Bayshore Foundation for Empowered Living Donates $40,000 to Bobby’s Hospice

Staff from Bayshore Home Health, Saint John participated in the annual Memorial Walk for Hospice Saint John on Saturday and presented a $40,000 donation from the Bayshore Foundation.

The main goals of the walk are to raise funds for hospice palliative care at the community level, raise awareness of the many issues related to hospice palliative care and recognize the phenomenal work done by volunteers and professionals in the field.

“Bayshore Home Health’s nurses and caregivers provide palliative care every day so it’s a cause we are very passionate about,” says Tina Learmonth, Area Director for Bayshore Home Health’s New Brunswick offices. “Many of our staff has witnessed the benefits of hospice care at either a professional or personal level. They’re incredibly committed to the walk and many bring their family and friends along to help with the fund-raising.”

According to Statistics Canada, more than 269,000 Canadians died in 2016. Projections also show Canada will have far more elderly people. In 2016, there were roughly 1.5 million people aged 80 or over. It is projected to increase to 3.3 million by 2036. Hospice palliative care programs allow patients to gain more control over their lives and manage pain and symptoms more effectively. The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association is working toward ensuring that more Canadians receive the end-of-life care they desire.

“The Walk allows us to give back to the communities we serve and raise much-needed dollars for our local hospice,” adds Learmonth. “We all appreciate that the funds raised stay in the local area.”

This is the 14th year that Bayshore Home Health has been a sponsor of the Walk. While most Bayshore Home Health branches participate in the Hike by teaming up with a local hospice, others conduct various fundraising efforts throughout the year. Since 2006, Bayshore employees and community partners have raised and donated more than $1.8 million to the CHPCA through the Hike for Hospice and related events.