Sudbury's Maison McCulloch Hospice is continuing its fundraising campaign for an important expansion of the facility.
Organizers say there is a clearly-shown need for added end of life care in the city and today saw another push in a multi-million dollar plan to add more room and more beds.
It's called the "Stand by Me” campaign. The fundraiser has been going on for one year and the focus is on expanding the current building.
Leo Therrien is the Executive Director of the Maison McCulloch Hospice.
"Since we opened 10 years ago, we are 93% occupied, so that's why we are expanding. We are adding 10 more beds. Some adult beds, some respite beds, so more space for family and children.” said Therrien.
The facility helps people in their final days of life.
Leo Lefebvre relied on the hospice when his mother passed away in 2009.
"She spent 34 days at the hospice and that's where got to know what the hospice was all about." said Lefebvre.
New construction and operations will require $11-million for the 15,000 square foot project. More than half that amount has been raised so far, with $3.4 million coming from community initiatives alone.
Gerry Lougheed Jr. is the "Stand by Me” campaign chair.
“There is no charge at the hospice. There is a great sharing and caring capacity of families, of friends and volunteers. It's a great investment to the community." said Lougheed.
Preliminary stages of site preparation began earlier this week, with things like tree removal and other land clearing.
Organizers say they expect fundraising goals to be met sooner than they had planned and that they hope the new addition will be up and running by spring of 2019.
