A spokesperson for the Yarmouth County Hospice Society says she’s pleased with how things are moving on a project at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital that will create a more welcoming space to support and care for palliative-care patients and their families.
A contractor for the project has been secured and work was expected to begin soon, Shirley Hubbard, the hospice society’s chair, said in a recent interview.
Plans for the project – which will enhance space in an area of the hospital’s fourth floor (4 North) – were officially announced in July.
“Our committee’s very happy with the way things are going,” Hubbard said. “People are coming on board and making calls to inquire about what’s going on. A few nurses that have retired have (offered) to come and do some volunteering, so it’s all coming together for us. We’re very happy about how it’s all working out.”
Fundraising efforts to support the project will be ongoing for the hospice society, said Hubbard, who is grateful to the Catch 22 Comedy Crew, a local group that is planning a show for later this month, an event that will benefit the hospice society.
Billed as Humor for Hospice, it will take place Friday, Nov. 29, at the Yarmouth Lions Club hall.
Wendy Siddall, a member of the comedy group and host for the upcoming show, said they are pleased to put on an evening of entertainment and support a good cause.
“We’ve been in the area spreading joy and merriment for three years,” she said, “and we’re happy to take this one on and put on a Christmas-theme dinner show with a lot of comedy and improv, so it should prove to be a nice evening.”
Said Hubbard, “My son John ... He’s in charge of the kitchen. He’ll be doing the turkey supper.”
The scheduled start time for the dinner and show is 6 p.m. and tickets are $30 per person. They are available at City Drug or from Hubbard or Siddall. The evening will include a silent auction.
“One of our members has put up a $500 door prize,” Hubbard said. The hospice society recently received a $25,000 donation “from a lovely couple here in town,” she said.
Fraser Mooney, a spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Health Authority, said it’s great to see so much interest and support.
“What Shirley is saying about some of the donations and contributions that are coming in and the involvement of groups like the Catch 22 Comedy Crew just show how much the community is engaged and interested in this project,” he said. “We’re really excited to have the hospice society involved and the community be a part of it.”
Humor for Hospice
• Fundraiser for Yarmouth County Hospice Society.
• Friday, Nov. 29, at Yarmouth Lions Club hall.
• Door and bar open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and show start at 6.
• There will be a silent auction.
