Moments That Mattered...

Serenity Garden Progress: Construction is well underway for our Serenity Garden, with pathways and larger elements taking shape. Heartfelt thanks to those who donated to the garden project!

Handbags for Hospice Sold Out! Tickets for this year's Handbags for Hospice sold out in 40 minutes, thanks to our amazing community. It's shaping up to be another fabulous event, but we still need your help! Read more below.

SLAAA Open House & Multicultural Fair: We were proud to have a booth at the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association's Open House and connect with our community. Thanks to those who stopped by!

Advance Care Planning Presentation: Rotary Hospice volunteers Laurie & Cathy recently led a presentation on the topic of Advance Care Planning. Read about the upcoming presentations in the series below.

Trail of Hope for Hospice: This fantastic event was a huge success, featuring trail rides, a poker rally, and live music, raising funds for Rotary Hospice and Huron Hospice. Our heartfelt thanks to the organizers and all those who took part, including nurse Val!

Fall Webinar - Living with Grief: Registered Social Workers Melissa & Erin facilitated a fall webinar about living with grief, providing guidance and support to grieving individuals in our community at no charge. Information about future webinars can be found here.

Volunteer Christopher Shared his Skills: Dedicated hospice volunteer Christopher shared his gift of rearranging flowers, ensuring each resident room had an arrangement of fresh flowers. We're deeply grateful to those who donate flowers to our hospice home.

4th Annual SK8 Jam 4 Sam: Our heartfelt thanks to the organizers and participants of SK8 Jam 4 Sam, a fun-filled skateboarding fundraiser in memory of Sam Beauchamp. Sam was an avid member of the Stratford skateboarding community who received care at Rotary Hospice at the young age of 27.

Staff Education Evening: Our team is committed to excellence and providing the best possible care and support to those we serve. As part of this commitment, members of the hospice care team attended the Fall Palliative Education Evening hosted by the Waterloo Wellington Interdisciplinary Hospice Palliative Care Education Committee.

Donation from Goebel Insurance Agency: We gratefully received a donation of pantry and personal care items from the team at Goebel Insurance Agency, to be shared with our residents, loved ones, and visitors.

Truth & Reconciliation: Staff and volunteers joined together in wearing orange on September 30 as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity with our Indigenous communities.

Vegetable Garden Bounty: A hospice resident and one of our amazing volunteers enjoyed picking ripe tomatoes from our vegetable garden for lunch. This snapshot beautifully illustrates how hospice makes it possible to find joy in the everyday.

Sweet September Sunshine: With the gorgeous September weather, many of our residents and their loved ones have been enjoying our outdoor spaces to share meals, soak in the sunshine, and simply enjoy the fresh air.

😊Silly Joke of the Month: Why did the student eat his homework after September started? Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!

Every Day Counts

At the heart of Rotary Hospice, making every day and every moment count is integral to those affected by life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones. Our Every Day Counts campaign provides a unique opportunity for you to commemorate a special day by contributing to the cost of a day (or more) of care for one (or more) residents at Rotary Hospice.

We all cherish stories of special days and people that linger in our memories. To those who have already chosen to Pay for a Day (or more) of care for a resident here at Rotary Hospice, thank you. Your generosity has made a significant impact on the lives of those in our care. 

The following individuals and organizations were honoured or remembered in July, August & September of 2025:

In Loving Memory of Grandma Walker by Shannon O'Shea Ross

In Loving Memory of Elaine Gibb by Andy & Karen Gibb

In Loving Memory of Margaret Hislop by Marilyn Pickering & Liz Clarke

In Loving Memory of a loved one by an anonymous donor

In Loving Memory of Larry Dietrich by Linda Dietrich & family

In Loving Memory of Helen Dunseith by Marilyn Pickering & Liz Clarke

In Loving Memory of Phyllis Buchanan by Phyllis's Family

In Loving Memory of Angus McDermid by Joan McDermid

In Loving Memory of Doug Fulton by The Fulton Family

In Honour of her Siblings by Jane McDonald

In Loving Memory of Vern Gerber by Elaine, Shane, Jessica, Brendan, Holly, Darryl, & Hunter

In Loving Memory of Lincoln Rohfritsch by Sharon Eby

In Loving Memory of Lola Rohfritsch by Sharon Eby

In Loving Memory of Ken Rohfritsch by Sharon Eby

In Loving Memory of Brian Schade by Pauline Schade

In Honour of Grandma & Grandpa Walker's Anniversary by Shannon O'Shea Ross

In Honour of Loved Ones by Meghan Seaman

In Loving Memory of Phyllis & Frank Mathieson by Madeline, Tim, Anne-Marie, Steve, Helen, Paul, Dan, & Carolyn

We also wish to acknowledge those who contributed to the Every Day Counts campaign but chose to keep their donation private.

