April 1, 2014—March 31, 2015

2014-15
April 1, 2014—March 31, 2015
Content
Message from the President
1
Message from the Executive Director
4
Palliative Manitoba Helping the Community: Programs and Services
8
Education
12
23nd Annual Provincial Conference
14
Premier’s Volunteer Service Award
15
A Compassionate Care Opportunity
16
Sharon Carstairs Caring Community Award
18
Fundraising Events
19
Board of Directors and Staff
23
Board Committees
24
Audited Financial Statements April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015
25
Mission Statement
To promote compassionate, effective care for all Manitobans touched by any
life-threatening condition or bereavement, and to provide services and education
complementary to the formal health care system.
Vision Statement
All Manitobans experiencing a life-threatening condition live well until the end of life,
and that those around them are cared for in the process.
Approved by the Board of Directors - October 2010
Message from the President
President
Access to Quality End of Life Care – The Time is Now
The issue of access to quality end of life care in Canada reached a watershed
moment on February 6, 2015 with the release of the Carter v. Canada decision from
the Supreme Court of Canada. Without going into the details of the decision, the net
effect is that as of February 6, 2016 the law against physician-assisted death will no
longer be in force or effect, effectively legalizing physician assisted death. The most
important corollary to having physician-assisted death is to have universal access to
quality end of life care. In order to make an informed decision on any important issue
that presents itself in life’s journey, we must have all of the options and facts in front of
us. Each of these decisions are personal and will ultimately involve discussions with a
physician and family that are highly personal involving moral, ethical, cultural & spiritual
values. But the informed portion of that decision requires a full discussion of palliative
or related care at the end of life as an option to that individual and their family. While
access to palliative care and quality end of life care has always been a priority, with the
option now being available of another way of dying by way of physician-assisted death,
not having that access available creates an environment where informed decisions are
not possible, and that is tragic. Improved access to quality end of life care will result in
earlier discussions on the impact of treatment options on a person’s quality of life.
So, what can we do? Well, the first steps are to raise the awareness of the need for
access to quality end of life care. And that is where I can, thankfully, change the tone
of this annual message to one of hope and inspiration. I wanted to turn to Ian's Walk
for End of Life Care. On January 16, 2015 Ian Bos’s father passed away after a brave
fight with cancer. He was 68 years old. The family had many ups and downs with the
medical system; however Ian’s father Ted was treated with the utmost compassion and
dignity by the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. On
May 21, 2015, Ian embarked on a cross-country walk in memory of his father and in
honor of the excellent care that his Dad received at the Aberdeen Palliative Care
Society. Ian arrived in Manitoba on August 18 and hit the Saskatchewan border on
1
Message from the President Continued
September 3. The visit featured numerous city and rural media opportunities, a visit
with her Honour Lieutenant-Governor Janice Filmon, participation from the Premier
and Minister of Healthy Living and Seniors, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Winnipeg,
numerous rural politicians, a rally at Portage & Main, great collaboration with Virtual
Hospice and invaluable connections with rural organizations and our provincial
counterparts in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Talk about spreading the word!! Ian was
a true inspiration to all he touched and met. And a special thank you has to go out to
our two Palliative Manitoba ambassadors/second mothers to Ian: Joan Lawless and
Val Paulley. They worked tirelessly in their preparation and while Ian was in Manitoba
– from start to finish. The lasting impression of the walk through Manitoba were all of
the stories as unique as the individuals sharing them; about how the quality of end of
life for their loved one was greatly improved by the kindness and care given by health
care providers and volunteers who for a brief time entered their lives by supporting the
family and the person dying through death and then shared in their grief. Every story
shared affirmed the value of the services and human kindness experienced. Every
Manitoban deserves that same access to quality end of life care and palliative care.
So, what we need to do is to stick to what we can control in this brave new world, and
that is to get our message and themes out: “Let’s Talk About Hospice Palliative Care
First” and “Let’s Talk About Dying”. These are simple but important themes in raising
this awareness. But we all need to be doing it. So let’s get on that right away and
continue the inspiration and momentum brought by Ian’s Walk!!
So, have you considered what you would put into writing into your advanced health
care plan; have you spoken with your family about your wishes? Well, what are you
waiting for?
I have had the opportunity to read our Executive Director Judy Knight’s message, so I
will not re-cap those many accomplishments. But I do have to pass on
congratulations to Judy, the staff and volunteers for all that was accomplished in the
past year. It was a momentous year by way of goals and accomplishments, so to
Judy, the staff and the volunteers, take a bow!! I will also like to take this opportunity
to thank outgoing board member Jane Van Dam, for her valuable support and input as
her third and final two year term is now up.
