Wednesday fundraiser aims to raise $100K for Sudbury's Maison McCulloch Hospice
After exceeding last year's goal by more than $100,000, Pure Country Radio, in partnership with Desjardins, is asking the community for help once again.
It’s the second annual Care-A-Thon, a six hour event taking place Wednesday. It’s aimed at raising the funds for Maison McCulloch Hospice to pay for annual operational costs.
“470 HUGS is the phone number that you can call, or you can go online, pre-pledge,” said Bryan Cooper with Country 91.7.
Gerry Lougheed Jr, chair of the Sudbury Hospice Foundation, said the money raised will go toward the facility's costs, except for healthcare.
“Our hospice is the gold standard I think for hospices, not just in Ontario but perhaps Canada and North America because of the staff that’s here and this staff is very dedicated and that 40 per cent makes sure that staff stays here,” Lougheed said.
This year's campaign has a starting goal of $100,000.
“I’ve been at this station for a little while now,” said Cooper. “I’ve seen the community come through in incredible ways and especially during the times where I’ve been a little bit nervous as to ‘man, how well is this going to do?’ And last year I was moved -- moved to almost tears -- of how incredibly generous people were.”
He said the event will include testimonials from families and friends who have been impacted by the hospice.
"Basically answering the question ‘why is the hospice so important to Sudbury?'" Copper said. "And why is it important to support the hospice?”
Officials at the hospice said the personal stories are bound to pull at people’s heartstrings.
“I’m thinking about my experience and I’m feeling the goosebumps of just, I got to see it,” said Maison McCulloch Hospice executive director Julie Aube.
“Hearing those testimonials will tug at the heartstrings of many, I trust, and for those in our community who have lost loved ones, you know, they will be able to feel that impact, as well.”
Officials said the government funds only 60 per cent of the annual costs to run the hospice, leaving the reaming 40 per cent up to the community.
“In Sudbury, that translates to approximately $1 million a year,” said Lougheed. “The money that’s going for that care-a-thon is going to keep those doors open. Those doors allow you to have your grandchildren sing songs and pet your family dog and be in an environment that is most home like.”
In the last 12 years, officials say about 1,800 people have spent their last days at the hospice. The care is completely free -- and that’s why community support is so essential.
“This is an amazing, supportive, caring, warm environment," said Aube. "It’s a shame to think that not everybody gets the opportunity to be able to die like this.”
“We can’t cure everybody, but we can definitely care for everybody and that’s what happens here,” Lougheed added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.