After the Chatham-Kent Hospice’s accreditation was announced late last year, the organization’s foundation has now received its own recognition through Imagine Canada.
The aim of the Imagine Canada standards program is to strengthen the practices of Canadian non-profits to help increase public confidence through transparency and accountability.
“It is important to us to illustrate our commitment to the community that we are responsible stewards of their generous donations,” said Barb McEwan, the foundation’s governance committee chair, in a release on Feb. 25.
“This accreditation process reviewed how we handle each donation to ensure we are accomplishing our mission and, ultimately, helping hospice families through end of life and the loss of a loved one.”
As well as demonstrating excellence in financial accountability, transparency and fundraising, the Imagine Canada trustmark also recognizes leadership in board governance, staff management and volunteer involvement, officials added.
“This stamp of approval reaffirms the hospice foundation’s commitment to achieving our goal of earning and keeping the community’s trust as outlined in our strategic plan,” said Jodi Maroney, foundation executive director.
“We exist to provide our donors with the opportunity to be the behind-the-scenes heroes to our residents and their families. All of the care provided at hospice would not be possible without our donors’ support.”
The hospice, located at 34 Wellington St. E. in Chatham, is a 10-bed residential facility that provides care at no cost for residents facing end-of-life situations. It also offers support and guidance for their loved ones.
The goal of the foundation is to work with the community to raise money and awareness to ensure compassionate, quality near end-of-life experiences for Chatham-Kent residents.
A total of $110,000 in donations is required each month to support operational needs at the facility.
Since opening its doors in the spring of 2016, the hospice has served more than 980 families.