And there is special thank you as well to Joan Lawless, who will be retiring from
Palliative Manitoba, for all of her contributions these many years. She really has been
a foundation for so much of what the outside world sees as Palliative
Manitoba. Thank you Joan.
2
IAN BOS WALK FOR END OF LIFE CARE
Ian Bos arrives in
MB, Aug. 18/15
Minister Crothers, Ian Bos, Deputy Mayor Paktakan
Ian Bos, The Honourable Janice Filmon ,
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and Mr.
Gary Filmon
Premier Selinger, Judy Knight, Ian Bos, Dr. Chochinov,
Minister Crothers and Shelly Cory
Leaving Portage Avenue and Main Street for
walk out of the City of Winnipeg
Manitoba and Saskatchewan meet as Ian crosses the
Manitoba border into Saskatchewan
3
Message from the Executive Director
Executive Director
PALLIATIVE MANITOBA - "HELPING YOU LIVE TODAY"
Life giving; compassion; consumer driven; and advocacy for equitable access to
responsive quality end of life care for all Manitobans are some of the values and
guiding principles to which Palliative Manitoba adheres.
Our organization respects and values its relationships and partnerships with our
internal and external stakeholders; is progressive, focused and forward thinking, as
well as trustworthy. We believe that dying and grieving are natural processes and part
of life, which some individuals may require support and assistance with from Palliative
Manitoba, at some point in time. Everyone's grief journey is unique as well as
achieving their "new normal". Conversations around death and dying can be difficult
for some individuals. We are, in some respects, a death denying society. Palliative
Manitoba is here to assist with those conversations and provide any other supports
individuals and their support networks may require. We are truly "Here to help!".
This past year has been a very busy and exciting year for the organization. Palliative
Manitoba officially re-branded on February 25, 2015 with a name change from Hospice
& Palliative Care Manitoba to Palliative Manitoba - "Helping You Live Today" and a
new website. Minister Crothers, Minister of Healthy Living and Seniors was present at
the formal launch to demonstrate her support for our work, which was greatly
appreciated. There was significant media uptake on our new brand with radio
interviews and articles in local newspapers. The re-branding of our organization was
greatly assisted through the contributions of our internal and external stakeholders,
over the past several months, culminating in the formal launch.
The purpose of our new brand is to better reflect the services that Palliative Manitoba
offers its consumers in the community. These services are complementary to the
formal health care system. Palliative Manitoba hopes to become the "go to" place to
assist individuals and their caregivers navigate the complexities of our health care
system relative to their obtaining quality palliative care either with our internal
resources or through referral out to more appropriate sources.
4
Message from the Executive Director Continued
With our new website we are now on Facebook with 434 followers and growing. An
example of a one week post reach was over 5000 individuals. Our Twitter account has
220 followers, which continues to grow daily. This is very encouraging for the organization given its apparent increased relevance. Over the past year, with our new brand
and website, awareness and utilization of our services have increased significantly.
Our new brand aligns well with our renewed strategic plan which aims to expand our
capacity on a provincial basis. An example is the initial work of our rural Bereavement
Services project with the three health authorities of Prairie Mountain; Interlake Eastern
and Southern Health-Santé Sud.
One of our Board members, Lee Barringer and Palliative Manitoba staff successfully
facilitated two customized Compassionate Care courses for the First Nation
communities of Red Sucker Lake; Garden Hill; Wasagamac; St. Therese Point and
most recently Mathias Colomb First Nation Health Authority with requests for further
training and education, emanating from some of these communities. It is our plan to
reach out to other First Nation communities through the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
and other Tribal Councils to offer to facilitate similar courses for their respective
communities. The goal would be to provide their staff with the necessary tools to deal
with death, dying and grieving. These activities demonstrate the strong relationship
and engagement amongst Board members and staff.
