Moments That Mattered...

National Volunteer Week: We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our incredible team of volunteers and highlight the impact of their generosity. Read more below.

Easter Lunch: Residents, loved ones, visitors, staff, and volunteers shared a special Easter Lunch, complete with 5 dessert options!

Gearing up for Hike for Hospice: As our annual Hike for Hospice approaches, our planning committee is busy getting ready to make this year's Hike the best yet! See more below.

A Special Musical Moment: Music volunteer Rick connected with a very talented resident, and together they made music, with Rick playing guitar while the resident accompanied him on the harmonica. Such a special moment.

April Karma Classes: We are grateful to our friends at Modo Yoga Stratford and Inspired by Fitness for hosting Karma Classes during April, with all proceeds supporting our hospice home. Our heartfelt thanks to all those who participated and/or contributed!

Advance Care Planning Day: We marked Advance Care Planning Day on April 16 by hosting a free educational presentation on the topic.Thank you to everyone who joined

Sebringville Volunteer Firefighters Annual Boot Drive: Thank you to the Sebringville Volunteer Firefighter Association for arranging their annual Boot Drive in support of Rotary Hospice. We are so grateful for their support, and to everyone who contributed!

Grade One Letters & Watercolour Creations: Grade 1 students from Rotherglen School in Oakville created flower paintings and hand-written letters to be shared with our residents and their loved ones. This was such a meaningful project for the students and was deeply appreciated by everyone here at Rotary Hospice.

Benelux Revival Dance Proceeds: Our heartfelt thanks to the organizers of the Benelux Revival Dance, who generously donated the proceeds from their event to Rotary Hospice. This fun and vibrant evening brought community members together to enjoy live music, dancing, and cultural celebration.

😊Silly Joke of the Month: Why can't dinosaurs clap their hands? Because they're extinct.

Hike for Hospice is Back - Join Us!

Hike for Hospice is a chance to do something meaningful in a way that feels simple, personal, and connected.

Registration is now open, and this year brings back a few favourites, including our limited edition Hike for Hospice t-shirts, custom Hike socks, and an early bird prize draw for those who register before May 15th at midnight.

You can join us on event day or take part in a way that works for you through "Hike on Your Site." Whether you gather with your family, co-workers, classmates, club, or just a few friends walking together, it's an easy way to take part while making a difference.

Every dollar raised helps ensure that compassionate, end-of-life care remains available and close to home. Our heartfelt thanks to those who have already signed up.



Register today - we'd be honoured to have you join us!

Celebrating National Volunteer Week

During National Volunteer Week, we had the chance to pause and reflect on something we see every day: the quiet, steady impact of our volunteers.

They show up in countless ways, offering comfort, creating calm spaces, supporting families and loved ones, and helping our team provide the best possible care. Their presence is woven into every part of hospice life.

We were grateful to gather for a Volunteer Appreciation Event last month, where we could spend time together and celebrate this incredible group of people. While not everyone could attend, the appreciation extends to every single volunteer who gives their time and heart to this work.

Our heartfelt thanks to each volunteer for all that you do and all that you give!

Planning is Underway for Handbags for Hospice!

Handbags for Hospice is returning, and plans are already underway for another memorable evening.

This event brings together community, generosity, and a whole lot of fun, and there are so many ways to be part of it. We're currently seeking:

• Live and Silent Auction Items
• Bottles of Wine (valued at $20 or more) for our popular Wine Wall
• Event Sponsors who want to make a meaningful local impact

If you've been considering getting involved, this is a wonderful opportunity to support hospice care while connecting with others who care deeply about our community.

Save the date and stay tuned for more details. If you'd like to contribute, sponsor, or learn more about the event, we'd love to hear from you.

Meet Volunteer of the Month Barb!

We're honoured to recognize Barb as our Volunteer of the Month.

As a housekeeping volunteer, Barb's contributions often happen quietly and behind the scenes, but her impact is felt throughout our hospice home. The spaces she cares for are calm, clean, and welcoming, something every person who walks through our doors benefits from.

Thank you, Barb, for all that you do!

Stories connect us.💙

Stories have a way of bringing us closer, helping us understand one another, feel less alone, and see the impact of care in our community.

Recently, two stories shared by Stratford Today highlight just that. One explores how volunteers are using storytelling to build connection and compassion. The other introduces Bruno, a beloved therapy dog whose presence brings comfort in moments when words aren't always enough.

Together, they offer a glimpse of the many ways care is expressed at Rotary Hospice, through conversation, companionship, and simply showing up.

Read the stories, and see how connection takes shape in our community.

Bringing Hospice Awareness to our Community

"I wish we'd come here sooner..." is a sentiment that is often shared with our social workers.

Many people don't realize what hospice care truly offers - or even that there is a hospice right here in our community.

Our team is committed to spreading awareness through informative presentations at local community groups, clubs, churches, and workplaces. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn about the compassionate, specialized care hospice offers to individuals and their loved ones facing end-of-life journeys.

From understanding when hospice care is an option to exploring our grief support and advance care planning, our presentations help answer important questions and dispel common misconceptions.

By reaching more people, we hope to ensure that when the time comes, community members know that they are not alone and that compassionate support is available.

If your organization or workplace is interested in hosting a presentation, we would love to connect!

Please get in touch with Chelsey at chelsey@rotaryhospice.ca or 226.921.7314

We look forward to connecting with you!

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

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!)