Our Invaluable Program 
For most of the 5 years that Dave has been coming to the Adult Respite Day Program, he was living at home with his wife and managing with day care. Last September, however, he moved into a continuing care facility and now finds the day program "more important than ever".
Most of the residents where he lives are older than Dave, and many have lost the ability to communicate. For Dave, "the day program is invaluable", as he's able to talk, laugh and socialize with his many friends at Pilgrims - including the staff and volunteers who he describes as "terrific and very considerate".
Of all the activities the program provides, Dave especially enjoys the live music, with Bob on guitar on Tuesdays and Anna Maria playing piano on Wednesdays.
Dave's family in Edmonton, including 2 daughters and several grand-children, enjoy that he comes to Pilgrims twice a week, and always ask about his experiences for the day. Dave's love for his family is obvious and his heart shines through when he says "I live for them all...."
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Help Us Win $10,000! From now until June 30, make a minimum donation of $3 to Pilgrims Hospice, through Canada Helps "Great Canadian Giving Challenge", and we will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win $10,000! Think of the clients we can help with your donation - those facing the end of life, their caregivers and those who are grieving - and the sustained support we can provide if we are the prize winner! (The more donations we receive, the greater our chances of winning!) Click on the image below to find out more and TAKE THE CHALLEGE NOW - thank you!
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Huge Heart
Marianne Brown has been a loyal and dedicated Volunteer with PHS for more than 15 years. She has given her time as a Board Member, sat on various committees, baked and cooked for numerous events, and stayed all night to paint the entire main floor of the Hospice before we first moved in! As the owner of The Butler Did it Catering & Concierge, Marianne is known for her generosity, elegance and taste.  This year, she not only wowed us with the stunning wine tree gifted as an auction item for our gala, but also hosted an event for Pilgrims at her home, donating her services complete with beautiful flowers, an amazing menu and music from the Obsessions Octet. Currently serving on our Fund Development Committee, Marianne truly wants the best for PHS and uses her talents and passion to make sure we receive it. We can never thank her enough for her huge heart, kindness & generosity.
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Workshops and Groups
Click here for the dates of ongoing Adult Grief and Bereavement Support Groups and workshops facilitated by Jesse McElheran and the Expressive Arts for Grieving Children, Teens & Families Programs with
Cheryl Salter-Roberts
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Our Funding
In 2014 we received 12.2% of our funding from the government, through our Partnership with Alberta Health Services - so Foundation Grants, Donations (both Corporate and Individual) and our Fundraising efforts are vital to our existence.
Please support our Programs with your donation or participation in our Special Events. Thank you.
How to Make a Difference
(Click the following links)
THANK YOU!
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As much as we might understand death to be a natural part of life, many individuals feel uncomfortable with the idea of discussing death, dying, or end-of-life care with their loved ones, or even their healthcare teams.
Dr. Atul Gawande, an American surgeon and author, began researching end-of-life care while facing his father's cancer diagnosis and treatment. In the Frontline documentary "Being Mortal", Dr. Gawande explores how many physicians feel ill-equipped to have conversations about end-of-life care and will often focus on curative treatment, even when cure is no longer possible. 
At Pilgrims Hospice, we see no need to fear conversations about end of life. Instead, we believe in their critical importance, giving our loved ones choice surrounding how they want to spend their last days, weeks, and months.
Jesse McElheran, Manager of the Counselling Services and Spiritual Care program, is glad to support individuals, couples, and families to have these challenging conversations in an open, honest, and supportive way. Read her full article here.
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Anna Maria Manalo, a gifted pianist and regular volunteer at Pilgrims Hospice, surprised us last week by bringing violinist Yoko Wong along with her. Our Day Program clients, volunteers and staff were enchanted by spring-themed duets by Beethoven, Mozart and the Japanese composer Miyagi.
As well as playing for Pilgrims Hospice, Anna and Yoko, also known as Duo Buena Vista, enjoy sharing their musical gifts as Artist-On-the-Ward at the University Hospital, and have a monthly concert series at the Cross Cancer Institute.
Thanks to Anna and Yoko for enriching our program so generously!
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8
th Annual Pilgrims Hospice Charity Golf Classic
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Edmonton Petroleum Golf & Country Club
More information available here
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