MEDIA RELEASE
March 28, 2023 – St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia Lambton is pleased to announce that The Lockwood Foundation has donated a gift of $247,000 towards Capital Project Upgrades. This donation will help enable Hospice to continue to provide exceptional and compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement services to the Sarnia Lambton Community.
Since the establishment of our 10-bed Residence in 2009, it has been challenging to make upgrades and improvements as the years passed. Each year, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care only provides partial funding to cover the cost of our Nursing and PSW staff, meaning the remaining 57% of our operating budget that is $2 million must be fundraised each year to keep our doors open. Funding to cover capital costs has been on hold, as each year raising over half of our operating budget has been a priority. This generous gift from The Lockwood Foundation will be substantial in allowing us to make necessary upgrades to our Hospice Residence, which otherwise might not have been possible without these much-needed funds.
This donation will allow us to make much needed renovations and upgrades to our Hospice Residence and organization to continue to provide the best end-of-life care to our community in our unique home-like setting.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, residents, and clients in our community, I want to thank The Lockwood Foundation for their generous donation. This major gift will go a long way to help St. Joseph’s Hospice as we must raise approximately $167,000 each month to keep our doors open which is the prioritized need in order to continue serving our community. Their support will allow us to continue to provide a home-like atmosphere, where we can continue to provide excellent care, for our residents and their family members,” said Larry Lafranier, Executive Director, St. Joseph’s Hospice.
A spokes person speaking on behalf of The Lockwood Foundation stated, “St. Joseph’s Hospice provides the Sarnia Lambton area with much needed end of life services and as such, this non-profit must be supported and sustained. We at Lockwood are honoured and delighted to continue our support of this community valued organization.”
“We are yet again truly grateful to The Lockwood Foundation for their continued generosity and support to St. Joseph’s Hospice. The Lockwood Foundation has supported Hospice since 2008 and was very supportive in our time of need during the COVID-19 pandemic. This gift will have a tremendous impact on our ability to continue to serve the Sarnia Lambton community. It is an honour to work in partnership with The Lockwood Foundation,” say Maria Muscedere, Director of Fund Development & Community Relations, St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Special Notes:
No photo will be taken at this time, as The Lockwood Foundation spokesperson would like to remain anonymous.
Contact Person(s):
Maria Muscedere
Director of Fund Development & Community Relations
St. Joseph’s Hospice
475 Christina Street N.
Sarnia, ON N7T 5W3
Phone: 519-337-0537
mmuscedere@sjhospice.ca
Larry Lafranier
Executive Director
St. Joseph’s Hospice
475 Christina Street N.
Sarnia, ON N7T 5W3
Phone: 519-337-0537
llafranier@sjhospice.ca
St. Joseph’s Hospice
St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia Lambton provides compassionate care to enhance quality and dignity of life for those living with a terminal illness and for those people who are affected by the anticipated or sudden death of a loved one. Over 2169 individuals have been supported by more than 240 Hospice volunteers and employees through programs and services including residence care, adult bereavement and caregiver support, children’s bereavement and illness support and complementary therapies since December 2009. All programs and services are free of charge.