Dundas County Hospice Executive Director Steve Walsh accepts a cheque for $930 from Dana Konrad, the branch manager of the RBC branch in the Iroquois plaza, on behalf of the Iroquois and District Business Group (IDBG). The funds were raised during several events in the latter part of 2025. Tinkess Photo

IROQUOIS – The Dundas County Hospice provides a valuable service to an increasing number of clients, but they cannot rely solely on government funding to meet the need they are presented with. Every donation is essential, and on Wed., Feb. 25 they were the recipient of the proceeds from several fundraising efforts that took place in the Iroquois area in the latter part of 2025.

The presentation was made by Dana Konrad, the branch manager of the RBC branch in the Iroquois plaza, on behalf of the Iroquois and District Business Group (IDBG). The donation represented the proceeds from several fundraising event, such as the Memory Tree and Angel decorations, the Cookie Crawl, as well as a fundraiser held by the Iroquois branch of the SDG Library. All told, the donation was $930, and according to Dundas County Hospice Executive Director Steve Walsh, it was very much appreciated and well needed.

“We greatly appreciate any donation we receive,” said Walsh. “Approximately 50 per cent of our budget comes from the Ministry of Health funding. The remainder is the result of fundraising efforts such as this, grants, support from local service groups and other donations.

“We are very appreciative of any money that we receive.”

The Iroquois and District Business Group is a “Creative Minded Business People working to make their community a better place to live in.” They organize numerous events throughout the year, such as the Christmas Night Market, The Iroquois Apple Festival, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Breakfast with Santa and many, many more.

Dundas County Hospice, established in 1992, provides services at no charge to those in Dundas County with life-threatening illness. They are an accredited member of Hospice Palliative Care  Ontario and strive to give their clients and their families the practical and supportive help they need.

Some of the many services they offer are:

  • Volunteers who can visit the home at the client’s convenience for companionship, while also offering respite for the caregiver
  • Short and long-term loan of equipment such as electric lift chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, bath chairs, raised toilet seats, RoHo cushions
  • Palliative Day Program, a weekly program designed for clients to get together for a meal, social interaction and activities. Clients choose their level of participation depending on how they feel.

As demand continues to increase, so too does the need to fill the gap left by government funding. Efforts such as those by the Iroquois and District Business Group, help to narrow the gap just a bit.