that hospice is for everyone.



😊Silly Joke of the Month: Why did the ice cream truck break down?

Because of the Rocky Road!

The Community is Stepping Up for Hike for Hospice!

As Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth prepares for the 12th annual Hike for Hospice on June 14 at the Stratford Perth Museum, individuals, retirement homes, and local schools are proudly stepping up in support through the Hike on Your Site initiative.

After becoming the first school to participate last year, Anne Hathaway Public School will be joined this year by Stratford Intermediate School and Stratford District Secondary School. Through school-based walks and fundraising activities, students are helping raise funds for hospice care, grief support, and community services while demonstrating the power of community compassion.

Our thanks to the teachers and staff members for bringing the conversation to the next generation.

There’s still time to be part of this year’s event. Whether you register as an individual, join a team, or make a donation, every step and every dollar helps ensure community members have access to compassionate hospice care when they need it most. Can't join us on Hike day? You can still sign up and Hike on Your Site, anytime, anywhere that works for you!

Can we count on you to help us reach our goal of $140,000?

A heartfelt thank you to this year's generous Hike for Hospice sponsors:

Path Finders

Backpackers

Trekkers

Guardian Sinclair Pharmacy

Hitchhikers

Rideau Supply

Home & Company Real Estate

Ontario Home Health | Yurek Mobility

In-Kind Donors

Joanie and Claire Chapple, the Yoga Chapple

Scott & Ross Rocher Re/Max a-b Realty Ltd. Brokerage

COBS Bread

Giant Tiger Stratford

Collective Wellness

Dairy Queen Stratford

The Bannerman Brothers

Jamie Cottle

Dairy Queen Producers of Ontario

Celebrating National Nursing Week

Last month, we were proud to celebrate National Nursing Week and recognize the extraordinary nurses and PSWs who are at the heart of the care we provide. Through their skill, compassion, and dedication, our care team supports residents and their loved ones during some of life's most meaningful moments.

Throughout the week, we took the time to acknowledge and thank our care team members for the countless ways they make a difference each day. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to providing comfort, dignity, and exceptional care to our community.

Help Fill the Wine Wall!

Planning for Handbags for Hospice is underway, and we’re looking for donations to help stock our popular Wine Wall. Donations of bottles of wine valued at $25 or more are greatly appreciated and help make this fundraiser a success.

Whether you’re clearing out your collection, contributing a favourite bottle, or purchasing one specifically for the event, your support helps ensure compassionate hospice care remains available close to home.



Wine Wall donations can be dropped off at:

Rotary Hospice - 80 Greenwood Drive, Stratford

519.508.4900  

Anytime, day or night

Illume Wellness Spa - 35 York St, Stratford.

Monday to Friday 9 am-7 pm, Saturday 9 am-3 pm (closed Sunday)

Re/Max a-b Realty - 88 Wellington St. Stratford

Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Shackleton Real Estate & Auction Co. - 3715 Embro Road, Stratford

519.271.2646 

Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Meet Volunteer of the Month Karen!

This month, we're pleased to recognize Karen Hobbs as our Volunteer of the Month.

Karen is a dedicated member of our volunteer team, giving her time each week through Direct Support and playing a key role in expanding complementary therapies at Rotary Hospice, including helping establish our Reiki program.

Whether she is spending time with residents, supporting visitors, or offering Reiki sessions, Karen brings kindness, compassion, and a calming presence to every shift. Her commitment and genuine care help create a welcoming and supportive environment for all who come through our doors.

Thank you, Karen, for the many important ways you contribute to our hospice community!

Upcoming Community Events Supporting Rotary Hospice

Community members continue to find creative and meaningful ways to support Rotary Hospice, and we’re grateful for every effort. Consider joining one of these upcoming events:

Saturday, June 13: Live Music in Support of Rotary Hospice!

Brian Aitcheson, Jack Moons and Tony Rau are getting the band back together for an evening of live music in support of Rotary Hospice. We are so grateful to them for putting this event on!

Saturday, June 20: Quilter's Estate Garage Sale

Browse a unique selection of quilting supplies, fabrics, and treasures while supporting Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. The sale takes place on Saturday, June 20, at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church. Organized by a dedicated group of local quilters, this event will raise funds to support compassionate care in our community.

Saturday, June 20: Our Little Band at the Stratford Farmer's Market

Stop by the Stratford Farmer's Market on Saturday, June 20, and enjoy live music performed by Our Little Band, who will be gratefully accepting donations in support of our hospice home. Thank you to the members of this talented musical group for choosing to support us in this way!

Sunday, July 12: Stevie B Ride for Hospice

Ride for Hospice on Sunday, July 12, is a community cycling event held in memory of Stevie Baechler, who spent his final days at Rotary Hospice. His time in hospice inspired family and friends to create this meaningful fundraiser.

Participants can choose from a variety of cycling routes while raising funds to support compassionate end-of-life care in our community. Whether you're riding, donating, or cheering from the sidelines, your support helps carry Stevie's legacy forward and ensures hospice care remains available for those who need it most.

Saturday, August 22: The Rooster Classic Day of Golf

Enjoy a day on the course in memory of Bruce “Rooster” Withers at the 7th Annual Rooster Classic on Saturday, August 22. Organized by Bruce's family, this day of golf, camaraderie, and community come together to remember his love of golf and to support the hospice care that meant so much to them.



Learn more about these events and other ways to support hospice care on our website or social media channels.

We are grateful for the outpouring of support and creative fundraising ideas from the communities of Stratford Perth. 

Do you have an idea or event you would like to organize to benefit the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth? We would be happy to help you with the organizational details and promotions for your event. Click here to learn more about hosting an event, or contact Lucie Stuart, Director, Fund Development and Stewardship at lucie@rotaryhospice.ca or 519.508.4900 ext. 720.

Come Visit Our Hospice

Have you ever wondered what a hospice looks and feels like? We welcome you to join us for a tour and experience the warmth, compassion, and care that fill our space.

Whether you're considering hospice care for a loved one, interested in the services we provide, or simply curious to learn more, we would be honoured to show you around and answer any questions you may have.

To arrange a tour, please contact Lucie at lucie@rotaryhospice.ca or 519-508-4900 ext. 720.

Rotary Hospice was built by the community for the community, providing compassionate end-of-life care at no cost to the individual. When you tour our hospice home, you in turn become an advocate for hospice care in our community - thank you!

Sunday, June 14: Hike for Hospice (Registration Now Open!)

Saturday, June 20: Our Little Band at the Stratford Farmer's Market

Saturday, June 20: Quilter's Estate Sale (See more above)

Saturday, July 12: Stevie B Bike for Hospice (See more above)

Saturday, August 22: The Rooster Classic (Registration Now Open!)

Saturday, September 26: SK8 Jam 4 Sam (More details to come!)

Thursday, October 1: Handbags for Hospice (More details coming soon!)