In early 2012 the Rotary Clubs of Metro Halifax released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for new community projects in Halifax. One proposal from Hospice Society of Greater Halifax (“Hospice Halifax”) was deemed to have merit. It had long been a dream that Halifax would one day have a hospice but that dream had yet to be fulfilled. Rotarians knew they could make a difference.
In October 2013 the Rotary Clubs jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hospice Halifax to provide seed money in the amount of $60,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a capital campaign to build a hospice. Upon completion of the study another MOU was signed between Rotary and Hospice Halifax increasing Rotary’s commitment to $123,000 so that matching funds by the QEII Foundation could be implemented and the capital raised to build the hospice.
Finally, in May of 2016 Hospice Halifax and the Nova Scotia Health Authority signed a memorandum and announced that Halifax’s first residential palliative care hospice would be built at 618 Francklyn Street in the south end of Halifax.
The goal of end of life care at this residential hospice is to provide compassionate, specialized care in a home-like environment. Residents and families are allowed the opportunity to spend precious days together. Hospice Halifax also helps individuals and families cope with grief and loss during illness and after a loved one’s death.
Residents receive holistic, patient and family-centered care while surrounded by the comforts of home.
Rotarians throughout Metro Halifax are delighted that a long-held dream of a hospice in Halifax will finally become a reality and are proud they played such an integral role in making this happen.
In September of 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 The Rotary Club of Dartmouth took the lead in organizing "Hit Fore Hospice" golf tournaments with the total proceed supporting the Hospice development effort.
More photos of the golf tournaments.....
In May 2018 a ceremonial cheque for over $167,000 dollars was presented by Rotary to Hospice Halifax and I am pleased to say that construction is well underway and the first beds will be open by October 1 of this year.
Halifax Hospice is a joint project of:
Rotary Club of Halifax; Rotary Club of Halifax Northwest; Rotary Club of Sackville & Area;
Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside; Rotary Club of Dartmouth East; and, Rotary Club of Dartmouth; and,
Halifax Hospice.
For more on Halifax Hospice....