Hospice gets funds to keep ‘doors open and lights on’

Local charity In Honour of the Ones We Love has donated $25,000 to the Hospice of Windsor & Essex County’s COVID Response Fund to help it through a difficult spell.

The money was raised at a gala before the novel coronavirus put a stop to such large public gatherings.

“We were very fortunate that we were able to give back with the reserve we had from that event back in February,” said Anita Imperioli, founder of In Honour of the Ones We Love.

“It was good timing.”

The local hospice was started in 1979 and runs a palliative care community. Less than half its funding comes from government sources, meaning donations are essential for the hospice’s continued operations.

Cancelling memorials and events due to physical distancing restrictions have hampered the organization’s ability to fundraise, said Katharen Bortolin, hospice director of community engagement.

“Donations like this literally helps keep our doors open, our lights on and helps us take care of our patients and our community,” she said.

Since In Honour of the Ones We Love started in 1997, the charity has donated more than $300,000 to the hospice.

“Anita has been a strong supporter of the hospice and a champion of our community,” said Bortolin.

“It was completely her offer and she was incredibly kind in making it.”

Imperioli said it’s going to be a challenge continuing to fundraise during the pandemic, but believes in the generosity of her community.

“It’s important we continue getting our support in our community with donations,” said Imperioli.