These are heady times for Foothills Country Hospice.
The non-profit, one of seven local charities being supported by this year’s Western Wheel Cares campaign, held a groundbreaking ceremony in late spring for a major expansion that will double the number of beds at the facility just north of Okotoks. It has also expanded its programming this year to offer support to those beyond the hospice’s walls.
“We're really excited about our expansion, both programmatic and physical,” said executive director Shaun Dyer. “It's a very exciting opportunity for us to serve more people and that's really at the heart of what this project is about.”
Dyer said there’s been strong support for the capital campaign that aims to finance a 12,000-square-foot expansion which will see eight rooms added to the facility, doubling the capacity to 16 beds, as well as adding more programming space.
The executive director said it’s become apparent to him during almost a year in his role that people in the community really treasure the hospice.
“At our gala, we experienced a tremendous outpouring of community support and enthusiasm, not just for the gala itself, but for the overall vision, for what the hospice is and what it will be, so we've been receiving some great affirmation from the community,” he said.
Dyer is excited by the expansion of programming, and what that means for the wider community.
“I fundamentally believe that the hospice movement has something of tremendous value to offer the community at this time in our history,” he said. “People are dealing with a lot of grief and what the hospice is able to do is by taking its programs beyond the walls into the community, we're able to support healthy practices of dealing with grief and loss and uncertainty.”
Dyer believes Western Wheel Cares is important in building a sense of community and investing in those organizations that make it a better place.
“The money itself is fantastic and we appreciate the support, but I think the real benefit of the Wheel Cares program is that it raises and elevates the profile of the hospice in our community,” he said.
He said money received this year will go towards hospice operations, adding new equipment and materials are needed all the time.
This year’s Western Wheel Cares campaign runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 and 100 per cent of donations go to the featured charities.
In 2022, the campaign raised a record $82,670, pushing its 11-year total to $569,059.
Each week, the Wheel will feature one of the seven organizations — Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society, Foothills Country Hospice, Inclusion Foothills, Okotoks Food Bank, Pound Rescue, Rowan House Society and Sheep River Health Trust — supported by the initiative.
To donate to Western Wheel Cares, mail cheques to Box 150, Okotoks, AB, T1S 2A2 or visit westernwheel.ca/western-wheel-cares for a Paypal donation link.
As well, you can drop by the Wheel office at 9 McRae St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays (closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) or call 403-938-6397.
