In 2018 I walked in to the Mattews House Hospice in Alliston, ON to the warm and inviting smell of soup on the stove. The immediate sense of HOME assuaged my anxiety over my aunt’s impending death. My first experience of a Hospice was one of welcoming comfort and support as we gathered around my aunt’s bed in her last days. Family and friends came and went in a respectful, reverent way to say our last goodbyes as the staff gave discreet excellent care to make my aunt comfortable. It felt like my aunt’s family home where our extended family had gathered for years. My aunt Dorothy died peacefully surrounded by those who knew her and loved her. 

This positive Hospice experience made it an easy decision for Ed and I to engage at the first mention of a Hospice in Newcastle. We were onboard from the beginning and continued to increase our donations as the building project met rocky roads through COVID. We were not deterred because we firmly believed in the value of care in a home-like setting for the dying in their final days and for the family who were preparing for their loss.

Ed and I are thrilled to see Marigold Hospice up and running in such a tranquil setting. The rooms are inviting; the staff is competent and caring and the bereaved families are supported and guided through the goodbyes to their loved ones. As much as possible, the wishes of the dying are met with compassion and caring.  

Now that the physical needs and staffing have been accomplished in this Hospice project, Ed and I are now aware of the ongoing responsibility of the community to meet the operational costs of this gift to our community.  I expect this is a relatively easy ask of anyone who has accessed the services of Marigold in the final days of their loved-one. Friends and neighbours who have already experienced what a gift this Hospice is in our community have repeatedly told me that they could not say enough about this wonderful, albeit sad, experience for their family.  

Ed and I encourage Clarington residents who are able to give what they can to keep the doors open and operating in the standard that is actively and compassionately serving the dying of our community. We are personally consoled that such a place of peace and love is available if any of our family may need the service in the future.