Valley Hospice Foundation

HoliStay Raffle 2022!
2022-09-06 08:00 - 2022-11-19 17:00 (America/Halifax)
We are pleased to announce the lucky winners of our 2022 HoliStay Raffle!
1. Luxury Wilderness Getaway – Susan Tidman #A-1171
2. Canoe believe it? – Ingrid Blais #A-1516
3. Glamp and Grill – Heather Bishop #A-1229
4. Go Coastal – Audrey Sanson-Wells #A-1305
5. Smoking Hot! – Elizabeth Milberry #A1407
6. Lobsterpalooza – Cheryl Pugh #A-1551
7. Hip Nautic Halifax – A.A. Munroe #A-1396
8. Explore Bras d’Or – Donna Bastock #A-1082
9. Up, up, and away… – Barbara Buchanan #A-1530
10. Martock Climb & Dine – Nancy Henry #A-1099
Thank you goes out to everyone who has made our 2nd annual HoliStay Raffle a success. Over 600 ticket sold. (200 more that last year)!
Raffle is now closed!
Purchase Tickets Now!
HoliStay Raffle is back with over $10,000 in prizes to be won.

Tickets: $50 each for chance to win one of 10 Prize Packages
Tickets on sale from September 6 to November 19 (sales close at 5pm)

The funds raised in the HoliStay Raffle will go directly towards the addition of Music Therapy for the residents of Valley Hospice and their families and caregivers.
2022 PRIZE LIST:

Luxury Wilderness Getaway Value: $2435
This prize package takes you to a world where nature envelops and nurtures you while the amenities delight you. Enjoy two nights in a deluxe junior suite at beautiful world renown Trout Point Lodge. Savor the luxurious breakfasts each morning and the gourmet 3-course dinners in the evening. Choose a gourmet packed lunch or lunch in the Great Room/Patio one day. Take part in the complimentary scheduled guided outdoor activities including star gazing forest bathing and more. Finally, enjoy access to all resort facilities including a wood-fired hot tub by the Tusket River, outdoor barrel sauna, kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. A “bucket list” prize package for sure!
Purchase Tickets Now!

Canoe believe it? Value: $1179
For people wanting to take advantage of Nova Scotia’s many waterways, this is the prize package for you! This package contains a Pelican Canoe (15.5’) and two paddles. Clear your mind of all the worries and stressors of daily life and enjoy seeing places and things you would never see from land.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Glamp and Grill Value: $1138
Valley Sky Glamping is an adult only, all-season getaway offering the finest of luxuries to accentuate the peace of mind that comes with this rural retreat in Grand Pre. Your home away from home is a dome equipped with two queen sized beds, amenities for food preparation, a hot tub, and air conditioning. To help you prepare meals this package provides you with your own Pit Boss Portable 2 Burner Griddle. Enjoy it while glamping and at home. Finally, you will receive a Gather Here Charcuterie board to enjoy as you experience this amazing meeting of nature and comfort.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Go Coastal Value: $ 911
What could be better than a day on Nova Scotia’s South Shore? This package provides you with a $500.00 gift certificate for use at the Quarterdeck Resort. You will find a variety of accommodations, so apply your gift certificate to the one that suits you. Why be on the coast if you are not on the water? To help with this, the “Go Coastal” package contains a half day guided Sea Kayak Tour including a stop for a snack on the beach. And to ensure that you can get to the South Shore, you will receive a 100.00 gift certificate for gas! Enjoy!

Purchase Tickets Now!

Smoking Hot! Value: $ 904
Since the beginning of time, cooking with fire has meant gathering the clan outdoors. Nothing beats the sweet smell of smoke and meat in the air, a drink in hand, and friends and family at the table. To help with your “smoking hot” gatherings this package contains a Kamado Joe Junior BBQ (good for barbequing and/or smoking), a gift certificate for meat, and some great local hot sauces.
Purchase Tickets Now!

Lobsterpalooza Value: $ 882
What does everyone enjoy when friends and families gather in Nova Scotia? Why, lobster of course! The Lobsterpalooza package provides you with a $200.00 gift certificate for lobster from Halls Harbour Lobster Pound, a lobster picnic pack including shears, picks, trays and napkins and a Beaver Springs Deluxe Adirondack chair in which to sit and enjoy the feast!

Purchase Tickets Now!