We would like to thank our funders, The United Way of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg
Regional Health Authority Palliative Care Program for providing us with the ability to
deliver our programs and services, again this year. The remainder of our revenue is
generated from donations; bequests; grants and fund raising activities throughout the
year. One such activity this past year was our Celebrate Life Luncheon where Doug
Finkbeiner was our guest speaker in April, 2014 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Besides our amazing staff of Palliative Manitoba, one of our organization's valuable
assets is our cadre of volunteers who play a pivotal role in assisting in the delivery of
our programs and services, in a variety of ways. Volunteers provide over almost 700
hours at the Memory Tree, a traditional annual community service event. Our
volunteers are physically and emotionally very committed to our organization, for which
we are grateful. The Board and staff continue to appreciate the "value added" by the
volunteers' presence and association with the organization. Palliative Manitoba was
the recipient of the Premiers Volunteer Appreciation Award this past year.
We have been afforded the opportunity to deliver presentations on our programs and
services to Minister Sharon Blady; Minister Deanne Crothers and Steven Fletcher,
MP. As a result of the presentation to Minister Crothers she requested a tour of our
5
Message from the Executive Director Continued
office and extended an invitation to participate at one of their provincial planning
tables. Our belief is that healthy living also includes healthy dying with dignity and
equitable access to quality palliative care for all Manitobans.
Over the past year, we have provided student placements for the Faculty of Social
Work and have had similar requests for placements for upcoming year. For the past
three years we have had placements of students from the Faculty of Social Sciences Human Ecology.
We are in the process of formalizing and strengthening our relationship with Jocelyn
House and Grace Hospice with a longer term goal of developing a coalition of hospice
providers.
Life is a precious gift so many of us take for granted until it is challenged or compromised by a life limiting illness. Cherish each day we are given!
We have come a long way this past year and have achieved, if not surpassed our
milestones, primarily due to the dedication and demonstrated passion for advancing
quality end of life care by the Palliative Manitoba staff and Board of Directors.
However…we have only just begun!
We have a long way to go and much more to accomplish which we
will be pleased to highlight in next year's Annual Report.
7
Message from the Executive Director Continued
Launch of New Brand, February 25, 2015
Judy Knight, Executive Director, Palliative Manitoba;
Deanne Crothers, Minister of Healthy Living and Seniors;
Rick Lussier, Director of Community Grants, Winnipeg Foundation;
Shirley Twerdun, Volunteer and Supporter;
Barbara Main, Volunteer and Supporter;
Don Campbell, President of Palliative Manitoba
8
Palliative Manitoba Helping the Community:
Programs and Services
The volunteers and staff at Palliative Manitoba are dedicated to providing
compassionate and respectful support to people coping with a life-limiting illness or
experiencing grief. We are proud to provide an array of volunteer, education and
advocacy services to Manitobans.
Consultation
Palliative Manitoba staff regularly connects with individuals, families, community
partners and external agencies to provide information and educational materials. We
inform people about what we can do for them and connect them to resources when
necessary. We respond promptly and appropriately to requests for information and
services.
Compassionate Care Volunteer Program
From April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, a total of 1144 volunteer hours of
companionship were provided to people with life limiting illnesses. The value of these
hours cannot be over stated as these volunteers provide much needed support to
individuals and their caregivers.
Bereavement Volunteers provided a total of 481 hours of telephone support.
Volunteers also provide support through various programs:
 Five “Taking Steps” bereavement support groups were offered, in partnership with
Youville Centre, Good Neighbours Active Living Centre and Jewish Child and
Family Services.
 Twelve monthly grief seminars were held at Cropo Funeral Chapel.
 Five grief seminars were held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home with similar topics.
Four grief seminars were held at Chesed Shel Emes, as part of a pilot project.
Riverview Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit Initiative
This program places Palliative Manitoba compassionate care volunteers on the
Palliative Care Unit of RHC at regularly scheduled times. They attend the unit for two
hours per week or alternate weeks and provide a caring presence, hand massages,
letter writing and companionship to residents.
Lunch and Learn
Palliative Manitoba volunteers and staff from the WRHA Palliative Care Program took
part in our annual Lunch and Learn series. Four sessions were offered, including
“Coping With the Stressors of Life”, “Suicide and Palliative Care”, “Newcomers,
Immigrants and Refugees” and “Using Music in Palliative Care”. We are pleased to
partner with Thomson in The Park, who provide a beautiful facility and refreshments.
9
Programs and Services Continued
Final Days, Final Hours
Seven personal care homes are equipped to participate in the program which provides
volunteer companions to people in their last 48-72 hours of life. Personal care home
staff appreciate the presence of the PM volunteers. Individuals facing issues of
isolation benefit from the presence of a volunteer and some families take a much
needed break from the bedside to go home to replenish and recharge. The program
will be undergoing a review in Autumn 2015.
