|
Training for Volunteers
Every spring and fall, Pilgrims Hospice offers a training course for our volunteer applicants. This 26-hour course is certified by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and is transferrable across Canada.
During training, volunteers receive an orientation to Pilgrims Hospice and an introduction to what hospice really is. This is followed by modules on: Communication Skills; Family Dynamics; Physical, Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual issues & support; Grief and Bereavement; and Self Care.
These modules are expertly taught by our program managers for these different areas. At each training session, our goal is to create a culture of community and commitment to Pilgrims Hospice, and to foster our volunteers towards advocacy for Hospice in Edmonton.
Our manager of Volunteer Services, Debby Harink, says: "It's a tremendous pleasure for me to interview and facilitate our volunteers and witness their compassion and insight into our mission at Pilgrims Hospice. Their dedication to the training and the time they give to volunteering is an inspiration to all of us and certainly a great gift to our clients who are living with life threatening illnesses".
If you are interested in volunteering at Pilgrims Hospice, please email Debby at debbyh@pilgrimshospice.com. We would be pleased to welcome you into our Community of Volunteers!
|
|
 |
|
|
Volunteer of the Month
Vivian Mendes is a committed volunteer who has been with us for an amazing 20 years! Her passion for Pilgrims, and her excellent organizational skills, have led us to many successful events, such as the Christmas Cookie Trot and the last three AGLC Casinos.
It takes many hours of planning to pull off a two-day Casino run, which Vivian did in the midst of her own busy life recently. Thank You, Vivian, for all you do for Pilgrims Hospice Society - you truly represent the role of Volunteer...giving without expectations.
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Join us Sunday, March 29
for Hearts for Hospice, an intimate dinner sponsored by
Il Forno Ristorante, at 14981 Stony Plain Road. 5:30pm reception for 6:30pm supper. You will enjoy a 5 course dinner(vegetarian options available), wine included, & entertainment will be provided. Tickets are $150 with all proceeds going to Pilgrims Hospice. Seating is limited - reserve your place by contacting Liz at 780-413-9801 or at lizb@pilgrimshospice.com
Save the Date! Friday, May 1.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate our 20th Annual Walk in My Shoes Gala, at the Chateau Lacombe Hotel. Reception and Silent Auction 6pm. Dinner and Live Auction 7pm. Sponsored by Flaman Group of Companies and proudly supporting Pilgrims Hospice. For further information, contact Liz Bartlick at 780-413-9801.
Hike for Hospice Palliative Care, Sunday, May 3
This is a unique national fundraising event held across Canada that brings together organizations working collectively in hospice palliative care, to raise funds and awareness in their community.
For more information visit our website here, or sign up to take part in the event here
|
|
|
|
|
Workshops and Groups
Click here for the dates of ongoing Adult Grief and Bereavement Support Groups and workshops facilitated by Jesse McElheranand the Expressive Arts for Grieving Children, Teens & Families Programs with Cheryl Salter-Roberts
|
|
How to Get Involved and Make a Difference
(Click the following links)
1. DONATE
2. VOLUNTEER
3. FUNDRAISE
4. MORE WAYS TO GIVE
THANK YOU!
 
Sign up for our eNewsletter
|
|
|
| |
It may surprise you to know that our focus at Pilgrims Hospice is on living as fully as possible, not dying, and that laughter is way more common than tears. Here are some reflections on what makes the heart of hospice, from our staff and board members:
The heart of hospice is: the absolute unconditional acceptance of, and care for, the "person" beyond their diagnosis. Seeing our clients as whole beings, with stories to share, opinions to voice, and life left to live and celebrate. Hospice is about honoring life, not focusing on death.
The heart of hospice is: the unconditional care we provide, that comes from our knowledge & backgrounds and also our compassion & hearts. We continue this because we see the difference it makes for our clients.
The heart of hospice is: being privileged to be "invited" into the journey that our families experience, a very personal and unique time yet they trust us with such openness. It's an honor to witness the transformation, whether working towards a peaceful death or coping with the emotions and challenges after a loved one has died.
The heart of hospice is: the smell of home cooking and seeing those who come to us for support, with volunteers and staff, enjoying a time of socialization together over their meal, perhaps forgetting the challenges of their health while laughing, chatting and enjoying friendship together.
The heart of hospice is: the people, relationships, and shared support. It's seeing the power of human connection in the smallest interactions that can be as simple as dropping a loved one off, sharing a hug, or laughing until you are red in the face....
|
|
 |
Following the recent death of her father, Kristy Wolfe started a vital conversation about mental health. Kristy's message: "we need to make anxiety, depression and mental health in general something we talk about rather than hide". 
In her blog, Let's Talk, Kristy says:
"The cause of Dad's death is inconclusive. But what we do know is that he was having trouble handling work-related stress, which resulted in anxiety and depression...whatever happened it was not the way a healthy mind would handle the difficulties he was facing.
I started to think about things that are in my control. Things I can do. Be kind, be an attentive listener, be a shoulder to cry on, offer what I can... Maybe you're thinking of someone right now that you still have the opportunity to support through some form of mental illness. Yeah, I said it. Mental illness. Mental wellness. Mental health. Depression. Call it what you want...we need to talk about it."
Bell is partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association as well as Kids Help Phone. This year's campaign focuses on five simple ways we can all help end the stigma around mental illness:
* Language matters - pay attention to the words you use about mental illness
* Educate yourself - learn, know and talk more, understand the signs
* Be kind - small acts of kindness speak a lot
* Listen and ask - sometimes it's best to just listen
* Talk about it - start a dialogue, break the silence
Kristy Wolfe is open about her need for help to "work through my feelings about my dad's passing". She says in Let's Talk: "I know I have a fabulous support system of family, friends, colleagues, volunteer buddies and blog followers that are there for me at the drop of a hat, but I also recognize that I need, and want, a professional to be a part of my network".
In Keep Talking, Kristy describes how Pilgrims Hospice helped her on her journey:
"Tonight, I went to their drop-in grief support group which runs the second Wednesday of the month.... Turns out, at this moment in my journey, it was perfect for me. Jesse McElheran met me at the door and I turned out to be the only participant. This was great for me, but not so great for all the people out there who have experienced loss and don't know about this (FREE) resource.
Jesse and I talked about the hospice and what they offer. We talked about how difficult it is to get the word out to people who need or want support (here's where I come in!) We talked about my situation. And Jesse introduced me to Alan Wolfelt, who she has trained with. Well, she didn't technically introduce us, but rather introduced me to his work, more specifically two books: Journey Through Grief and the Understanding Your Grief Journal. The next step in my journey? I'll let you know.
If you are in Edmonton and have experienced the loss of someone you love, Pilgrims Hospice has their next drop-in bereavement session on March 11 at 7:00. Maybe I'll see you there. Pilgrims Hospice also offers individual counselling as well as grief support groups for children, teens and families." (See Workshops and Groups on left.)
Thank you, Kristy, for talking so openly about mental illness and the importance of reaching out for help.
|
|
|
If you would like to receive more information on any of our services, or would like to request help, please contact us here or call 780-413-9801.
Do you have ideas for the Newsletter or an article you'd like to submit? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at info@pilgrimshospice.com. |
|
|