Hip Nautic Halifax Value: $ 802
Escape for a day relaxing day in Halifax. This package provides you with a Wines on the Water Harbour Tour for two. During this 2-hour cruise, a local Sommelier will share information about each wine paired with a tasting item prepared by a culinary team. The cruise will be highlighted by music by local musicians, without whom it would not be a true Nova Scotian Experience!
Spend the night at a downtown Halifax hotel and enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Explore Bras d’Or Value: $ 700
This package takes you to the Inverary Resort in the Heart of Cape Breton on the sparkling shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. Enjoy a getaway for two for two nights. Your stay includes sparkling wine and charcuterie snack board served lake side at dusk with cozy blankets. Start each morning with complimentary breakfasts and then enjoy any of the non-motorized activities- kayaks, bicycles, and/or paddleboards. And, to help you with this trip to Cape Breton we have included a 100.00 gift certificate for gas.
Purchase Tickets Now!

Up, up, and away. . . Value: $ 683
This prize package offers the adventure of a lifetime, a Sunrise Flight for two in a hot air balloon. East Coast Balloon Adventures will provide you with a bird’s eye view of the Annapolis Valley as it wakes up in the morning. You will experience breathtaking views of lakes, orchards and vineyards, towns and villages and people on the ground who wish they were flying in the air with you! When you return to earth reflect on your adventure at the Port Pub & Bistro where you can use your gift certificate for lunch.
Purchase Tickets Now!

Martock Climb & Dine Value: $ 576
This package is not for the faint of heart! It offers a pass for four to the Ontree Fun and Adventure Park. There you will have the opportunity to try 18 high rope courses and 60 ziplines covering more than 120 acres. To ensure that you keep up your energy you will also get a Chilly Moose Cooler Pack containing drinks and treats. And when your day ends use your gift certificate to have dinner across the street at Bent Ridge where you will find a small batch winery, craft brewery and an amazing Latin-inspired restaurant.

Purchase Tickets Now!

Valley Hospice Foundation is proud that HoliStay Raffle has become a tradition that supports local!
Our prizes come from partnerships across Nova Scotia and many from our Annapolis Valley community.
HoliStay 2022 partners include:
Ambassatours Gray Line
Bent Ridge Winery
Canadian Tire, New Minas
Candle Box Kayaking
Country Stoves and Sunrooms
East Coast Balloon Adventures
Gather Here Charcuterie
Halls Harbour Lobster/Cameron Seafoods
Inverary Resort
Ontree Fun & Adventure Park
Port Pub Bistro
Quarter Deck Resorts
Rewind 89.3
Rudi’s Hot Sauce
Saunders Tartans and Gifts
TJ’s Convenience Stores
Trout Point Lodge
Valley Sky Glamping

When you support the HoliStay Raffle you’ll be making a meaningful difference.
The funds raised in the HoliStay Raffle will go directly towards the addition of Music Therapy for the residents of Valley Hospice and their families and caregivers.
Music therapy can provide hospice residents and/or their families with space to explore their emotions and prepare for the road ahead. These opportunities for self-reflection can lead to enhancing, rebuilding or healing relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. Music Therapy reduces loneliness, affects one’s ability to relax, and promotes comfort and over-all quality of life.

Open Garden Day
2022-07-17 13:00 - 17:00
You are invited to a special open garden day hosted by Susan and Joop Ueffing to support the Valley Hospice.
Open Garden Day – July 17, 2022
1 pm to 5 pm
Susan and Joop’s North Mountain Home
1624 Gospel Woods Road, Glenmont, NS
Wander around the wonderful, unique, and beautiful gardens that have been created on this spectacular hill-top home.
Enjoy a taste of Benjamin Bridge’s Piquette Zero and other local flavors while you take in the spectacular Valley view from idyllic garden spaces.
Guests will be entered to win a wonderful tasting experience provided by Benjamin Bridge Winery.

Annual General Meeting
2022-06-22 19:00 - 20:30
The 2021-2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Valley Hospice Foundation will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, 22 June 2022.
The public meeting will be held at NSCC, Kingstec Campus, 236 Belcher Street, Kentville NS in Room 2101.
Members of the public are invited to attend in person or virtually by Zoom video conferencing by registering with their name and email before the meeting.
To register, email: Dale.Sanford@nshealth.ca.
The deadline to register is 4pm Monday June 20.
During the meeting there will be a presentation of the Annual Reports and the Members of the Society will elect new Board Members.
The meeting will conclude with a presentation by Darlene Davis, Health Serves Director, Western Zone, Nova Scotia Health.

