Family donates $2.5M to help others die with dignity
WATERLOO — It’s a noble cause, to help terminally ill people die with dignity, care and support. Donors are rallying to it.
More than $5 million has been pledged to help build a 10-bed hospice in Waterloo, even before a formal fundraising campaign begins.
The money has come from taxpayers, $2.6 million provided by governments, and from a family that’s seen illness and death.
“In our family we’ve been touched by cancer,” local home builder Bill Gies told the Waterloo Chronicle when asked about his family donating $2.5 million. “It’s just our way of trying to give back, and to make the last days for people a little more comfortable.”
To recognize the cornerstone donation, the hospice will be named The Gies Family Centre, Hospice of Waterloo Region.
Construction is to begin this summer on University Avenue in north Waterloo, across from RIM Park. Costs are estimated at more than $10 million. The facility is expected to open late in 2019.
It will include a 10-bed residence to serve 200 people and their families each year. There’s space for expanded community hospice programming and a palliative clinic.
Gies, the principal behind William J. Gies Construction Ltd., has helped develop Waterloo neighbourhoods for more than three decades. It surprised him to learn that Waterloo didn’t have a hospice, so he jumped on board. The Gies family donation was announced April 11.
Waterloo council donated $344,000 Monday to help cover city fees. The city will also provide an interest-free loan of up to $400,000 for pavement upgrades.
“I’m thrilled,” said Judy Nairn, executive director of the Hospice of Waterloo Region, which is selling its Kitchener headquarters to relocate to the new Waterloo building.
Waterloo regional government donated $250,000. The Ontario government donated $2 million.
“It’s going to create a beautiful place and space for people,” Waterloo Coun. Dianne Freeman said.
“I think this is something we can really get behind,” Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky said.