Two local organizations have come together to support palliative care in the community for years to come.
St. Joseph's Hospice and the Sarnia Community Foundation officially announced the establishment of the St Joseph’s Hospice Endowment Fund Friday morning.
The fund was actually established last June and since then has more than doubled to $22,000.
Hospice Fund Development Manager Maria Muscedere said the money will help support their annual $1.6 million fundraising goal. She said the creation of the fund is especially important now due to local donor fatigue.
"There are a lot of wonderful charities in this community, and we have been very lucky to achieve our goal each year," said Muscedere. "But there is a little bit of donor fatigue out there, so this endowment fund will allow us to have that little bit of relief, and sustainability -- that's the main word here I'd like to get out."
Community Foundation Executive Director Jane Anema said the fund will continue to grow, and support projects and operations at the hospice.
"So it generates income on an annual basis, and the income is what goes back so that you know that without any more fundraising there is going to be a certain dollar value that's going to be on your books coming out of that endowment on a regular basis, and it just takes a little bit of pressure off," said Anema.
Anema said the fund is a great way for donors to leave a lasting legacy.
"We build legacies, and hospice is looking at legacy," said Anema. "This is a way to support this particular gem of our community today, tomorrow, and literally forever. So that's why it's a win-win."