Monthly Bereavement Message
This service dating back to August 2009 remains an important part of our bereavement
support services. Approximately 150 messages are sent each month. Our electronic
distribution list has greatly increased our outreach in this area.
Grief Interagency Network
PM organizes and facilitates biannual meetings between several agencies working in
the area of grief and bereavement. It is an excellent networking and knowledgesharing opportunity and increases PM’s visibility in the community.
Kids/Teens Grieve Too Program
After undergoing an external and internal curriculum review, a Teens Grieve Too
bereavement group was offered in February and March 2015 for youth between the
ages of 13-17 years old. This six week program was delivered with a concurrent grief
support group for parents/guardians. The program was well-received and follow-up
was provided to participating families.
A Kids Grieve Too group will be offered in October and November 2015. Initial
recruitment efforts have garnered several registrations and expressions of interest.
Three volunteer facilitators and one staff facilitator provide consistency and continuity
for the program.
Potential participants receive home visits prior to being registered in the program. We
continue to provide age appropriate information packages regarding grief to families,
school counselors and other service providers.
Testimonials from the Kids/Teens Grieve Too Program
Youth: “Nice people, did not judge me, always had answers to my questions”
“Thanks for taking the time to do this group”
“Just to know that people understand what I am going through”
Adults: “Found it helpful to share my experience and hear those of others. I gained
some valuable insights from attending the group.”
“I am going to miss coming here so much. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”
10
Programs and Services Continued
Memory Tree
The holiday season is traditionally a time of joy for most. But for people who are
grieving a loss, it can inspire feelings of sadness, loneliness and social isolation. Many
grieving people feel out of step with the world around them which is busily preparing
for a joyous holiday season. The Memory Tree provides a tangible way for people to
acknowledge and remember their loss. An individual can write a personal message on
a beautiful card and hang it on the Memory Tree, prominently displayed at St. Vital
Centre in Winnipeg. This simple gesture was designed to help people pay tribute to
lost loved ones, thereby bringing some measure of comfort to them at a time of year
when personal loss can be felt very strongly. Many families attend the tree together,
and it is evident that many consider this an annual tradition that they are grateful for.
2014 marked the 22nd year of the Hospice Memory Tree project. Though not
originally intended as a fundraising venture, the Memory Tree volunteers welcomed
1774 visitors who placed close to1550 cards on the tree and donated $8,485 to
Palliative Manitoba.
Special thanks to the following:
 Guest speaker Glen Horst who worked for 22 years as a spiritual care provider and
educator in a long-term care centre with a large palliative care program.
 College Jean Sauvé Senior Choir under the direction of Mme. Simone Gendron for
their beautiful music at the launch.
 Manitoba Hydro Team for the tree set-up and take-down.
 St. Vital Centre for their kind co-operation and space for our tree.
 200+ volunteers who so generously gave 745 volunteer hours of their time.
 The United Way of Winnipeg who support us through their Day of Caring Program.
 Desjardins Funeral Chapel who graciously donate the cards for the tree each year.
11
Education
Compassionate Care Course for Volunteers & Community
Our Compassionate Care Course is designed for all individuals preparing to support
others who are living with a life-limiting illness and their families and those
experiencing a loss, in either the community or institutional settings such as hospital or
hospices. The course is used as Palliative Manitoba’s training course for volunteers,
and is also open to the public for personal interest. This 23-hour, interactive course
offers opportunities for participants to reflect on their own attitudes and experiences
around death and bereavement, while nurturing personal qualities and skills, such as
empathetic listening and communication. This course is offered twice yearly.
From April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, the course was offered twice to a total of 34
registered participants. 17 of those participants are now Palliative Manitoba
volunteers.
The remainder of the participants in our courses consisted of members of the health
care community, spiritual care or pastoral care workers, volunteers from other
organizations and informal caregivers from the community. The course is also open to
existing volunteers wishing a refresher in any or all areas.
Quote from student in Spring 2014 Compassionate Care Program
“The lessons learned throughout this course will remain with me and comfort me as I
comfort others for many years to come. I can be glad that the strength to come
remained strong throughout the weeks of the program and know that I have benefited
greatly from the teachings of the speakers and others in the group who shared their
stories each week. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow in faith and
knowledge”.
12
Education Continued
Continuing Education Workshops for Volunteers & Community
As part of our commitment to continuing education of our volunteers, Palliative
Manitoba provides volunteer workshops. On February 25, 2015 a workshop
presentation by Brenda Hearson and Tamara Wells on Advance Care Planning was
held at Deer Lodge Centre. A total of 28 people attended the workshop.
