Story Posted: 2019-02-20
Local Philanthropists Give Significant Donation to Support Hospice and Palliative Care in Saskatoon
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation announced a significant $700,000 gift to the Close to Home Campaign for Hospice and End-of-life Care from the Campaign’s Honourary Co-Chairs Gene and Adele Dupuis.
“From our own experiences with end-of-life care, we’ve gained a clearer perspective of what is needed to support patients and their families during this emotional time,” said Gene Dupuis. “We feel good that we are able to support other families going through this experience and help make the palliative care journey for our loved ones as comfortable as possible.”
The event kicked off with moving testimony from Celine Schlosser reflecting on the passing of her late husband Carl Schlosser and their experiences in St. Paul’s Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit—the only unit of its kind in Saskatoon.
“When a bed came open in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital, I felt like I had won the lottery,” Celine said. “The Palliative Care Unit saved us. It allowed me to be Carl’s wife again, rather than his caregiver.”
Jean Morrison, President and CEO of Emmanuel Health and St. Paul’s Hospital said that a comprehensive approach to quality end-of-life care is important in making a difference to families like Celine’s. “With support from our community, we will be able to make crucial renovations to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital and create an Education Fund that will benefit caregivers who are working with patients and families facing palliative and end-of-life experiences.”
“It’s not every day you encounter volunteer leadership like Gene and Adele or those willing to share their very personal stories, like Celine and her family,” said Bruce Acton, CEO of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. “We are grateful for the passion and generosity they have given in working to make palliative and end-of-life care in Saskatoon a better experience for those in need.”
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Board Chair, Chris Boychuk, was moved by the Dupuis’ generosity and service. “We are grateful for the tremendous support we have received from all our donors and are especially grateful to the Dupuis for their leadership and advocacy. We hope these gifts will serve as an inspiration for others to consider how they will support the Close to Home Campaign for Hospice & End of Life Care.”
To make your donation, or learn more about the Close to Home campaign, contact St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation at 306-655-5821 or donate online here.