MBC News file photo
Years of fundraising, planning and community support reached a major milestone Wednesday as shovels officially went into the ground for Williamson House in Jarvis.
Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice held its groundbreaking ceremony yesterday (September 23) at the future home of the 10-bedroom hospice palliative care centre on Nanticoke Creek Parkway. The Williamson family donated 10 acres of their family farm for the project.
Master of ceremonies Lisa Nye called it a historic day for the community.
The project began with a vision in 2019 to give people with life-limiting illnesses and their families access to dedicated hospice care closer to home.
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady said the road to groundbreaking was not always easy.
Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley thanked the donors, volunteers, staff and community partners who helped move the project forward.
Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin said the hospice will belong to both Haldimand and Norfolk, regardless of where it is being built.
Founding member and spiritual and bereavement care provider Maureen Russell closed the ceremony with a blessing for Williamson House.
“May generations yet to come look upon this place and know that a community came together with generous hearts to build something extraordinary. And may every individual who enters onto this land feel surrounded by peace, by comfort, and by love.”
Once complete, Williamson House will provide compassionate end-of-life care while also supporting families through some of their most difficult days.
Written by Jeremy Hall