Displays and Presentations
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

Presentation by Ian Scott to Red River Nursing Students on rotation three times
during September and October 2014
Display at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in October 2014
Presentation by Ian Scott and Kelly Kluger at Palliative Care rounds in Nov. 2014
Attended Field Information Day for University of Manitoba Social Work students
Palliative Manitoba staff presented information to:
 employees at the Workers Compensation Board
 the Grace Hospital Foundation Auxiliary
 CN retirees
 New Flyer Industries
 Investors Group as part of a lunchtime education opportunity for employees
Ian Scott met with the members of the St. James 55 + Centre
Direct Service Providers: (Health Care Aide) Course
Two Palliative Care Health Care Aide Courses were delivered in collaboration with
WRHA to direct service providers. This course teaches the essentials of palliative care
and how to care for clients and their families during this difficult time in life. The fall
2014 course had 16 students in attendance and the Spring 2015 course had
13 students in attendance
Palliative Manitoba Newsletter
Our newsletter keeps us in touch with members, donors, volunteers and other
interested stakeholders. The newsletter is emailed monthly as an “e-bulletin” ten
times a year. We combine event information, issues of interest to Volunteers and
articles from our various regional health authorities, as well as photos of recent events.
If you don’t currently receive our newsletter and would like to, please contact the office
to request a copy!
Resource Centre
The Palliative Manitoba library is located at our office in Deer Lodge Centre
(215 Duffield St., Winnipeg) and is open during office hours. Holdings are available to
those not able to visit the library. Palliative Manitoba will pay the delivery costs and
expect the borrower to return materials by mail at their own cost. Staff are available to
suggest materials that may be available in the user’s local library or through interlibrary loans. Library books are chosen each week and taken to the Compassionate
Care Course sessions for students to borrow as well.
13
Education Continued
23rd Annual Provincial Conference
Palliative Manitoba welcomed 345 participants to its 23nd Annual Provincial Conference
“Crucial Conversations in Palliative Care and at end of life” held September 18 –
19, 2014 at the Victoria Inn and Convention Centre in Winnipeg.
Delegates chose from 26 concurrent sessions offered over the 2-day event.
Keynote speakers were:
Joel Carter, MD, BPE “The Search for Sacred Symbols & Stories of Healing”
Jim Cribb “Death by Joy: An Escorted Journey”
Kathleen Foley, MD “Providing Palliative Care in Resource-limited Settings”
Fred Nelson, MSW, RSW “Reflections of a Palliative Care Fossil”
The Public Event was a presentation by Joel Carter.
A Conference Art Show “Crucial Balance: The Art of Non-Verbal Communication”
resulted in many positive comments. Images from those affected by palliative care
accompanied by descriptions of how the work came into being were displayed in a
curated space, along with essays related to end of life and bereavement. The Art
Show was curated by a qualified volunteer.
Balance is Crucial
…..The balance of life and death, self and other, sound and silence
Facing Death…..Grieving…..Dealing with Darkness…..Seeking Hope
14
Palliative Manitoba Volunteers Receive
Premier’s Volunteer Service Award
On April 14, 2015 at the Annual Volunteers Awards dinner, Palliative Manitoba was
honoured to have their Volunteers receive the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award in
the Community category. The group that was nominated was the Volunteer Visiting
and Bereavement Volunteer team. These are volunteers who spend time as a
supportive presence with individuals in the community who are dealing with a life
threatening illness, and often on Palliative Care at home. Volunteers also support
individuals at the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit. They additionally
provide support over the telephone for people in the community who are grieving. All
one hundred members of the support team were acknowledged at the dinner. Helen
McKenzie and Ken Woods accepted on behalf of the group.
It was a wonderful acknowledgement of the valuable work that Palliative Manitoba
volunteers do in our city and we are so very proud to be able to work with them every
day!
Congratulations and thank you to everyone!
15
A Compassionate Care Opportunity
— By Diane Kristjansson
Every so often, opportunity will knock. For me, that knock arrived in the form of a
chance conversation with a friend and Jocelyn House volunteer who was taking
Palliative Manitoba’s Compassionate Care Course. Newly retired and searching for
something worthwhile to do with my time, I found myself drawn to what my friend was
learning. Her willingness to share her experience led me to Jocelyn House and to
registering for the same eight-week course that had so influenced her thinking about
palliative/hospice care and dying well.
