Photo by Simon Fuller. Bob Girard, on the grounds of the Jocelyn House Hospice.

National Hospice Palliative Care Week promotes awareness, discussion

A key figure at a landmark Winnipeg hospice says it’s time to break through the taboos surrounding terminal illness and the end of life.

“We’re very comfortable talking about the beginning of life and family and love and the neo-natal aspect, but not so good talking about the end of life,” said Bob Girard, board chair of Jocelyn House, whose mother-in-law, Jennie, died at home “peacefully, relatively pain-free and surrounded by loved ones” last year.

“I’ve seen lots of people squirming in their chairs when this becomes the topic of conversation.”

Girard, a Whyte Ridge resident, said the whole idea of hospice is about accepting the end of life as an inevitability, and making life as comfortable as possible until that time comes.

To view the full article by Simon Fuller click here to visit The Lance website

If you would like a copy mailed to you please contact us at 204-253-5898 or by e-mail to inquiries@jocelynhouse.ca.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Supper on Sunday, and supported us in other ways. The event was our best attended yet with over 150 guests.Visit our gallery page for photos from the event courtesy of Perfect Day Photo Works.

I had lived in my own home for the last 20 years of my life and so didn’t want to move out until I absolutely had to. I’ve always been very independent and didn’t want to have to be taken care of in some retirement home, where I would be surrounded by a lot of old people who looked out the window all day without anything to say.

After a few stays at the hospital, returning home each time, it became apparent to me that I needed something more. I was offered a place in Jocelyn House and after talking it over with my family, went for a tour. After a few days to digest what I had seen and the people that I had met, I decided that . . . yes, I would try it!

A week later, I joined the family that other’s call Jocelyn House.

Click here for Norma’s full letter

Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press Meghan Hillyard and her fiance Matthew Taylor volunteer at Jocelyn House, helping those whose lives are nearing the end.

Couple volunteers at city hospice

By: Carolyn Shimmin-Bazak

For the Full article click here to visit the Winnipeg Free Press on-line.

Norma Brown

Congratulations to Norma Brown who won $1,095.00 from the World Hospice Day 50/50 draw. The winning ticket was #1588! The other half of the money will go to the care of our residents, thanks to everyone who bought a ticket and supported Jocelyn House Hospice!

Thank you to everyone who came down to join us on at our World Hospice Day events!

The winner of our Kids games were Alex for the Build-A-Bear, Vicky for the iPod shuffle and Rachelle for an extra draw of Boo at the Zoo tickets courtesy of FAB 94.

It was a busy week for the staff and volunteers at Jocelyn House Hospice and Jocelyn Hutton Foundation. We hope that we raised awareness of the importance of Hospice with our awareness campaign thanks to The Lance, Citytv, CTV &  Global Television’s Morning shows, CJOB & CBC radio for allowing us to speak about Hospice.

Thanks also to Real Cloutier from the WRHA, Sandy Johnson from Hospice Greater Saint John & our own Maureen Hancharyk for participating in our Speaker’s Panel, for those who missed it we are trying to get the on video our website.

Finally we ended the week with a bang at St. Vital Centre starting with our Voices for Hospice concert on Friday night thanks to the great talent from The Winnipeg Conservatory of Music and Canadian Event Production Services. Then FAB 94 spent the day with us raising awareness and money for Jocelyn House Hospice. Thanks to Host’s Kelly Parker & Steve Adams, along with FAB staff Holly Daumler, Amy Houston, Geri Knight & especially James Struthers who was with us from start to finish. We started at 9am with a dedicated group of Mall Walker’s and ended with our Raffle draw at 4:45pm. Thanks to all our volunteers as well who helped us all day selling raffle tickets, taking donations & answering questions, we couldn’t do any of it without you!

A special thanks to Eva Rempel, Audrey Hill, Gail Henderson-Brown, Carol Sakwi the family members of residents; Georgina Brown & Brian Thomas current residents at Jocelyn House Hospice; and William Hutton, Jocelyn’s father,  for sharing their stories and helping people understand why Jocelyn House Hospice truly makes a difference in the lives of people.

Click here to be re-directed to the segment on CTV Winnipeg