What's Happening at Rotary Hospice!

Moments that Mattered...

Our Gardens are Awakening: Crocuses are blossoming in our gardens, and our tulips are beginning to emerge! With the warmer weather, our residents and loved ones are enjoying our outdoor spaces. Thank you to our wonderful garden volunteers for their hard work this month!
Advance Care Planning Presentation: As part of our ongoing commitment to open, compassionate conversations about end-of-life care, we have created a series of free educational community presentations. Our first presentation in the series was on the topic of Advance Care Planning, facilitated by registered social worker Melissa and board member and volunteer Fred Verboom. Read more about our next presentation in the series below.
Spring Volunteer Debrief: Our volunteer debrief sessions offer a safe and supportive space for our volunteers to reflect on their experiences, share how they're feeling in their role, and receive support and guidance from our social worker. Hospice work can be emotionally demanding, and these conversations are here to help ensure our volunteers feel heard, supported and connected.
Gearing up for Hike for Hospice: Registration is now open for Hike for Hospice on June 22. Can we count on you? More information below.
Easter Celebrations: Our incredible kitchen staff and volunteers prepared a special roast turkey meal to share with residents, their loved ones, staff, and volunteers - including a menu that boasted three desserts! Holiday meals like this one are about more than just food. They bring comfort, connection, and a sense of home and tradition to our hospice community.
Volunteers Make Waves: National Volunteer Week provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the generous contributions of our dedicated volunteers. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication make a lasting difference every day. Read more below.
Legacy Projects: Staff and volunteers continue to help residents and loved ones create legacy projects. From teddy bears with voice recordings to beautifully created hand molds, these keepsakes offer comfort and connection to those grieving at no cost.
Mr. & Mrs. Waddlesworth Return: Once again this year, a pair of mallard ducks have chosen our outdoor area as their nesting ground. These beautiful and resilient creatures symbolize adaptability, grace, and navigating life's transitions.
Your Monthly Groaner: Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs! 🐝

National Volunteer Week: Volunteers Make Waves

This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are proud to celebrate the incredible volunteers who make waves of compassion, kindness, and connection throughout our hospice and the wider community.

With every comforting word, every warm welcome, and every quiet act of service, our volunteers create ripples that touch the lives of our residents, loved ones, staff, and the broader community in lasting ways.

Thank you for making a difference. Your dedication inspires all of us, and we're so grateful to have you as part of our hospice family.

Grief and the Power of Continuing Bonds

For many years, the goal of grief was thought to be "letting go" or "moving on." But more recent understandings of grief recognize that healing doesn't mean forgetting or "leaving the past behind". In fact, maintaining a connection with a loved one who has died - what grief experts call a continuing bond - can be an important part of the journey.

Continuing bonds can look different to everyone. Some people talk to their loved one in quiet moments or find comfort in wearing their favourite sweater. Others cook recipes they once shared, listen to a meaningful song, or keep a special photo close by. These moments of connection are not signs of being "stuck" in grief; they're part of learning how to carry the love forward.

At Rotary Hospice, we see continuing bonds as a healthy and natural part of grief. They remind us that even though someone is no longer physically present, the relationship, the memories, and the love can still be felt and honoured in every day life.

Whether you light a candle on a special day, visit a favourite place, or simply hold a memory close to your heart, you are continuing the bond. And that, too, is a beautiful way to heal.

If you or someone close to you is grieving the loss of a loved one this spring, please know Rotary Hospice is here to provide support. Should you find yourself in need of some extra support, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us by email at sw@rotaryhospice.ca or by phone at 519-508-4900 ext. 740.

No one should have to walk the path of grief and loss alone.

Step up for Hospice Care - Register for Hike for Hospice today!

Join us as we walk in honour, remembrance, and support of compassionate end-of-life care in our community. Whether you hike in the woods, around the block, on a favourite path, or join us in person on June 22nd, every step helps make a difference.

This year, you can also purchase a pair of exclusive Hike for Hospice socks! And for every pair sold, three pairs will be donated to the Connection Centre to support people in need in our community.

Walk with us. Fundraise with us. Make every step count.

Let's come together to honour loved ones, celebrate life, and make every step count.

I'm Stepping Up!

Easter at Rotary Hospice

Easter was a special time at Rotary Hospice this year. Our residents, loved ones, staff and volunteers enjoyed a delicious turkey meal, along with plenty of sweet treats and cookies.

Our halls were decorated for the occasion, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who came through our doors.

Staff were also invited to join in a special Easter egg hunt, with treats and small prizes tucked inside the eggs - along with a kindness challenge, such as giving someone a compliment or having lunch with someone new.

It was a beautiful reminder of the joy and connection that thrive in our hospice community, even during the busiest days. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special!

Hospice as an End-of-Life Option

Understanding the care, compassion, and comfort available when it matters most.

Talking about end-of-life care isn't always easy, but understanding your options can bring clarity, peace of mind, and a sense of control during one of life's most challenging times. Hospice is one of those options - one that often brings families and loved ones relief, support, and comfort when they need it most.

Hospice care focuses on improving quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illness by addressing not only their physical needs, but also their emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. It's a holistic approach to care that includes pain and symptom management, personal care, emotional and spiritual support, and guidance for both residents and their loved ones. Hospice also offers grief support following a loss, ensuring that no one walks the journey alone.

Too often, people don't realize what hospice can offer - or they wait too long to access it. We believe that understanding hospice earlier can lead to a better quality of life during life's final chapter. That's why we'd like to invite you to our informative community presentation:

Hospice as an End-of-Life Option

Wednesday, May 7th at 7 pm
Zehrs Community Room (2nd Floor)
865 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario

Whether you're planning for the future, supporting a loved one, or simply want to better understand what hospice care is all about, this session will provide practical information, answer your questions, and explore the full range of services we offer.

Let's have the conversation - because when people understand their options, they can make choices that reflect what matters most to them.

To register for our Hospice as an End-of-Life Option presentation on May 7, please contact Melissa at sw@rotaryhospice.ca

We hope to see you there!

*This presentation is part of our ongoing Community Education Series and our commitment to providing valuable information and resources to support those in our community. We are committed to empowering our community with knowledge and compassionate resources, and we look forward to continuing the conversation through this series. Our next presentation in the series will take place on Wednesday, June 11 on the topic of Estate Planning. More details coming soon.

Calling all Supporters!

We're seeking experiences for our Handbags for Hospice live auction this October 16 - and we'd love your help!

Do you have access to a cottage, a vacation rental, or a local (or not-so-local) getaway? Seasons tickets to theatre, concerts or sporting events? A unique experience to share? Your generous donation can help raise critical funds to support compassionate hospice care in our community!

If you're able to donate an experience, or would like more information, please reach out to Lucie at lucie@rotaryhospice.ca.

Together, we can create unforgettable memories and a lasting impact.

Hospice as an End-of-Life Option presentation (in person, no cost) - Wednesday, May 7th at 7 pm at Zehrs Stratford. To register contact Melissa sw@rotaryhospice.ca
"Y" Knot Quilt Show and Sale: Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Falstaff Family Centre
Estate Planning 101 presentation (in person, no cost) - Wednesday, June 11th at 7 pm at Zehrs Stratford. Registration details coming soon.
Hike for Hospice - Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Stratford Perth Museum
Rooster Classic Golf Day - Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the Mitchell Golf & Country Club
Fall Grief & Bereavement Webinar (no cost) - Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 7 pm
Handbags for Hospice - Thursday, October 16, 2025
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol - Sunday, December 7, 2025

Come Visit our Hospice: You're Invited for a Tour

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 fills 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.

We look forward to welcoming you!