The course began on March 4th when approximately 15 of us arrived at the Riverview
Health Centre for our first class. Some of us were retired, while others were still
working full-time. Adding to the dynamics of our group was a lone university student.
Course coordinator, Kelly Kluger, had arranged the room to ensure that our
participation opportunities were optimized. She added even more to our learning
environment by providing coffee, snacks, and a small lending library of resources
related to course topics.
Session one was led by Pam Bolton, a Palliative Manitoba volunteer who introduced
us to palliative and compassionate care in Manitoba. Active compassionate care, she
explained, is concerned with whole person care: physical, emotional, social and
spiritual. “It is about quality living in limited time and affirms living and dying as the
natural flow of life.” She clarified the role of the palliative and hospice volunteer and
the qualities needed to volunteer in an environment where people face life-threatening
illness every single day. It was an excellent beginning and gave us the foundation
that the rest of the course would be built on.
In the weeks that followed, we were introduced to an array of topics that added to our
understanding of palliative care and for many led to those ‘aha’ moments that signal
important learning taking place. During Social Worker, Dawn Chaitram’s session, for
example, on Cross-Cultural Considerations in Palliative Care, I was reminded that what
we believe about death and dying is culturally-based. Canada is indeed a multicultural
country and palliative care should be based on what the client and his or her family
want and need rather than on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Brenda Hearson’s session on Enhancing Quality of Life and
End of Life Ethical Issues continues to give me much to think about and discuss with
friends and family – particularly the topics of transitioning from life, and the
practicalities of advance care planning. Loss, Grief and Bereavement was covered
thoroughly and insightfully by Celebrant Speaker and RRC instructor Lee Barringer, as
was Spiritual Care of the Dying and Their Families with Larry Hirst, a certified pastoral
care specialist.
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A Compassionate Care Opportunity - By Diane Kristjansson
When during the eighth and final week of the course, Kelly asked each of us to recount
the sessions and lessons that stood out for us, we agreed unanimously that every
session had been filled with valuable content delivered by truly compassionate people.
When thinking back to the questions and concerns I had when beginning the course,
though, two sessions in particular stand out in my mind: Communication in Palliative
Care with Leslie Udell and Palliative Care from a Doctor’s Perspective, facilitated by
Dr. Mike Harlos, Medical Director, WRHA Palliative Care Program.
Through Leslie Udell, who is a program coordinator with Winnserv, I learned the
importance of silence in conversation. Allowing silence, or gaps in conversation, may
provide a client with an opportunity to broach a topic that he or she wants or needs to
talk about as end of life nears. A visit with a Jocelyn House resident the day after that
class presented an opportunity for me to apply what I had learned. During the visit, our
conversation experienced a lull. Rather than jump on to another topic or ask another
question, I waited. I remember how difficult it was to simply sit and be silent. Sure
enough, in short order, my companion started us on a new line of discussion – one that
was important and meaningful to her. I remain grateful to Ms. Udell for her counsel on
silence.
Dr. Harlos’s question and answer session profoundly impacted me giving me a deeper
understanding of what happens when a body begins to shut down and eventually die.
Having been at the bedside of three family members as they died, I found his gentle
sense of humour and honest answers to our questions powerful and comforting,
especially when I understood that my own family members had died peacefully and
well.
Palliative Manitoba’s course in
Compassionate Care gave me a rare
opportunity to learn in the company of
like-minded individuals about
palliative/hospice care and dying well.
What I learned has empowered me to prepare well for my own death (far into the future, knock on wood) but most importantly,
to be a more compassionate caregiver to
those in need today.
Should opportunity knock at your door at
some point in the future, I strongly
encourage you to answer the call. You may
find yourself embarking on a surprising,
challenging, rewarding new road with the
potential to change how you view life and
death.
17
Sharon Carstairs Caring Community Award
The Honourable Sharon Carstairs’ promotion of access to quality palliative care for all
Canadians has had ripple effects around the world. Her extraordinary record of
achievement demonstrates how the vision and dedication of one individual can lead to
dramatic and meaningful change both at home and globally. It is our privilege to
recognize her outstanding contributions to palliative care with The Sharon Carstairs
Caring Community Award.
Palliative Manitoba is pleased to be able recognize Sharon’s legacy by celebrating and
investing in the tireless work being done locally to translate that foundational work into
quality care for all Manitobans.
