The Estate of Donna Vera Evans Bushell Supports Hospice of Elgin
Photo: Maddie King & Andrew Gunn of young & free press (at right) have been serving as consultants on the Estate of Donna Bushell, and recently celebrated a donation of $75,000 from the Estate to the Hospice of Elgin alongside (from left) Laura Sherwood and Carrie Ford of Hospice of Elgin, Terry Carroll, Executive Director of the Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation, and Peggy Goodhue and Ian Begg, friends of Donna Bushell.
On Wednesday, November 3rd, staff members with the Hospice of Elgin came together with representatives of the Estate of Donna Bushell to celebrate a new donation. The Estate has committed $75,000 to support tree planting, landscaping, and other aesthetic elements at the new Hospice facility, which will be built off South Edgeware Road in St. Thomas near the entrance to Waterworks Park. The donation is an ideal match for the Estate, as Donna Bushell enjoyed planting trees and supporting community well-being.
Members of our team at young & free press have been serving as consultants for the Estate, and met with representatives of Hospice of Elgin in 2020 to discuss the potential donation.
“We are very pleased to make this contribution from the Bushell Estate to Hospice of Elgin,” comments Andrew Gunn, Consultant for the Estate. “Donna Bushell loved to promote tree-planting, and gifts from the Estate have supported such efforts around Elgin County and St. Thomas. This contribution to Hospice to help develop the grounds of the site is a perfect fit, and we look forward to working on the plans to make this a warm, inviting, and beautiful space for members of the community.”
“Hospice focuses on personalized expert care for individuals and their families at end-of-life. The role of the environment, gardens and green space are essential to help support care, and offer comfort, peace and tranquility for more of life’s moments,” explains Bill Graham, Campaign Volunteer, Hospice of Elgin. “Donna Vera Evans Bushell placed importance on the environment, and this gift will support the vision to create a Hospice with beautiful outdoor spaces and peaceful gardens anchored amongst the Carolinian forest.”
The legacy and passion of Donna Vera Evans Bushell for the environment aligns naturally with Hospice of Elgin’s vision of a truly welcoming site. Hospice of Elgin’s holistic person-centered approach recognizes the therapeutic value of outdoor spaces and gardens.
The team at Hospice of Elgin is working to advance the project and this gift signals an important commitment to help realize the vision of a Hospice for Elgin County.
This past summer, the future site of Hospice was announced at 2 South Edgeware Road, surrounded by the beauty of Waterworks Park. Over the next two years, Hospice of Elgin will build a facility providing 24-7 expert palliative care in a welcoming home-like environment.
The goal of Hospice is to care for individuals, their caregivers and families as end-of-life and death are part of a complex and emotional journey for all who are involved. When doors open in Spring 2023, care will be provided in the home, in the community, and at Hospice.
Quick Facts:
· Elgin County has an aging demographic and is the only region in Southwestern Ontario without a Hospice
· Hospice is about helping individuals and families live life to the fullest until the very end
· Hospice will be a campus of palliative care offering services onsite, in the community, or at home. The vision for Hospice includes:
➢Residence - private suites, with 24-7 expert care in a welcoming home-like atmosphere
➢Palliative care clinic
➢Respite beds and support for caregivers
➢Family sleep spaces
➢Counselling services
➢Grief and bereavement programs, and more …
· Each year, care will be provided to more than 500 patients, caregivers, and families.
· The construction of Hospice will create many economic benefits, including the creation of 30+ new jobs for our community.
· ROA Studio has been selected as the architect firm to design Hospice of Elgin. ROA has significant experience in designing Hospices throughout Ontario.
· Hospice of Elgin has found a centrally located site that is accessible, visible in the minds of the community, while also offering tranquility, peace, and a connection to nature.
Find more information on Hospice of Elgin online at https://www.elginhospice.com
