Story Posted: 2019-09-09
Gordon and Jill Rawlinson Support Hospice with Heart
(For immediate release September 10, 2019, Saskatoon)—St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation today announced an exciting $650,000 gift to the Close to Home Campaign for Hospice and End-of-Life Care from local philanthropists Gordon and Jill Rawlinson.
Gordon and Jill Rawlinson are the owners of Rawlco Radio, and they have always believed in the importance of giving back to the community.
“I’ve worked with Gordon for over 35 years. A consistent message to our staff throughout the years is the responsibility we have to serve and give back to our communities,” said Pam Leyland, President of Rawlco Radio. “Gordon and Jill’s philanthropy in Saskatchewan is a source of pride to us all, as is the role our radio stations play supporting important initiatives like the Hospice at Glengarda, a much needed facility in our community”.
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation CEO Lecina Hicke said, “St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has benefitted from a long and vibrant relationship with Gordon and Jill Rawlinson and Rawlco Radio. Through gifts to our Foundation and fundraisers like the Caged for the Cure Radiothon and the annual Gormley Gathering, they have shared and inspired over $2.6 million in support for our Hospital, including the Urology Centre of Health, the 4B Surgery Unit, and now the Hospice at Glengarda. We are truly grateful.”
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Past Board Chair, Chris Boychuk stated, “We launched this campaign in January, and we have been met with tremendous support from many sectors of the community, including this generous gift from the Rawlinsons. We look forward to continuing to fulfil the vision, mission, and purpose of the Hospice at Glengarda with our community’s support.”
Hospital Executive Director Karen Barber was deeply moved by the generosity of Gordon and Jill Rawlinson, noting that “St. Paul’s has a long history of compassionately caring for the most vulnerable in our midst. The Rawlinson’s gift to our Close To Home campaign will help us to support Saskatchewan residents in their time of need, and will help people live their lives to the fullest, as they journey toward end of life.”
Music Therapist Ruth Eliason performed her song “Where the Heart Is” – showcasing the type of music she creates with patients and families facing end-of-life. She thanked donors and the Rawlinsons for their generosity, exclaiming “this wonderful gift will allow patients and families the space and support to live their days in a way that reflects who they are as individuals.”
Construction on the Hospice at Glengarda began in May of this year. Close to Home Campaign Co-Chair Todd Rosenberg says fundraising is progressing very well with more than $18.5 million in community support raised to date.
To make your donation, or learn more about the Close to Home campaign, contact St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation at 306-655-5821 or visit our CloseToHome page.
Where the Heart Is
Song composed and performed by Music Therapist Ruth Eliason, 2019
Standing on the dock, looking at the stars
See the sky light up with Northern lights
I always feel at home, whenever I am here
My roots run deep -
Walk into the room, streamers in the air
Blow the candles out, hear the young ones cheer
I look into the eyes of the family that I love
My heart fills up, and all at once I know -
I’m grateful for these moments and the life I share with you
I’m grateful for this province and the land, the people too
I’m grateful for my family, the people I call friends
I’m grateful for the chance to give – to make a difference
You ask me where my heart is – it’s here.
Give more than you take, momma told me once
The table’s big enough for everyone,
It doesn’t cost a thing, to be compassionate
My life gives back, and all at once I know -
I’m grateful for these moments and the life I share with you
I’m grateful for this province and the land, the people too
I’m grateful for my family, the people I call friends
I’m grateful for the chance to give – to make a difference
You ask me where my heart is – it’s here.
To learn more about the song contact:Ruth Eliason, Music Therapist, Palliative Care Services, St. Paul’s Hospital. Tel: (306) 655 5526.
To purchase a copy of Ruth’s latest CD, please visit our Gift Shop located on the main floor of St. Paul’s Hospital