The Ontario Trillium Foundation has given Hospice Georgian Triangle a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant to help face the challenges brought on by COVID-19 by re-imagining how to best support its community in this unprecedented time of need.
“Hospice Georgian Triangle has provided volunteer services in our community for more than 30 years,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson. “COVID-19 has demonstrated more than ever their critical role in meeting the needs of palliative patients and their loved ones. I am pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation is able to support them and help build their capacity,” he added.
The pandemic has made clear the need for larger space to grow Hospice Georgian Triangle’s free, small group and one-on-one counselling services provided to patients, caregivers, grieving and bereaved individuals and families from Town of the Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Clearview Township. Beginning in Spring 2021, this new space will also allow for grief and bereavement services specifically for children and youth, as well as a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Clinic to open. These Community Support programs now call 186 Hurontario Street, unit 103 in Collingwood, “home”.
Funds from the Resilient Communities Fund grant are being used to help with hiring two full-time staff, offering workshops and training, purchasing art therapy supplies, developmental toys, scan thermometers as well as PPE and cleaning materials.
“Requests for our Community Support programs have increased by 10 percent since March 2020,” said Trish Rawn, Interim Executive Director of Hospice Georgian Triangle. “The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has allowed Hospice Georgian Triangle to hire additional staff and purchase equipment needed to expand our reach and support to vulnerable and isolated individuals in our community.”
“The 2,700 square foot office space has been reconfigured to provide a safe working environment for staff and volunteers that will allow for socially distanced care and support to be provided to clients, families and donors alike, once public health restrictions allow,” said Janet Fairbridge, Foundation Director.
Hospice Georgian Triangle’s mission to “support individuals, and their caregivers, in their journey with a life limiting illness to live the best life possible” is delivered through its Community Support programs and Campbell House, the 10-bed hospice at 240 Erie Street in Collingwood. All of Hospice Georgian Triangle’s programs are available at no cost to patients, clients and families because of financial support from our community, as well as grants such as the one from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca.
