A local philanthropist is showing his appreciation for a retiring executive director by writing a big check.
The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County announced Friday that they have accepted a $1-million donation from philanthropist Al Quesnel. The gift is being made in honour of Carol Derbyshire, the long-time Hospice executive director who is retiring at the end of this year, after 39 years with Hospice.
Quesnel is known for providing generous donations for charities across Windsor-Essex. Recently he gave contributions to Transition to Betterness and In Honour Of The Ones We Love, as well as donating to help complete the steeple on historic St. Anne's Church in Tecumseh. More recently, he issued a matching pledge of $5-million to help restore historic Assumption Church on the condition that a matching donation be put up as well.
“I have always admired the work done through Hospice of Windsor and Essex County under the leadership of Carol Derbyshire," says Quesnel in a statement. "This is my way to show my appreciation.”
The Hospice first opened in 1979. Derbyshire has been with them since they opened.
“I am so moved by this amazing gesture. This is just phenomenal.” says Derbyshire in the statement.
The Hospice consists of the Hospice Village, which is the largest of its kind in North America. In addition to compassionate palliative care, Hospice also provides resources for pain and symptom management, as well as a house for family programs. They have campuses in Windsor and Leamington.
