A $1-million donation from the Chapman family will make the new Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce a reality.
Executive Director Scott Lovell says the owners of Chapman's Ice Cream in Markdale are sharing their success with the entire region.
The generous gift will allow the organization to break ground in early 2016.
The organization secured property this spring at 1725 10th Street East in Owen Sound to build the free standing building, which is expected to be named Chapman House.
It's estimated the cost of the new facility will be about $3.5 million, which needs to be entirely funded by donations. The province only pays for salaries.
The temporary location at Season's Retirement Community in Owen Sound is bursting at the seams, and has a waiting list of over twice the number of beds they have.
Over 200 patients have received end of life care at the facility.
“The timing of the decision by the Chapman family could not have been any better for us, as we’re only in the initial stages of our capital campaign” said Hospice Board Chair Rob Cordell. “To receive a commitment of this magnitude in the early stages of the project helps ensure we will get a shovel in the ground in 2016 and, with a bit of luck, built and paid for by the end of next year too! But we still have a lot more work ahead in terms of finding other community partners to step up and back this necessary service. The connection to Markdale serves to reinforce the fact that our hospice is regional in scope, not just benefiting those in Owen Sound.”
“We are humbled by the generosity of the Chapman family,” concluded Scott. “Our team of registered nurses, personal support workers and volunteers will continue to build on our reputation in the community and make the Chapman’s proud to have their name be associated with our service. This is a commitment we extend to everyone who donates to our project.”