St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has already raised $14.5 million of $20 million goal to build the Hospice at Glengarda and strengthen palliative care in the community
EDITOR’S NOTE: Gordon Engel died March 26, 2019, only a few short weeks after launching the Close to Home campaign to strengthen palliative care in our community: Obituary.
By Kiply Lukan Yaworski
[SASKATOON, January 2019] – St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has launched a “Close to Home Campaign” to raise $20 million to build the province’s first dedicated, stand-alone hospice and to strengthen palliative care services in the community.
The launch at St. Paul’s Hospital Jan. 30, 2019 included news of an anonymous $6 million donation unveiled by the Engel family — Gord Engel of St. Philip Neri Parish is living with terminal cancer, and spoke about the role the home-like atmosphere of a hospice will have in end-of-life care.
Gene and Adele Dupuis are honorary co-chairs of the campaign, and shared how quality palliative care has impacted both of their families when dealing with the burden of terminal illness.
With today’s donation, the campaign has already reached $14.5 million of the $20 million goal, with plans to start the renovation and expansion of the former Ursuline convent, Glengarda, this summer, and a projected opening in 2020.
The Hospice at Glengarda is located on the corner of Hilliard Street and Melrose Avenue, across from St. Francis Xavier church on the east side of the city.
“As a Catholic hospital, we really have a mission to work to meet unmet needs in the community that we serve… and wanting to further our mission has led us to really pursue the hospice for many years,” said Jean Morrison, President and CEO of Emmanuel Health and St. Paul’s Hospital.
She added: “The need is great and the time is here. We look to you, our community, to help us bring this project to fruition. Together we truly are stronger, and we look forward to the continuing discussions as we develop this beautiful facility, and meet unmet needs for those needing end of life care in our city, continuing our vision for a community of health, hope, and compassion for all.”
Find out more about the project, the campaign, and how to donate at: Close To Home
Jean Morrison, President and CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital and Emmanuel Health.
The Engel family unveiled the anonymous $6million donation toward the Close to Home campaign.
Adele and Gene Dupuis are honorary co-chairs of the Close to Home Campaign to build Saskatoon’s first hospice, alongside campaign co-chairs Todd Rosenberg and Dr. Vivian Walker.
Campaign Director Lecina Hicke presents framed artwork to Gord Engel, created as part of the St. Paul’s Hospital palliative care unit’s art therapy program.
Gord Engel said a hospice will not only help patients who are dealing with a terminal illness, but their families.