September 30, 2021 marks Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour their survivors, their families and communities.
At Alberni Valley Hospice …
We are excited to introduce a new volunteer team in this month's Volunteer Spotlight!
This team will bring Pet Therapy to Ty Watson House, and we couldn't be happier to introduce them. The Pet Therapy team is a volunteer named Leigh-Ann and her therapy dog Penny.
We got to sit down with Leigh-A…
This month we are featuring longtime volunteer Gwen Hayhurst. We asked Gwen to tell us some fun things about herself, and she replied, "I have fabulous grandkids and kids I was missing due to COVID-19. I like to walk on the dyke, go camping, sew and crochet, and cross-country ski."
Gwen found abo…
June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
Each year, Canadians celebrate their diverse heritage and the contribution of many cultures to the growth and development of the country.
This year, Multiculturalism Day comes on the heels of the discoveries of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops In…
Recently we had the chance to sit down with Jane Thompson and pick her brain about her experience volunteering with AVHS.
Jane is originally from Montreal and moved to BC in 2014. "My children have lived in BC since '96, and when my son had his first baby, I decided to move to the island. I live…
Grief can be especially difficult during special days throughout the year, such as Father's Day.
We've collected some resources that may be of interest for those grieving their fathers or spouses on this holiday.
Click the article titles below to read more on each topic.
For this month's volunteer spotlight, we sat down with long-time volunteer Jacqueline Bouchard, Jackie for short. Jackie is a long-time Port Albernian and enjoys gardening, being outside, and doing what she can to make others smile and laugh. Jackie is quite funny and always brings a smile to the fa…
The first full week of May each year marks National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada.
This is a time to celebrate and share the achievements of hospice palliative care throughout the nation, and provides a platform to look at shortcomings and create bridges for these gaps. It is also an oppo…
May is Family Caregiver Month, an opportunity to join millions across the country to recognize and celebrate family and friend caregivers. Their role is significant, giving over 80% of the care when we need it, yet they are often unrecognized, unsupported and underappreciated.
At Alberni Valley H…
To cap off National Volunteer Week, our Volunteer Coordinator, Victoria Snow, wanted to share a message of thanks to our many dedicated volunteers.
The Alberni Valley Hospice Society encourages active participation from the Port Alberni community because we know it is the best way to achieve our …
This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and in honor of that, we are launching our newest volunteer recognition idea!
Each month we will be posting a Volunteer Spotlight, which consists of a volunteer interview to gain further insight into the lives of our volunteers and the impact vol…
The Value of One, The Power of Many is the theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week – April 18-24, 2021.
This theme captures the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by individuals AND the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose.
The Alberni Valley Hospice Society…
National Advance Care Planning is April 16, 2021!
Ensuring our wishes and values for our future health care starts simply, with a conversation.
Learn more about Advance Care Planning by joining any of the online events or visiting the online resources we’ve collected below.
Free O…
National Caregivers Day is April 6th, 2021.
This National Caregiver Day comes at a time when there are much uncertainty and unrest. Whether we know them personally, socially, or professionally, caregivers are often referred to as invisible health partners in our lives. This National Caregiver Day…
Your wishes, your care – It’s time to talk about Advance Care Planning
April 16 is National Advance Care Planning day, a day to promote conversations about your wishes and values for your future health care.
Over three quarters of British Columbians agree that it is important to talk…
For years, the Port Alberni community has supported Hospice by donating their bottle return refunds – either by bringing them to us directly, or by directing the refund to our account at the depot.
Now it’s easier than ever, with the Return-It Express process!
Donors can label their clear ba…
Who was Ty Watson? Many residents of Ty Watson House and their family members ask this very question. Through the eyes of France (last name withheld by request), we get a glimpse of the man - a retired pharmacist who so generously bequeathed his magnificent home to the community.
France met Ty …
Each year, the Alberni Valley Hospice Society has to work hard to raise the funds needed to operate all its programs, including its flagship palliative care facility, Ty Watson House. Because of the unique model that Ty Watson House is, operated entirely by the A.V. Hospice Society, with the medical…
(Written in 2012)
The genesis of Ty Watson House seeded in the mind of Lynn Turner some fourteen years ago. Lynne had cared for a dying friend in her home for several weeks but it was the when another friend lay dying in the hospital with little support except a daily visit from Lynn and the care o…
