On April 16, 2016, the Chatham-Kent Hospice opened its doors for the very first time.
"We've cared for over 860 families since we opened our doors in 2016," said Executive Director Jessica Smith. "When you think about that, sit with it for a minute, it's just so humbling, and we're just so grateful for the community support, allowing us to do that."
Because of COVID-19, they're unable to celebrate the anniversary in person, but Smith says they're taking a look back with videos posted on their website.
"There's been videos over the last several weeks, highlighting the different sort of stages and phases that we've gone through over the development of hospice and then since officially opening the doors," she said.
Those videos are posted now on www.chathamkenthospice.com.
https://youtu.be/U4qthnLFulI
Smith adds that the hospice would not be possible without their care team of doctors, nurses, PSW's, support staff, and their army of volunteers.
"We currently have over 200 active volunteers. I don't have a running tally of how many volunteers we've had over the five years, but I'm going to say it's probably close to 1,000 just with all the people that have been involved in the project."
Smith also thanks everyone who has supported the hospice over the years with donations or through fundraisers. The Hike for Hospice fundraiser is going virtual again this year between April 26 and May 2. Their overall fundraising goal for 2021 is $75,000.