On the Leadership Team, Carpenter House has staff such as their Executive Director , Intake Coordinator RN, Resident Care Coordinator RN, Supportive Care Program Coordinator, Coordinator of Volunteers, Wellness Program Coordinator RN, Bookkeeper, Administrative Assistant, Development Coordinator, Music Therapist and Kitchen & Dietary Care Coordinator. In addition to these members, Carpenter Hospice also relies on almost 100 volunteers to carry out their daily operations through positions such as reception, meal preparation, resident care, companioning, administration, building maintenance, housekeeping, gardening, special events & fundraising, wellness program supportive care program and flower team.
Since Carpenter Hospice opened in 2002, it has served as a home for over 1,500 people in their final days. Carpenter Hospice’s Resident Care program can accommodate 10 residents, the Wellness Program currently has about 75 participants and the Supportive Care Program has about 50 participants.
To provide these services at no cost to individuals, Carpenter Hospice raises $1.3 million each year. For the 2012-2013 year, Carpenter Hospice surpasses its fundraising targets.
As Carpenter Hospice’s Development Coordinator Angela Marlatt shares, while overall Carpenter Hospice does not face large obstacles in reaching their fundraising goals, the Burlington community’s strong support for the $60 million Capital Campaign for the Redevelopment and Expansion Project for Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital has had some effect on corporate sponsorship of special events. Despite this, Marlatt explains that the Carpenter Hospice has a significant presence in the Burlington Community and remains to be at the top of many donors’ minds. She explains that families are very grateful for the services and support offered by Carpenter Hospice.
Carpenter Hospice offers donors a number of ways to support their operations. For example:
- “In Memoriam: Memorial gifts in memory of a loved one, or tribute gifts in honor of a loved one, is one way we raise needed funds to continue our mission. The family of the person memorialized or honored will be notified of your generous gift but will no amount will be named.
- Planned Giving: Donors can designate the Carpenter Hospice (Legal name: The Burlington Rotary Community Hospice Inc.) as the beneficiary of their wills or life insurance.
- Gifts of Securities: Donate publicly traded securities or mutual funds that have increased in value directly to the Carpenter Hospice. These gifts eliminate the capital gains tax donors would have to pay on their securities.
- Monthly Giving: Monthly giving provides a reliable source of funding year round. Giving is made easy through different payment options we provide such as post-dated cheques or monthly credit card debits.
- Donations in Lieu of Gifts: Option to have contacts make a donation to the Carpenter Hospice in lieu of gifts. For example, “in lieu of presents for my 50th birthday celebration, I ask you to support the Carpenter Hospice through a donation.”
The Special Events that Carpenter Hospice holds are:
Close To Our Hearts Gala
A black tie event that includes a reception, dinner, entertainment, dancing and bands. The event is annual and held in February, on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. 2014 will be the 13th year for this event.
Hike for Hospice
A 4.7 KM walk at Spencer Smith Park that also includes a Celebration of Life ceremony and a BBQ. This event is held on the first Sunday of May each year. 2014 will be the 6th year of this event.
Spyrou Charity Golf Tournament
This event takes place in memory of Margie Livingstone and includes 18 holes of golf, lunch and dinner. This event is annual and September 2014 will be the 8th year for the event.
Carpenter Hospice also draws in donors through a Direct Mail Campaign that takes place through Community Appeal Newspaper Advertisements, e-Newsletters, Facebook and their Website. Carpenter Hospice is also supported through third party fundraising events that work to support the work of the hospice and increase awareness about their services in the community.
The advice Marlatt offers to other hospices to better meet their fundraising goals is to increase community awareness, foster current donor relationships, engage past donors and evaluate the overall “donor experience” hospices are providing.
Marlatt believes that the greatest challenges hospices in Canada will face in the coming years are the aging baby-boomer demographic and increased need for palliative care, along with possible changes in legislation surrounding doctor-assisted suicide.
To find out more about Carpenter Hospice, please click here.
