July 2026 Bethell Hospice Newsletter

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Bethell Hospice Newsletter July 2026 Visit our website: www.bethellhospice.orgJuly 2026

Visiting Guest - Michele KeelerHey everyone! Well, as Margaret was attempting to make her very well-deserved vacation escape late last week, I made the *super* rookie mistake of asking, “Is there anything I can help with?” And just like that, I was handed the newsletter greeting baton, received a friendly wave goodbye, and heard what may have been the faint sound of tires squealing out of the parking lot… so here I am. 😊 Summer has arrived at Bethell Hospice, and our beautiful gardens are showing off their summer glow. The AC is working overtime in a noble attempt to keep everyone comfortable, not too hot and not too cold, and Neil and Fred have the garage door open most days, making us long for a role like theirs… This is the season when we hope everyone is able to make space for some well deserved rest and renewal. Whether your summer includes time at the beach, quiet days at home, visits with family and friends, or simply a few slower moments in the midst of busy weeks, we hope it brings you what you need most. May you find time to pause, breathe, and enjoy the warmth of the season in whatever way feels restorative for you. Of course, while some of us are off adventuring, the wonderful rhythm of Bethell Hospice continues. Staff and volunteers continue to make Bethell Hospice feel calm, caring, and oh so welcoming to our residents, their families, and friends, even when the heat and humidity are doing tricks with Kat’s curly hair and our feisty, fat resident carpenter bees are busy greeting everyone at the front entrance with gusto. Summer also reminds us that care comes in many forms… a cool drink offered at just the right moment, a quiet conversation, a fresh bouquet from the garden, or the heroic act of changing out a toilet paper roll before it becomes a teamwide crisis. These small kindnesses are what make Bethell Hospice feel like Bethell Hospice. So, as we move through the sunny weeks ahead, thank you to everyone who keeps showing up with your compassion, your kindness, your patience, and your humour. Bethell Hospice is brighter because of all of you and is the reason it is such a very special place. Wishing you a summer full of laughter, safe travels, good naps, and at least a few very well-deserved days off. Over and out. MY guest speaker days have now come to an end. Grateful, Michele 😊

Foundation News Golf 4 Bethell Hospice This year’s Golf 4 Bethell Hospice is scheduled for September 16 at the famous TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Alton, ON. The Foundation has had an overwhelming response to this event, and we are pleased to announce that although registration is sold out, there are still several sponsorship opportunities available. ** If you would like to sponsor a hole, donate a silent auction item, or are interested in volunteering for the tournament, please reach out to Shirley at shorsley@bethellhospice.org Wednesday, September 16 , 2026th TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

Ontario Hospice Fund Developers Conference 2026 This year, Bethell Hospice Foundation proudly hosted the annual Ontario Hospice Fund Developers Conference. Over two days, more than 50 delegates from across the province came together to connect with colleagues who share a passion for advancing hospice care, exchange best practices, and create fresh fundraising ideas through collaboration and innovation. Our sincere thanks go to the organizing committee and to all the hospices that took part and contributed to such a valuable event. The conference concluded with a guided tour of Bethell Hospice and our beautiful gardens, a memorable experience for all! We’re already looking forward to next year’s conference in London!

Community Events The 4 Annual Christina Vincent Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place on August 8, at the Borden Golf Club. This tournament is hosted by OK Tire Simcoe County / Tire 89. This promises to be a great event with lots of games and prizes. $600/team or $150/golfer, that includes golf, cart, dinner, golf shirt & prizes. th To register or sponsor, email tire89inc@gmail.com. See you on the links! Christina Vincent Memorial Golf TournamentGlen Eagle Golf Club 7th Annual Friends of Bethell Hospice Golf Days Book a Glen Eagle golf tee time on July 6 or 7, and a portion of each prepaid green fee will directly support Bethell Hospice programs and services. Click HERE to book a tee time, or visit the Glen Eagle Golf site – www.gleneaglegolf.com We look forward to seeing you out on the course! For more details, please reach out to Shirley at – shorsley@bethellhospice.org

Saturday, August 22, 2026, is the date of the 7 Annual Dawna Hunt Memorial Softball Tournament held at the Palgrave Ball Diamonds on Mount Hope Rd. Organizers of this tournament are looking for businesses to sponsor the event ($100, and your logo will be placed on the event banner), and to provide raffle prizes. th Drop by to watch a game, enjoy a burger, or bid on the silent auction prizes. Proceeds for this tournament will support Bethell Hospice and help to keep the doors open for those in need. Please reach out to Shirley or Janine (phone numbers on flyer) for more details. Dawna Hunt Memorial Softball Tournament Diamond in the Hills Tickets Still Available! Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Diamond in the Hills Fashion Show! This event is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, 2026 at the stunning Arlington Estate in Kleinburg. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. This event sells out very quickly, so don’t delay! To sponsor this event, please reach out to Diamond in the Hills committee members - Janine at janine@jalholdings.ca, or Mollie at mollie.cavan@hotmail.com.

Thank You! We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community supporters during June. The Foundation received donations from Automotive Maintenance, Caledon Bottle Drive, Christ Church, George Sant & Sons, IODE Headwaters, Market Jewellery Collection, and St. Alban’s. Donations from these local community supporters help to keep the doors of Bethell Hospice open and all programs and services available for those in need. Want to help too? If you have an idea for a fundraiser contact Bethell Hospice Foundation Fundraising Office: 905-838-3534 or online at foundation.bethellhospice.org Volunteer Awards Congratulations to our volunteer, Karen Hamilton, for her recognition at the June 3rd Volunteer MBC Awards event. Karen was nominated for the Helping Hands Award in Caledon, recognizing volunteers who make an outstanding impact on their community. Karen’s compassion, kindness, and dedication shine through in every interaction and makes a meaningful difference to everyone she meets. Thank you for the incredible impact you make at Bethell Hospice, we are proud to celebrate you, Karen!

