Community support may keep HopeSpring open

KITCHENER — HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre has extended its programming to the end of March, and it may not shut down thanks to an outpouring of support from the community.

“It really has given us hope for HopeSpring,” said board chair Valerie Beyer.

HopeSpring announced in late January that programs and services would end on Feb. 28, and the centre would close entirely on March 31 due to increasing difficulty raising the funds needed to be sustainable in the absence of any government funding.

On Monday, it announced programming will continue through March 31.

“We’re still in the exploratory stage,” Beyer said. “We want to look what the next steps might be.”

An influx of support and concern expressed by Waterloo Region residents since the closure was made public prompted the board to explore opportunities to continue providing services. Board members met with community representatives last week, and more meetings are planned in the next few days.

“It’s very, very heartening,” Beyer said. “We’re hearing just how much the centre has meant to them.”

HopeSpring has provided free support to cancer patients, their families and caregivers for more than two decades. Its annual budget is about $600,000, with five full-time employees and 160 active volunteers.

An infusion of donations is needed, Beyer said.

To continue offering the same level of services in Kitchener and Cambridge, $400,000 is required for this fiscal year.

But commitments for four or five years more are also essential to carry HopeSpring beyond this “immediate crisis.”

“We welcome concrete offers of support, both financial and in kind,” Beyer said.

They’re also looking at a potential new home. The leased space on Andrew Street in Kitchener is gone at the end of March.

A trust has been set up for donations; if a way to keep HopeSpring open cannot be found, all donated money will be returned. People can contact the centre to make a donation.

“Every dollar does make a difference,” Beyer said.

Several people started GoFundMe accounts benefitting HopeSpring.

“We are very heartened by their show of support,” Beyer said.

People with an idea or offer can reach out to the board by calling 519-7424673 or emailing Beyer at boardchair@hopespring.ca.

“This has really ignited a fire and we really hope we have lots more sparks that give us that hope.”