Hike for Valley Hospice & Palliative Care
2022-05-01 13:00 - 17:00
Register on line
Donate to the HIke
Pledge Sheet
Announcement: The weather looks a bit cold so we’ve move the start of the Hike inside at the Kentville Lions Hall, 78 River Street.
Lions Club BBQ at Centre Square is cancelled.
1 pm – Welcome and Registration
2 pm – 5 km Group Hike along the Harvest Moon Trail and around Miners Marsh
This year the Hike for Hospice marks a decade of our community coming together to raise funds and celebrate the compassionate care and support that Hospice and palliative care provides to individuals and their families at the end-of-life in the Annapolis Valley.

Lace up and come hike with us!
Please join us on May 1 to hike in support of Nova Scotia’s only rural hospice residence – the Valley Hospice, and to celebrate and support the caring individuals who provide palliative care in our Valley communities across all care settings.
Register on line now!

Register and set up your fundraising page on-line
Set a personal or team fundraising goal and spread the word to family, friends and co-workers
Come hike with us or make your hike virtual – you decide!

*If you are forming a team be sure to register your team before registering your individual hike page.
Need help…give us a call: 902.679.3471.

Who will you Hike for on May 1?
Hike with friends, family members and co-workers to remember someone special and to honor your personal connection to hospice.
Join our facebook group and post your pictures:
Hike for Valley Hospice Facebook Group

Hike 2021 …
Just finished our 5K with grateful hearts for all the caregivers. This is a cause near and dear to my heart. Thankful for our furry therapy friends. Carolyn Archibald

Sad not to gather, sing, and celebrate together on May 2, but I’ll be walking #5KEveryDayMonthofMay in honour of my mother, Colleen, whose death in hospice changed my life! Terri Milton

Walking on the Harvest Moon Trail and the Grand Pre dyke land for Valley Hospice virtual Community.Enormous thanks goes out to all who have donated to our recognition of this worthy cause – Women of Sole

May 1, 2022 marks the beginning of national #hospicepalliativecareweek in Canada – a special day when the Annapolis Valley joins other communities across Canada to Hike in support of Hospice and Palliative Care programs.

go to previous events
2021-11-20 19:00 - 23:30
Holly Days Holiday Party (the fun starts at 7 pm)
Celebrating the holidays is a tradition for the Valley Hospice Foundation. We are thrilled to return to the historic ballroom at the Main Street Station in Kentville to host our annual holiday event in support of hospice and palliative care. You will experience a wonderful evening of music and performances, delicious appetizers and a decadent dessert table.

Where: Main Street Station Ball Room, Kentville NS
Host: Peter Muttart
Featuring: Jerome and his ghostly friends
Tickets: $75 per person ($35 Tax Receipt)
(reservations accepted for table of 8- see early bird special below)
**Early Bird Special – Table of 8 plus a raffle ticket for each person: $800 (Must book on or before November 12, 2021)

New this year is the addition of our HoliStay Raffle. Tickets for the Raffle are sold separately and must be purchased by November 17.
Throughout the evening we will take you on a journey of storytelling as we draw for 10 fun-packed HoliStay prize packages.
Contact the Valley Hospice (dale.sanford@nshealth.ca or 902-679-3471) to reserve your ticket(s).

HoliStay Raffle
2021-09-08 - 2021-11-17
Congratulations to the HoliStay Raffle – Winners!
#1. Kipawo Caper – Craig Laraway
#2. Home-stay Bed & Breakfast – Cate Archibald
#3. Fun in the Sun – Maureen Eaton
#4. Italian Festa! – Gayle Graham
#5. Seaside Get-A-Way – Kim Pollard
#6. Meto Get-A-Way – Norma Mailman
#7. Win & Dine in Wolfville – Karen Reid
#8. Your Patio Excape – Janice Wheaton
#9. A Country Get-A-Way – Timothy Allen
#10. A Party on the Go – Anne MacKenzie

Purchase tickets on line: BUY TICKETS NOW!

