Bruce County's Huron Shores Hospice is much closer to reality.
170 supporters enjoyed an evening of cocktails, fun and fundraising at Kincardine’s Pavilion that raised a total of $136,000.
Much of the money came from a silent and live auction of over 90 handbags from well-known designers, as well as several experiences involving area restaurants.
Former Bruce Power CEO Duncan Hawthorne and his wife Lesley attended as the title sponsors, and spoke passionately about the need in the community for the service. They made a personal donation of $30,000 on the night, bringing the couple’s total contribution to the project to $90,000.
The organization is now in a position to open its initial one-bed suite at Tiverton Park Manor as soon as the policies, volunteers and furnishings are in place, potentially by the end of the year.
Chair Cheryl Cottrill stated, “We would not be looking at opening the doors for the residential hospice without their commitment to the project. We are so overwhelmed by the generosity of the whole community in support of this event and our larger goal to bring residential hospice to our community. On top of the $136,000, we had $18,000 donated through in-kind support."
The group plans to continue to raise money for Phase II of the plan, which will add a second suite. The additional suite will require an extra $175,000 for two years of operating, plus capital costs for furnishing the space.