Sarnia's St. Joseph's Hospice has received a one time funding boost from the province, to the tune of $375,000.
The money will be used to cover the organization's clinical services and help with the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection control measures.
Fund Development and Community Relations Director Maria Muscedere said without that funding, they would have had to buy PPE with their fundraising dollars.
"The money that we raise through donations will continue to support our residents as well as all of the programs and services that we provide to the community, free of charge," said Muscedere. "It was really critical that we continued to fundraise. This will really help us because our fundraising dollars were less this year due to our limits."
Muscedere said they're operating at around 80 per cent occupancy, but notes that number fluctuates based on visiting policies and the desire by some families to remain at home.
The province contributed a total of $1.425 million toward the hospice in 2021, a 36 per cent increase over 2020.
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said “This funding will help local patients receive the respect, dignity and care they deserve at every stage of their lives, while ensuring St. Joseph’s Hospice has the tools, they need to continue to provide high-quality care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic."
The St. Joseph’s Hospice provides 24/7 compassionate care to enhance quality and dignity of life for those living with a terminal illness and for those people who are affected by the anticipated or sudden death of a loved one.