The third annual Sharon Carstairs Caring Communities Award was awarded to Camp
Bridges at the Hospice Palliative Provincial Conference on September 19, 2014. As
an award winner Camp Bridges received a cheque for $1,000 and a framed certificate.
The first Camp Bridges was held in 2006 with 48 campers in attendance. A camp has
been held annually since that time with between 35-50 campers in attendance each
year. Campers may apply from anywhere in Manitoba.
Camp Bridges is a special weekend camp for children between the ages of 7 and 17
years old who have experiences a recent death of someone significant in their lives.
The camp is meant to provide a safe, supportive and fun environment where grieving
children and teens learn that they are not alone in their grief and feel free to share their
thoughts and feelings with peers who have also experienced the death of someone
they loved. The camp offers opportunities for participants to enjoy typical camp
activities such as archery, camp fires, canoeing, horseback riding or wall climbing as
well as memorial activities to remember the person who died. The camp activities are
designed to help the campers share grief, honour memories, and have some fun, too.
The slogan adopted by the Camp Bridges Committee is
“Love Builds Bridges Where There are None”.
Representatives from
the Camp Bridges
Committee
Accepting their Award
18
Fundraising Events
Celebrate Life Fundraising Luncheon 2014
A guiding principle of the hospice philosophy is that it is the quality of one’s life, not the
quantity, that matters most.
On April 11, 2014 more than 350 people celebrated the 19th Annual Celebrate Life
Luncheon at the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Palliative Manitoba was pleased to welcome Doug Finkbeiner, Partner, Taylor
McCaffrey, LLP as guest speaker.
Doug shared his family’s personal story of love, faith, inner strength and lasting
memories of his son, Michael who passed away on February 28, 2013 at the age of 34
years.
Luncheon Sponsors
Bayshore Home Health
Manitoba Hydro
True North Sports and Entertainment
Media Sponsor
The Winnipeg Free Press
Doug Finkbeiner
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Fundraising Events—continued
Poinsettias for the Holidays 2014
The first two weeks of December 2014 once again
saw a hive of activity with the Poinsettias for the
Holidays 2014 project. Our dedicated volunteers
gave of their time to package and deliver 900
poinsettia plants in various colours and sizes
to individuals, personal care homes and businesses
in Winnipeg.
A special thank you to Ron Paul Garden Centre and
the many dedicated volunteers that come back each year and not to forget the many
people and corporations that purchased poinsettias.
Pub Night
The warm weather outside matched the warm atmosphere inside as Palliative
Manitoba supporters and friends had a fun time at our seventh annual Pub Night at
the Norwood Hotel on January 22, 2015. As always, special thanks are due to the
Norwood Hotel for sponsoring this great event.
A special thank you to Travis Barrie for his lively entertainment.
A special thank you to all who helped organize this event and to the capacity crowd
that attended.
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Fundraising Events—continued
Hike for Hospice
On Sunday, May 4, 2014 hikers turned out in full force to participate in the 12th
annual Hike for Hospice at Shaw Park, home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Our many
supporters registered for the Hike and brought in pledges.
A special thank you to the Winnipeg Goldeyes who have supported Palliative Manitoba
since the beginning of the Hike for Hospice.
Bayshore Home Health has been a national sponsor for the Hike for Hospice since it
began and we would like to thank our local Bayshore Home Health office here in
Winnipeg who came out to support Palliative Manitoba.
Jocelyn House Team
Avis Gray, Betty Stire,
Judy Knight
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Financial Supporters over $500
Aikins MacAulay & Thorvaldson LLP
All Charities Campaign
All Seniors Care Living Centres
Art Metz
Bayshore Home Health
Bee Clean
Black & McDonald Limited
Brennan, Robert
Campbell, Donald
Canadian Virtual Hospice
CancerCare Manitoba
CCMB Pain & Symptom Group
Carstairs, Sharon
CD Whyte Ridge Pharmacy
Centre Venture
Centreplate, Inc.
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
Charleswood United Church
Cropo Funeral Chapel
Crosier, Kilgour & Partners Inc.
D’Arcy & Deacon LLP
Drake Medox Health Service
Estate of William Harry Moore
Fast Family Foundation
Finkbeiner, Doug
Friends Funeral Chapel
Glen Lawn Funeral Home
Holy Family Nursing Home
Home Instead Senior Care
Investors Group
Investors Group, Les Wiens
J. Gingerich Medical Corporation
Johnston Waste Management
Levin, Daniel and Bonia, Lilian
Lions Club of East. St. Paul
Lions Housing Centres
Lowther, Marj
M & L General Contracting Ltd.
