Toldo family donates $300,000 to Hospice

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County has seen significantly increased demand during the COVID pandemic — though now it has a lifeline of support.

The Toldo family and their foundation have given $300,000 to the Hospice in its time of need, the organization announced this week, continuing a long tradition of financially helping those requiring palliative care in Windsor-essex.

The Toldo family previously helped Hospice become the first Hospice Village in North America, as well as championed the creation of the Hospice for Life Foundation with an inaugural $1 million donation.

Anthony G. Toldo, a trustee of the foundation, hopes the most recent contribution will support the demand for hospice care during the pandemic's second wave.

“The agility of Hospice to navigate through this crisis by not only sustaining their level of care but to also increase capacity to deal with the surge of in home requests is exemplary,” Toldo said in a news release. “It is our hope that this contribution will help Hospice support demand as we face the second wave of the virus.”

PRE-COVID-19, around 160 patients were receiving end-of-life care at the hospice's residential homes and through its palliative medicine program.

Darren Cargill, the hospice's medical director, said the team is now taking care of as many as 240 patients. At a time of medical facility outbreaks and visitor restrictions, the team is supporting patients and their loved ones by also allowing individuals to stay in their own homes to receive care.

While the need for hospice care has risen, less than 50 per cent is government funded.

“For over 40 years this community has sustained our Hospice operations through their generosity,” says Colleen Reaume, executive director of The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County.

“I am left humbled and inspired by this donation ...”