Moments That Mattered...

National Social Work Week: During the first week of March, we gratefully highlighted the impact of our Registered Social Workers on hospice care. Thank you, Melissa, Jaclyn, and Erin, for all that you do.

Spring Webinar - Children & Grief: Thank you to those who attended our spring webinar on the topic of children and grief. Stay tuned for information about future grief and bereavement programming.

Thank You, Hospice Hearts: Our heartfelt thanks to our friends at Quadro Communications for their generous matching gift, as well as to our wonderful Hospice Hearts Monthly Donors!

Hike for Hospice Returns: The planning committee has been busy behind the scenes and is excited to share that registration is officially open for the 12th annual Hike for Hospice on June 14! Read more below.

St. Patrick's Day Fun: Staff and volunteers wore their green and brought some fun and luck to our hospice home.

April Community Partnership - Modo Yoga & Inspired by Fitness: Move with meaning this April with Karma Classes at Modo Yoga and Inspired by Colour Week at Inspired by Fitness - all in support of Rotary Hospice. Read more below.

Staff CPR Training: Members of our care team participated in annual CPR training, ensuring their skills are up to date and they are ready to respond.

Coldest Night of the Year: We were proud to participate in this year's Coldest Night of the Year walk in support of Shelterlink Youth Services.

Kitchen Construction: Construction on the self-serve food station has begun, and we are excited to share progress along the way. Read more below.

Stratford Warriors Tip Jar Proceeds: Our heartfelt thanks to the Stratford Warriors Hockey Club, as well as everyone who contributed to their tip jar this past hockey season.

Hospice Palliative Care Education Evening: Care team members attended the Spring 2026 Hospice Palliative Care Education Evening, an opportunity to connect with others, learn from experts, and enhance their skills and knowledge.

Mallard Ducks Return: Staff, volunteers, residents, and visitors have all been enjoying watching the pair of ducks, who return to our hospice grounds year after year. A sure sign of spring!

😊Silly Joke of the Month: Why do hummingbirds hum? Because they don't know the words.

Registration is Now Open for the 12th Annual Hike for Hospice!

There's something special about coming together for this day, walking in memory, in honour, and in support of compassionate hospice care in our community. Whether you join us on Hike Day or make it your own and Hike on Your Site, every step counts.

Register today and take advantage of our Early Bird Draw: sign up by May 15 at midnight, and you'll be entered to win the Ultimate Local Day Out prize package, which includes:

Family River Adventure Pass from The Boathouse

4 Muffins or Scones from The Little Kitchen on York 

Four Dirty Sodas from Corner Store Candy Co.

4 Ice Creams from JENN & Larry's Ice Cream Shoppe

2 $85 Gift Cards from Pursuit Climbing

Our heartfelt thanks to the local businesses who helped bring this prize together.

Whether you hike in honour of a loved one, in gratitude for the care you or someone close to you received, or simply to give back, every step helps ensure that individuals and families have access to comfort, dignity, and support when it matters most.

Gather your friends, family, colleagues, or group members and be part of something meaningful. We can't wait to walk alongside you on June 14!

Start the Conversation: Advance Care Planning Day

On April 16, we're marking Advance Care Planning Day with a community presentation focused on what matters most.

Advance Care Planning is about reflecting on your values, wishes, and goals for future care, and sharing them with the people who may one day speak on your behalf. This free session is open to everyone and offers a supportive place to learn, ask questions, and begin (or continue) these important conversations.

Because when your wishes are known, every moment of care can be more aligned, more meaningful, and more you.

This session is open to all and is provided at no cost.

Move with Meaning this April with Modo Yoga & Inspired By Fitness!

This April, our friends at Modo Yoga and Inspired by Fitness are turning movement into meaningful support.

Karma Class this Sunday (review details from Sherry's video)

Join Modo Yoga Stratford for their Friday night Karma Classes at 5:30 pm - hot yoga by donation, with all proceeds from the April classes supporting Rotary Hospice.

Or take part in Inspired by Colour Week (April 20 - 25) at Inspired by Fitness, a vibrant week of classes and community in support of our hospice home.

Modo Yoga and Inspired by Fitness have also collaborated on two special Karma Classes:

Sunday, April 12 - Modo Yin at Modo Yoga

Saturday, April 25 - Boot Camp at Inspired by Fitness

However you choose to move, you'll be helping provide comfort, dignity, and care when it matters most.

Take time for your wellbeing this month, while giving back in a meaningful way.

Kitchen Update: Where Care Feels like Home

We're excited to share that construction is now underway on our new self-serve food station. This thoughtful addition will help create a more welcoming, home-like space for families and loved ones, offering comfort, flexibility, and a place to gather, nourish themselves, and simply be together. Because at Rotary Hospice, every moment matters.

We are tremendously grateful to the family of former hospice resident Jim Noble, whose generosity spearheaded the project. Their gift was matched by the Hayter Family, plus many generous guests at the 7th annual Handbags for Hospice, October 2025.

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 January, February, and March of 2026:

In Celebration of the New Year by an anonymous donor

In Loving Memory of Sheila Crisp by Andy and Karen Gibb

In Honour of Hospice Care by Werner Walter

In Loving Memory of Lloyd Wicke by the Wicke Family

In Loving Memory of Judy Johnson by Bob Johnson and family

In Loving Memory of Brad Meinen by an anonymous donor

In Loving Memory of David Vollmer by Elaine, Erin, and Craig

In Loving Memory of Jack Grasby by Doreen, Barry, Don, Sue, Brian and Bruce

In Loving Memory of Susan Hepburn by Stewart Hepburn

In Loving Memory of Bob McGill by Nora, Tricia, Jay, Kale, Luke, Matt, Brittany, Ryan, Nick and Jan

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! 

Thursday, April 16: Advance Care Planning Presentation (see more details above!)

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!)