MacIver, Kathleen
Mahon, Ann & Paul
Main, Barbara
Manitoba Community Services
Council
Manitoba Health
Manitoba Hydro
Manitoba Nurses’ Union
Manitoba Public Insurance
Corporation
MTS Allstream
Norwood Hotel
Otis Canada Inc.
PCL Constructor Canada, Inc
Plett, Frank
Purdue Pharma
RANA Respiratory Care Group
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre
Revera Health Services
Riverview Health Centre
Riverwood Square
Ron Paul Garden Centre
Siemens Canada Ltd.
St. Boniface General Hospital
St. John Brebeuf CWL
Sullivan, Dr. Dan
Tache Pharmacy
Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Teshmont Consultants LP
The Jewish Foundation of
Manitoba
The Order of St. Lazarus
The Paterson Foundation
The Thomas Sill Foundation
The Winnipeg Foundation
True North Sports & Entertainment
Twerdun, Shirley
United Way of Winnipeg
Wawanesa Mutual Insurance
Company
We Care
Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Goldeyes
Winnipeg Regional Health
Authority
Yuill, Bev
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Board of Directors
April 2014—March 2015
Current Staff
Don Campbell [President]
Val Paulley [Vice President]
Robert Brennan [Treasurer]
Lee Barringer [ Director]
Shelly Cory [ Director]
Kim Grant [ Director]
Avis Gray [ Director]
Wab Kinew[ Director]
Marj Lowther [ Director]
Melanie MacKinnon [ Director]
Jane VanDam [ Director]
Cornie Woelk [ Director]
Executive Director
Judy Knight
Conference /Bereavement Services Coordinator
Jackie Bouvier-Edmonds
Program Services Coordinator
Ian Scott
Program Services Coordinator
Mike Goldberg
Manager, Volunteer and Program Services
Kelly Kluger
Office Administrative Coordinator
Judy Dack
Development/Communications Coordinator
Joan Lawless
Finance Coordinator
Murray Botterill
he role of the BOARD is to set the overall direction for Palliative Manitoba as we work
towards making our vision a reality. The role of the Executive Director is to be sure
that the goals and strategic plan set by the board becomes a reality. The staff, working
with many volunteers who are the foundation of Palliative Manitoba, are given the
task of putting the plans into action. Volunteers play a role in all aspects of our
organization.
It is in Giving that we Receive: Legacies and Individual Gifts
The Board of Directors gratefully acknowledges all gifts received and we extend our
sincere appreciation to the many kind individuals who have supported Palliative
Manitoba so generously over the past year. We thank all of you and look forward
to your
continued support. You have the opportunity to leave a legacy, along with the good
feeling of knowing you have made a difference in the lives that follow yours. We
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Board Committees
Fundraising Committee
Conference Program Committee
Chair:
Les Wiens
Members: Bob Brennan
Don Campbell
Marj Lowther
Judy Knight, ED
Joan Lawless, Staff
Chair:
Cornelius Woelk
Members:Brenda Arndt
Pam Bolton
John B. Bond
Garnet Crawford
Scott Groen
Brenda Hearson
Kali Leary
Evelyn Leferink
Janice Nesbitt
Val Paulley
Simone Stenekes
Judy Knight, ED
Celebrate Life Luncheon
Committee
Chair:
Germaine Malabre
Members:Janice Dryden
Susan Hendricks
Sherry Heppner
Marj Lowther
Roberta Popoff
Joan Lawless, Staff
Sharon Carstairs Caring
Community Award
Chair:
Shelly Cory
Members:Catherine Carstairs
Raymond Currie
Brenda Hearson
Sylvie LaLande
Merle Teetaert
Lesley Thomson
Deborah Thorlakson
Joan Lawless, Staff
Conference Steering Committee
Co-Chair: Brenda Hearson
Co-Chair: Janice Nesbitt
Members:Pam Bolton
Matthew Bzura
Katherine Cullihall
Lori Embleton
Mabel Horton
Kali Leary
Karen Toole
Cornie Woelk
Marney Vermette
Judy Knight , ED
Joan Lawless, Staff
Kelly Kluger, Staff
Sharon Carstairs
24
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Palliative Manitoba
2109 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3
Telephone: (204) 889-8525
Toll Free: 1-800-539-0295
Web Site: www.palliativemanitoba.ca