Much of the important work done over the course of the last 35 years by the Nelson and District Hospice Society is, by necessity, done behind closed doors in hospitals, residential care facilities and clients’ homes.
But this Saturday, as part of their annual Workathon fundraiser, the hospice society is looking to venture out into the community.
“This concept, as far as we know, has never been done before in Nelson,” executive director Jane DiGiacomo told the Star.
“The volunteers have gotten pledges and we will spend Saturday working with the elderly and the physically challenged. We’ll do leaf removal and pruning, we’ll remove yard waste and garbage and take it to the dump.”
The goal of the event is to raise the visibility of the work hospice does in the community. And so far they’ve received a huge amount of support from the community.
“Now we’re in the phase of showing what we can do.”
The funds raised will go toward continuing hospice services, training and programs. The event currently has approximately 35 volunteers, with 10 to 15 clients involved.
“Anybody who is elderly or physically challenged can call in and we’ll come do what we can,” said DiGiacomo.
For more information visit nelsonhospice.org/workathon or call DiGiacomo at 250-352-2337.