The Cranbrook/Kimberley Hospice Society has netted a $5,000 grant from the provincial government that will go towards their operations in the area.
The society provides comfort to to individuals at their end stage of life and support to their families during and following that time, with a focus on caring and listening rather than curing.
Jeanne Davidson, the executive director for the Cranbrook/Kimberley Hospice Society, welcomed the grant.
"Funding is always exciting and it allows us to maintain all of our free services in Cranbrook, Kimberley and the surrounding areas," said Davidson. "We thank Honourable Bill Bennett and the provincial government for the opportunity to spend even more money."
It will be put towards the society's extensive programming for clients who are experiencing difficult circumstances.
We offer companioning to clients who are at end-of-life and then bereavement for their families as well, for up to a year, and a rainbows program for children—a large suite of bereavement services actually," Davidson continued.
Services provided by the society include client visits in the home, hospital or health care facility, end-of-life vigils, bereavement phone support and a support group, a walk and talk program and a Rainbows program for children who have experienced loss—not necessarily from death.
All services are free of charge and run mostly by volunteers, who complete a 33-hour training program. Services can be be accessed directly by contacting the society, while referrals are also made through physicians, home and community care facilities and other clients.
In addition to funding from the provincial government, the non-profit society also receives support through in memoriam gifts, the United Way, fundraising projects, donations, memberships, foundations and service clubs.