Elk Valley & Area Hospice began with the passion of a group of local Elk Valley women in 2002, Carol Rollick, Carol Holder, Pat Moore, Sherry Sopko, Jackie Geddes with the assistance of Bonnie Inglis. They knew patients, friends, and neighbours who were experiencing great pain and who wanted to be at home with loved ones as they neared the end of their lives, but were isolated in unfamiliar surroundings. The challenge of bringing such a concept to a small community must have seemed particularly daunting, but the women’s passionate desire to help inspired them to persevere. After learning about the movement from Victoria Hospice the organization grew, as the pioneers were able to educate a team of volunteers, the community, and spread positive information regarding the benefits of hospice care.
Since then, Elk Valley & Area Hospice has grown to a group of approximately 30 dedicated volunteers who provide end-of-life and bereavement companionship, community education & help out at the Elk Valley Hospital kiosk and with community events. Funds have been raised, vital resources added, and a staff member was hired. A dedicated hospice room was equipped and created at the Elk Valley Hospital and many patients and their families were able to receive the compassionate, quality care they deserved – care provided by dedicated trained volunteers, working closely with the professional hospital staff.
