Testimonials

Giving from the heart

The moment hospice volunteer, Anu, walked through our front doors, she felt a strong connection. “I felt like I was coming to the home of someone I’d known for years,” says Anu. “It felt familiar; like I’d been there before.” Anu first volunteered with our annual gala in 2014. After receiving her 30-hour hospice training,… Read more “Giving from the heart”

Anu R.

Finding a shoulder to cry on

In November 2011, Kathy was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. While the upcoming chemo treatments loomed over her during the Christmas holidays, her larger concern was the care of her husband, Ray, who has Alzheimer’s disease. It was a stressful time in her life as she arranged to have Ray placed on a crisis list for… Read more “Finding a shoulder to cry on”

Kathy Y.

A dog with a job…and a bandanna

Volunteer, Jim Findlay, prepares his therapy dog, Murphy, for a visit to the hospice by placing a special bandanna around his neck. “Murphy is like Jekyll and Hyde,” says Jim. “When the bandanna is on, Murphy knows he’s working. He becomes more relaxed, and he’ll stand with people and allow them to pet him. As… Read more “A dog with a job…and a bandanna”

Jim Findlay

A gift for the taste buds

One summer day, Shelley Murray, a volunteer in our kitchen, remembers the nurses asking if it would be possible to get any eggnog. One of the residents had requested it. Shelley quickly jumped on the internet for a recipe and began making a homemade batch of the Christmas drink. In no time, she served it… Read more “A gift for the taste buds”

Shelley Murray

Emerging from a cancer diagnosis

Nine years ago, Lorraine Carefoot was diagnosed with cancer in her right lung, a shock to her since she had never smoked a day in her life. Since then she has undergone surgery and chemotherapy, dealt with treatment-related infections, and faced a recurrence in her left lung. When Lorraine first looked at a pamphlet about… Read more “Emerging from a cancer diagnosis”

Lorraine Carefoot

Carpenter inspires a career

Volunteering with Carpenter Hospice inspired Stephanie Rollo to complete a certificate as a Personal Support Worker (PSW). She joined the clinical team in May 2016. “I knew of Carpenter Hospice through friends who had spoken so highly of the care their family members had received here,” said Stephanie. “When I started volunteering here, my personal… Read more “Carpenter inspires a career”

Greeting others with a smile

If you’ve ever walked through the front door of the Hospice, there’s a good chance you’ve been greeted by Ann Maunder’s smile. As a reception volunteer, Ann answers the door for visiting guests, lets them know where the coffee, tea and snacks are located, and answers any questions families may have. “Sometimes I’ll help out… Read more “Greeting others with a smile”

Ann Maunder

A close-knit community that understands

Bob McIntyre faced his first cancer diagnosis in 2003. He was successfully treated, and was able to return to work as an Electrical Supervisor until his retirement five years later. At a time when he and his wife, Elaine, should have been enjoying their grandkids and travelling, Bob faced his second cancer diagnosis in 2010… Read more “A close-knit community that understands”

Bob McIntyre
The Carpenter Hospice