Happy 20th birthday to a special local organization.
The Pacific Rim Hospice Society is marking 20 years of service with a special event Friday, Sept. 12 at Long Beach Golf Course.
"We want to thank the people who helped made Hospice possible by their generous donations of time or financial contributions," said executive director Kim Hoag, who recalled the group's roots.
"There was several losses of mums in Tofino and Ucluelet that inspired a group of people who were aware of the hospice movement to form a hospice society to support people who were sick and also people who were grieving," Hoag said.
The organization has grown outwards from its early roots, Hoag said.
"We've expanded our services ... People sometimes associate hospice with death, but that's not the case with our hospice. We did a companioning training, and those people are trained to be with others who have some illness or are in hospital awaiting long-term care. They're companioning them, playing games, talking, reminiscing .. it doesn't mean that (the clients) are dying soon, it means that they maybe need some company," Hoag said.
"If you have been a volunteer, donor and/or member with the Pacific Rim Hospice Society at any time...and you didn't receive an email invitation please contact Hospice at 250-725-1240 or kim@pacificrimhospice. ca," she said.