Our most heartfelt thanks for these special 'pay it forward' gifts of care.

Interested in dedicating a special day? Rotary Hospice must fundraise $350 per room per day to cover operating costs not covered by Ministry of Health funding. Help us fill the calendar with special memories! 

Thanksgiving Reflections on Grief & Gratitude

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many of us look forward to gathering with family and friends, sharing food, and expressing gratitude, but for those who are grieving, the holiday can bring mixed emotions. An empty chair at the table is a powerful reminder of loss, and it's normal to feel that grief and gratitude can exist side by side.

Grief doesn't take a holiday, yet Thanksgiving can also offer moments of comfort. Remembering your loved one through a favourite recipe, sharing a story at the table, or lighting a candle in their honour can help weave their memory into the celebration.

It may also help to give yourself permission to do things differently this year - whether that means keeping traditions, starting new ones, or simply choosing a quieter day. There is no "right" way to move through grief during the holidays; there is only the way that feels more supportive to you and your loved ones.

At Rotary Hospice, we recognize that Thanksgiving can be complicated when you are missing someone you love. Our bereavement programs are here to offer support, whether through one-on-one counselling, group sessions, or gentle opportunities to connect with others who understand.

This season, we invite you to hold space for both gratitude and grief. It is possible to carry sorrow while still noticing moments of love, warmth, and connection.

If you or a loved one finds themselves in need of some support this fall, please reach out to us by calling 519.508.4900 ext. 740 or emailing sw@rotaryhospice.ca. We're here to help!

Fall Bereavement Group: Experiencing the Death of a Parent as an Adult

The loss of a parent is a profound experience at any age. Our fall bereavement group offers a supportive space for adults who are navigating this unique grief. Together, participants can share stories, explore emotions, and find comfort in community. The group is guided by our Registered Social Workers and is offered at no cost. All are welcome.



Fall Bereavement Group: Experiencing the Death of a Parent as an Adult

In Person at Rotary Hospice on Wednesday Nights in October & November,

from 7 - 8:30 pm.

To register or learn more, please get in touch with sw@rotaryhospice.ca

7th Annual Handbags for Hospice - Wine Wall Donations Needed!

As a fun element of the annual Handbags for Hospice event on Thursday, October 16th,

for $20, guests can pick a numbered cork and take home a surprise bottle of wine, valued at $20 or more.

We need your help to fill the Wine Wall! Bottles of wine valued at $20 or more are gratefully accepted until Friday, October 10. Wine donations can be dropped off at Illume Wellness Spa at 36 Ontario Street in Stratford or at Rotary Hospice at 80 Greenwood Drive. Your donation will help ensure Rotary Hospice continues to make every moment matter.

Many thanks to those who have already dropped off their bottles of wine!

Fall Community Education Series

As part of our commitment to supporting and informing our community, we're pleased to offer a Free Community Education Series this fall at the Stratford Public Library. These sessions are open to all and are designed to provide helpful, practical information about topics we all should be aware of.

Wednesday, October 29th at 7 pm: Hospice as an End-of-Life Option

Understand what hospice care offers and how it can support individuals and their loved ones navigating end-of-life journeys. This presentation will be facilitated by Rotary Hospice Registered Social Worker Melissa McManus and Clinical Resource Nurse Stacey Hallahan.

Wednesday, November 26th at 7 pm: Estate Planning 101

The why, when, and how of ensuring your money goes to the people and causes important to you. This presentation will be facilitated by lawyer Cate McCorquodale, Partner at Monteith Ritsma Phillips.

We invite you to join us, bring your questions, and take part in these important conversations. To learn more or register for either presentation, please contact sw@rotaryhospice.ca

• Sunday, October 26th: Free Community Breakfast in support of Rotary Hospice from 9 - 11 am at the Stratford Community of Christ
• Wednesday, October 29th at 7 pm: Hospice as an End-of-Life Option Presentation at the Stratford Public Library
• Friday, November 21st at 7 pm: Lights of Love lighting ceremony at Rotary Hospice
• Wednesday, November 26th at 7 pm: Estate Planning 101 Presentation at the Stratford Public Library
• Sunday, December 7th: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Avondale. Watch for ticket details soon!

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 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. Please note: out of consideration for our residents and their guests, tours are kept to small groups of 3-4 people.

To arrange a tour, please contact Lucie, Director of Fund Development & Stewardship 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!