| Nelson & District Hospice Society serves Nelson, Kaslo & the East Shore |
One
evening a small group of concerned people gathered in a living
room, sipped tea, and talked about the need for hospice services. There
had been a recent death in the community and others were experiencing
grief over losses in their own lives. "Kitchen table meetings" are
a way that many organizations and societies have originated on the
East Shore. Nelson & District Hospice Society initiated services here in 1995 and we now operate as part of the organization. In
2003 we were able to hold a 10-week volunteer training course
here. During Christmas we have our annual "Tree
of Remembrance" at our local Credit Union and each May we organize the "Hike for Hospice". In addition, workshops are offered to the community
on end of life issues and awareness.
' ...I feel very fortunate to have been able
to take the Hospice volunteer training program. After ten
classes with an array of wonderful teachers, I have more and better
skills to help others deal with the complicated practical, social
and spiritual issues surrounding death..." S.H.
The demand for Hospice services on the East Shore continues to grow. Providing these services for families and their loved ones is a tremendously rich and rewarding experience. In the words of Ali George, one of our hospice volunteers: “I’ve been given the opportunity to learn more about this very profound part of our lives and to learn about the idea of companioning someone. Walking with them on this part of their journey rather than guiding them. I don’t have to fix this for them or make it better for them. I can just be with them on this part of their journey. “
When I asked Ali what she would say to other community members who might want to become involved with hospice she said she would definitely encourage them to volunteer. “This is an opportunity to get to know and to help someone on a deeper level. To companion someone through the final stage of their life is an honour. It shines a light on a part of life that is usually kept very much in the dark. Death is a part of life and if we don’t honour and provide for people who are going through it then we aren’t fully honouring life. Hospice gives people who are dying an opportunity to stay in their own communities and homes and to die among friends and family and the comforts of home. It allows family and friends to be actively involved in the care of their loved one and to be with them until the time of their death.”
East Shore Hospice is currently looking for volunteers. Training is mandatory for anyone interested in volunteering with one-on-one with clients. Please call the East Shore Hospice office at 250-227-9006 (ext. 29) for more information.
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