10 Fun-tastic Prize Packages
# 1. The Kipawo Caper – Value: $2175
Remembering the M.V. Kipawo Ferry – once a vital link between Kingsport, Parrsboro and Wolfville.
A fantastic 24-hour journey for two to Parrsboro with Where It’s At Tours and Huntley’s Dive Shop. You will arrive in Parrsboro (from Wolfville) aboard the Nova Endeavour for dinner at the Blackrock Bistro, an evening performance at the Ship’s Company Theatre, and overnight accommodations with breakfast at The Gillespie House before returning to Wolfville across the water the next day.
#2. Home-stay Bed & Breakfast – Value: $2000
Imagine the joy of a quality queen size Sealy bed (mattress and box spring) from Windsor Home Hardware tailored for your comfort. Then get ready to enjoy an inspired brunch prepared by Inn at Grand Pre Winery and delivered straight to your home. This breakfast-in-bed prize is sure to delight!
#3. Fun in the Sun – Value: $1390
This is your chance for a unique outdoor experience. Win a Vapor-12xT Kayak along with accessories from the Trail Shop. Prize is paired with a Gourmet by Nature outdoor dining experience for six people to enjoy fresh fish & chips on the beach. Watch Chef Sean cook over an open fire and experience the flavours that Nova Scotia does best.
#4. Italian Festa! – Value: $1020
The pizza prize package includes a propane Oonie Pizza Oven plus a wood fired pizza cooking class in the Wild Kitchen (Gourmet by Nature) for six people. You will learn how to make the perfect ‘wild’ dough base, a bright, fresh sauce and experiment with some local toppings.
#5 A Seaside Get-A-Way – Value: $850
Enjoy a two-night coastal escape to the historic Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa overlooking the Annapolis Basin and the picturesque town of Digby. Your stay includes a dinner for two, breakfast each day and the winner’s choice of spa, golf or whale watching.
#6. A Metro Get-A-Way – Value $620
Leave your cares behind as you enjoy an overnight escape to the Prince George Hotel in Halifax. Your stay includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast, parking, and dinner for two at Gio’s – Halifax’s swanky four diamond restaurant. To complete the fun there are two tickets to Neptune Theatre.
#7. Wine & Dine in Wolfville – Value $575
Stay and dine at the Tattingstone Inn. This elegant prize package includes overnight stay in a classic room and dinner for two with wine pairings. This is a six-course exploration in flavours with Local Foraging Chef Nelson Penner. You will continue to enjoy Wolfville with a gift card to Lightfoots and Wolfville Vineyards, a family-owned and operated estate winery.
#8. Your Patio Escape – Value $560
Make it a s’mores party under the stars with this Jackson Grill propane Fire Pit from Country Stove and Sunrooms. This prize package includes a very hip Chilly Moose Cooler filled with refreshing sweet Maritime Express cider and a gift certificate to Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards. To finish there’s s’mores from Petite Patrie Chocolate.
#9. A Country Get-A-Way – Value $420
Your get-a-way starts with dinner for two at the Noodle Guy then escape to Canning for overnight stay with a full breakfast at the Farmhouse Inn and two tickets to Two Planks and a Passion summer theatre at the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts. A gift certificate for Blomidon Estates is included to complete this country get-a-way.
#10. A Party on the Go – Value $400
A portable Master Chef BBQ from Canadian Tire can go to the beach or to the camp. We’ve got you covered with a gift certificate from Meadowview Meats and a Chilly Moose Cooler topped up with sweet cider and gift card from Maritime Express Cider Co.

A Virtual Gathering in the Garden July 1 - 31, 2021
2021-07-31
A virtual Gathering in the Garden!
We invite you to our virtual gathering in the garden throughout the month of July. Over the next month please share pictures of your garden or a garden that inspires you. Feel free to also share quotes, tips and information on plants to give away.
We will share photos of the hospice gardens and our volunteer gardeners
Join our private Facebook Group here: Gathering in the Garden!
Donate to our “Summer Shed Campaign” here: Summer Shed Campaign

Watch on Wednesdays for special video presentations from local entrepreneurs who have gardens as the center of their business and of impressive gardens in the Valley.
Show us your Shed during the week July 11 – 17
Support our Summer Shed Campaign to raise funds for our hospice garden shed.

