The Mission Hospice Society has avoided a crisis, thanks to the support of the community and a huge anonymous donation.
In mid-December, disaster struck the society’s office after a sewer backup and a series of leaking pipes destroyed the lower part of the building.
The society’s executive director, Angel Elias, said insurance would cover some of the repairs, but an additional $15,000 was needed.
Once word spread of the situation, donations began to flood in.
“I want to say thank you to the community for stepping up and supporting the Hospice Society through our trials, our disaster. Through donations we have received, we have been able to cover the expenses for the cost of the sewer line backup and the replacement of all of our pipes and everything,” Elias said.
One of the online donations was an anonymous gift of $10,000.
“We received a really nice anonymous donation, which is amazing, so whoever did that, thank you.”
Elias said she wished she knew who it was so they could be thanked in person.
Businesses also provided donations, including Boston Pizza, Lanka Jewels, Chances and many more. Elias said Polygon Homes has offered assistance with the drywalling, and Lacey Development has also offered to help.
While the financial burden has been solved, the Hospice Society office is still not running at full capacity.
“We are still down in regards to our facility use downstairs. It’s probably going to be about two months before it is all rebuilt.
“We are operating our upstairs office, because plumbing is complete and we have a bathroom, but all of our support groups will be held at the Cedarbrooke Chateau,” Elias said.
Once the construction work is complete, programs should return to normal.
Elias sad she was a little surprised by the huge public response to their dilemma.
“When you are always out asking for money, it becomes repetitive and people start running from you because when they see you, they think, ‘Oh, she wants something.’
“I alway ask so much from the community throughout the year and the community does nothing but give to the Mission Hospice Society. So I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised because our community, true to its form, always steps up and supports us. I’m in awe at what an amazing community we have.”