Outgoing Board Chair Arnold Scheerder spoke of how the generosity of so many people in the area is a major reason for Hospice’s ability to say “Yes,” rather than “We wish we could.” Tinkess Photo

CHESTERVILLE – You could not have asked for a more beautiful evening that what presented itself on Saturday. Not that supporters of Dundas County Hospice needed any additional encouragement to turn a Saturday in June into a special event; it was after all, the date of Hospice’s Dine and Dance Fundraiser.

The event took place at the Chesterville Legion, a venue that has hosted countless community gatherings over the years. Decorated for the occasion, it provided the perfect setting for guests to mingle, enjoy refreshments, and share in an evening of fundraising and entertainment. Attendees were treated to an excellent meal catered by The Leatherworks, followed by speeches, a silent auction, and a live auction. The festivities continued late into the evening when popular local band Ambush took to the stage.

Dundas County Hospice is one of those organizations many people hope they will never need, but once they have encountered its services, they are unlikely to forget the support it provides.

While it may not be a hospice in the way many people traditionally think of one, the organization offers care, understanding, and practical assistance to individuals and families throughout the community. Its services include help with advance care planning, respite support for family caregivers, medical equipment loans such as wheelchairs, and grief and bereavement support for those coping with the loss of a loved one.

The work may not be magic, but for those who receive it, it can feel close. It is carried out by dedicated staff and volunteers who bring compassion, experience, and understanding to those they serve — often because they have walked a similar path themselves.

One of these was Liz Taylor, who spoke of the loss of her husband Brian Taylor, who passed away on Aug. 3, 2020, and how she struggled with her loss, and how with the help of the people at hospice she learned how to process her grief to the point where she now, as a volunteer helps others. “Let’s remember, Hospice is not just for the dying, Hospice is for the living. And I am the living,” concluded Taylor.

Jen Pretty, the program/volunteer coordinator spoke of the recent loss of long-time volunteer Duane Holmes, who passed away just two days earlier. She spoke of his extensive involvement as a volunteer for many organizations in the area and asked that everyone raise a glass in his honour. “Hopefully we’ll make this last fundraising event that he was involved in a success,” said Pretty.

Arnold Scheerder is the outgoing Board Chair (Vice-Chair Cindy Morgan will move into the role). “Today’s world is made up of three categories, or three sets or kinds of people,” said Scheerder, there are those that make things happen, there are those that watch things happen, and there are those that wonder what happened. But it is clear to me, you belong in the category of those that make things happen, and for that we’re truly grateful. Thanks very much, and I hope you have an enjoyable evening.”

Several other dignitaries and community leaders also offered remarks during the evening, including MP Eric Duncan, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser, Executive Director Steve Walsh, and incoming Board Chair Cindy Morgan. Each expressed appreciation for the work of Dundas County Hospice and the generosity of the community members whose support makes that work possible.

If the measure of a successful fundraiser is the enthusiasm and goodwill shared by both those giving and those benefiting, then Saturday night’s event was an overwhelming success. Beyond the funds raised, the evening served as a powerful reminder of the compassion, generosity, and community spirit that continue to define Dundas County.