Connect – Reflect – Inspire
Valley Hospice was designed to create as many connections with nature and wildlife as possible. Set in a wooded area all of the bedrooms have been designed with a small patios which have a view of the woods and seasonal flora. Volunteer gardeners are creating gardens and keeping them tended. The residents, families and staff can enjoy the peaceful and serene oasis that has been lovingly created.
We believe that gardens are important to end-of-life care. People who garden recognize it as a therapeutic task which nurtures the spirit. A sense of solace and calm can also affect those who see gardens whether they are physically in the garden or viewing it from indoors. Gardens represent the circle of life, constantly changing in a pattern of birth, death and re-birth. This can be used to prompt meaningful and reflective discussion.
Join our private Facebook Group here: Gathering in the Garden!
Donate to our “Summer Shed Campaign” here: Summer Shed Campaign
July 12, 2021 Update
Our Gathering in the Garden is a celebration of the impact that Valley Hospice and its surroundings has on the end-of-life experience for patients and families. It also highlights our generous community- those who volunteer, help us to raise funds and hold Valley Hospice in their heart as well as those who donate to the work of the hospice. There have already been a number of kind donations made toward the Summer Shed Campaign.
Most recently we received a gift of $10,000 made in loving memory of Patricia McOnie by her husband Charlie. This gift ensures that we can purchase the much needed shed. Charlie has been generous in many ways and his gifts to the Hospice come with a hope of helping to ease the burden on families as they support their loved ones. Please read the story of Pat and Charlie here: Story here
We are pleased that any additional funds in the Summer Shed Campaign will now allow us to add shelving and lighting, as well as a ramp to the door of the shed. We will also be able to purchase additional gardening tools.
Thank you to everyone who is joining us in the online Garden Gathering through the month of July.

Annual General Meeting
2021-06-10 19:00 - 20:30
Guest Speaker: Susan Miles, Volunteer Program Lead for Palliative Care, NSH.
The public meeting will be held virtually using Zoom video conferencing technology.
Meeting is being hosted online to ensure safety to public health based on advisories relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the public are invited to participate in the Zoom meeting by registering with their name, address and email before the meeting.
To register, email: Dale.Sanford@nshealth.ca.
Please register by 4 pm Wednesday June 9.

Hike & Bike for Valley Hospice - (Home Edition)
2021-05-30 00:00 - 23:59
Thank you for supporting our 2021 Hike (& Bike) for Valley Hospice – Home Edition!
Our month long Hike (& Bike) for Valley Hospice, home edition has now come to an end and we are pleased to report that with your help we have raised over $11,380.
In the midst of uncertain pandemic times you put one foot in front of the other and kept the wheels turning to support the incredible work of our Hospice and Palliative Care teams in the Annapolis Valley.
Our hearts are full with the stories and photos that were shared on our Hike Facebook Group

Gathering is at the heart of our annual Hike for Hospice and we have not given up. Our hope is that in the near future we will be able to invite you to a social event to celebrate, and to provide you with your 2021 T-Shirt.

Hike for Hospice is held annually across Canada to raise funds and awareness for Hospice and Palliative Care. We are excited that next year will be our 10th anniversary of hosting this event in the Valley. Plans are underway and we hope you will plan to join us again in 2022.

Hike for Valley Hospice – Home Edition
May 1 – 30… We’re moving our hike to your home!
…hike, bike, run, walk, garden, take a nap, hug your dog… we got this!
DONATE TO THE HIKE & BIKE
REGISTER TO HIKE OR BIKE
JOIN FACEBOOK GROUP – VIRTUAL COMMUNITY HIKE/BIKE

Hike for Valley Hospice – May 2 2021 – Group Hike Day is Cancelled!
While gathering to hike is at the heart of our event you can still support us and help shine a light on Hospice and Palliative Care by continuing to get donations and hiking or biking from home!
Hike & Bike for Valley Hospice! Group Hike has been cancelled.
Keeping you safe!
During the Event we will adhere and respond to all public health guidelines.

All Hike event activities will take place outdoors subject to public health guidelines
Hand washing station and washroom will be available on site
There will be limited handling of cash donations by volunteers and staff. A drop off box will facilitate donations by cash/cheque
All persons arriving on site will be required to sign in and provide organizers with their contact information for easy tracing
Physically distancing (6 foot) is required between those outside your social group (bubble) of 10
Should Covid-19 become more present in our community we will shift from group Hike and May 2 activities to virtual Hike from Home.
There will be no guided bike ride. Bikers will participate virtually and cycle at their own risk.