Congratulations to Bethell Volunteer, Lisa Speirs, recipient of the 2026 June Callwood Circle of Outstanding Volunteers Award on June 14th. This award was established to acknowledge and thank outstanding hospice volunteers throughout Ontario. Lisa has been a dedicated volunteer with Bethell for 12 years, coming in twice a week and jumping into any roles where help is needed, as well as doing Complementary Therapy. We are so grateful to have Lisa on our volunteer team, and happy to see her receive this distinguished award! Congratulations to Jennifer Malcolm, recipient of the 2026 Caledon Civic Awards for volunteer service within the community. This award recognizes Caledon residents whose efforts have significantly contributed in various categories, including social service. Jennifer has been volunteering with Bethell Hospice for 16 years, and has been a wonderful and dedicated reception volunteer. With Jennifer’s calm and welcoming nature, she greets in visitors with warmth and always brings out smiles. Thank you for all you do, Jennifer!

Congratulations to the Hills of Headwaters Collaborative OHT Palliative Care Working Group! The Palliative Care Working Group was selected as the award recipient of the 2026 Dr. David Scott Award at Headwaters Health Care Centre. This award was established over 25 years ago in honour of a local hero, former general surgeon, Dr. David Scott. The annual award recognizes individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond to improve the overall health and wellness of the Dufferin-Caledon community and promote links between the hospital and the community. The Palliative Care Working Group was recognized for outstanding leadership in advancing integrated, patient-centered care across the region. Through the implementation of a community-wide digital front door and central intake model, the group has successfully connected hospital and community services across Dufferin County, significantly improving access to palliative care, care quality, and coordination of resources. Guided by provincial palliative care and competency frameworks, the team have strengthened clinician support and enhanced collaboration across care settings. Their work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, partnership, and system-level improvement. Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding achievement! Community Recognition Dr. David Scott Award Ceremony

Summer BBQ Wrap Up Bethell’s annual summer BBQ took place on June 9th. With the threat of thunderstorms, we were able to carry on with the party at our back up indoor location! Thank you to all those who attended – it was wonderful to see so many of our team members connect!

Summer Reminders As the summer season continues, many of us start looking forward to spending some warm and sunny vacation time with family and friends! Just a quick reminder for volunteers to please ensure to give advance notice of any planned absences so this can be taken into account when making the schedule. An email to Elizabeth with your dates away would be much appreciated. On another note, as we enter sandal season, just a quick reminder to kitchen volunteers that closed-toe shoes are required during your shift. Thank you, and enjoy the sunny days ahead!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Corner The Town of Caledon hosted "Celebrating Pride with Drag" Thursday June 18th and Louise Sallese was able to attend to represent Bethell Hospice’s presence along with IDEA Caledon members. It was an opportunity for learning and dialogue. Drag has long been an important part of 2SLGBTQIA+ culture and history, offering a powerful form of self-expression that challenges traditional ideas about gender and identity. Through performance, storytelling, and artistry, this session helped to deepen understanding of gender diversity, highlight inclusive practices, and encourage thoughtful reflection on how we can all contribute to a more respectful and welcoming workplace. Celebrating Pride with Drag

High Tea Annual Stakeholder Meeting This year Annual Stakeholder Meeting will take place the evening on Wednesday September 9 . Stay tuned for more details to come in future emails! th Tuesday, July 15th, 20 2-00pm - 3:00pm

June - At a Glance

June Bethell Anniversaries Congratulations to the staff and volunteers who are celebrating anniversaries with Bethell for July & August: Stan Cameron – 13 years Barb Reynolds - 8 years Parminder Kaur - 8 years Margaret Paan - 7 years Brenda Cripps - 7 years Janet Vander Griendt – 5 years Jenny Ilanganayagam - 4 years Clarissa Martin - 4 years Kristen Stocco - 3 years Valerie Vijayan – 3 years Emma Johnston – 2 years Harmeet Brar – 2 years Kelly Ann Ramnarinesingh – 2 years Danielle Belle-Hopkins – 2 years Birgit Hulme – 2 years Allan Thompson - 1 year Barbara Di Marco - 1 Dushyanthinie (Dushy) Krishnakumar - 1 year Sandeep Brar - 1 year Opemipo (Sarah) Abimbola - 1 year Tammie Bettiol – 1 year

Bethell Programs

Free Information SessionLet’s Talk AboutMedical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)Session Overview:Definitions Brief History of MAiD Statistics MAiD requests and provisionsFacilitated by: Dr. Harold YuenDr. Harold Yuen is a palliative care physician who provides home palliative care and works in the Pain and Symptom Management Clinic in the Cancer Centre at Oak Valley Health in Markham, Ontario. Dr. Yuen has been providing MAiD services and education across York Region since 2016.Tuesday August 18, 2026 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST on ZoomRegister at https://www.myipalcare.org/workshops_This is a free information session intended to provide a general understanding of MAiD practices in Canada. The content presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or professional advice. PaCare does not endorse or oppose MAiD. Our aim is to support community education by sharing information and encouraging informed discussion.Education Opportunities Click here to find all the workshops offered by PalCare: https://www.mypalcare.org/workshops

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