Supporting Jocelyn House

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This article was published 06/10/2017 (3031 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jacqueline Bouvier is hoping community members will consider lending a helping hand in support of Jocelyn House Hospice.

Bouvier, who is the manager of volunteers, spiritual care and development at the hospice, was talking to The Lance in the spotlight of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, which is on Oct. 14. The 32nd anniversary of the opening of the hospice is also coming up on Oct. 20.

Jocelyn House Hospice was founded by Bill and Miriam Hutton in 1985 in memory of their daughter, Jocelyn, who died of cancer aged 17. Their daughter’s bravery and spirit battling the disease inspired them to found Western Canada’s first freestanding hospice at their wooded, family home on Egerton Road in St. Vital.

“We’re hoping for some more volunteer support, which is an ongoing thing here at Jocelyn House,” said Bouvier, who also used to volunteer at the hospice before she arrived in a professional capacity by cooking and serving supper for the residents on a Monday night for several years.

“We need volunteers to act as companions for our residents, make meals, and look after the landscaping and maintenance of the house as it gets older. We do have a maintenance man who comes every Wednesday — my father, actually — who cuts the grass and takes care of the garden. The wonderful view from the house adds to the quality of life for our residents here, and we have wildlife such as deer, foxes, squirrels, and birds who visit us. It’s very different to what you’d see outside a hospital window. We could also use a seamstress, for example, as the cushions here get a lot of use, and the carpets are well-used and also subject to wear and tear.”

Bouvier, who lives in Linden Woods, said the hospice is grateful for the contribution of the current collection of volunteers, and she hopes that this can continue.

“For example, I might have planned a meatloaf, and the volunteers stop off at the bakery to pick up a fresh loaf or the grocery store to pick up fresh tomatoes to go with it. This happens on a regular basis.”

Bouvier said the hospice receives a portion of its operating funding from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority to cover its clinical staffing costs, but almost 40 per cent of its annual operating budget must be covered by fundraising efforts, including grants from foundations and corporations, individual donors, clubs, groups, and events.

Two such upcoming events are the 5th Annual Band Together concert, which will take place on Nov. 8 at the West End Cultural Centre. In recognition of Canada 150, the theme will be “Oh Canada, Celebrating the Best of Canadian Music.”

As well, St. Vital Centre’s Behind Closed Doors event — an evening of after-hours shopping in support of the hospice — will be held on Nov. 18 at the mall.

“We do rely on support from the community to provide the unique and essential hospice care and comfort to the terminally ill, and their loved ones, in a home-like and tranquil setting,” Bouvier said.

“We give people the opportunity to live. Imagine someone spending their last week in hospital. Here, they can gather in the living room with loved ones with coffee and dainties, which adds to their quality of life and leaves a legacy of peace for the family. It not only meets the immediate needs of the residents, but the creation of memories will impact the families moving forward. The residents here become close to each other, and the staff, and we become family here. Each loss affects us all very deeply.”

Bouvier said the average stay for a resident at Jocelyn House is three months, although this will vary depending on the individual situation.  

Go online on at www.jocelynhouse.ca for more information.  

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com