Flannel tie Non Gala!
2020-12-05
We are grateful to the following restaurants who have come on-board to help the hospice, each with their
own special offers for your Take Out while supporting Valley Hospice. See details below.
The Port Pub and Bistro – Port Williams
Maritime Express Cider Co. – Kentville
The Church Brewing Co. – Wolfville
Kings Arms Pub – Kentville
Kings Arms Commons – Wolfville
Smiling Irish Pub – New Minas

Flannel tie “Non- Gala”
It is the time of year that we traditionally plan for the annual Valley Hospice Foundation Gala. This year COVID 19 and the resulting public health requirements have conspired against holding this event, so we are holding a non-gala, where you can support the hospice by not coming.
The non-gala is being held on Saturday December 5th (starting whenever you are ready)

Make this a win/win -buy a ticket to the Flannel tie non-gala, then put on something comfy, find a five star movie, make some popcorn, and enjoy your evening off!
Join the Flannel tie non-gala Facebook group and follow what your friends and colleagues are planning to do as they chill out on Saturday December 5th.
Check in on Monday December 7 when we will announce winners of some great prizes including Gift Certificates from Maritime Express Cider Co., The Church Brewery Co., A Donation in your name from the Port Pub & Bistro, and 2 Gift Baskets!

10% Discount on your take out meal at the Port Pub and a chance to win a donation in your name!

15% Discount on your take out meal and chance to win a gift certificate!

Care and Comfort
2020-12-01
DONATE NOW in support of “Care and Comfort”!
Listen to Martha’s Story – Martha Stewart, Chair of Valley Hospice Foundation
A person’s last days in our Hospice needs to be filled with a legacy of stories, music, laughter and time with friends and family.
There will be people of all ages in our Hospice and we aim to provide them with experiences that will remind them of the happy times in their lives.
A gift to our Care and Comfort Fund will provide services and items to facilitate a positive end of life experience. This might include watching a movie with their family and enjoying some popcorn, listening to music in their beds with wireless headphones, having a manicure or pedicure, doing a puzzle, enjoying a vase of flowers in their room, and being comforted by a quilt on their bed.
We would be looking to provide special touches for the patients and their families.
Statistics Canada has reported that women are more likely to act as caregivers for their sick and dying family members. We feel passionate about providing support for the caregivers while they are visiting their loved ones. Each of the ten rooms has the capacity for an extra bed should someone need or want to stay. This sometimes happens unexpectedly. Your support will help to provide items to make their stay more comfortable such as pillows and blankets, housecoats, socks and toiletries. Our beautiful family kitchen will be a place where family members and friends can gather and prepare a snack or have a cup of tea. Funds would be used to ensure the kitchen is adequately stocked.
Our Family Quiet Room is available to family members and friends to spend some quiet time alone or enjoy a TV show or movie on a tablet.
We would also like to be able to provide financial support for local travel and overnight stays near by for family and friends who are visiting our Hospice.
Our Valley Hospice is not just about providing exceptional medical care, it is about nurturing the spirit. Only 16-30% of Canadians who are dying have access to receive hospice, palliative and end-of-life care services. We want to provide a homelike environment where staff walk with the patients as they take their final journey.
Martha Stewart, Chair of Valley Hospice Foundation shares a photo of her Mom a month before she died.
Listen to Martha’s Story

“She was only 69 years old and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only five months earlier. It was 2002 and at that time there was no palliative care to provide support for my Dad and five siblings. She wanted to die at home so we made sure that happened but it was extremely difficult as we did not know what to expect during the days leading up to her death and then the actual death itself. My, grandmother, was devastated to have her daughter predecease her only to be diagnosed with cancer three years later in 2005. Fortunately, for everyone, a palliative care doctor had just been hired in the Annapolis Valley and made home visits which I was so grateful to attend with my grandmother. Our family had two completely different experiences with death and dying.”
Only two months ago the doors opened to the new Valley Hospice. The hospice is a place where individuals can spend their final days in a place that is homelike surrounded by the things and people that they love. It is a place where caring staff go beyond supporting a pain-free death to supporting living until the end.

Hike for Valley Hospice - Fall Edition
2020-09-27 13:30 - 16:00 | Valley Hospice, 150-3 Exhibition St., Kentville, Nova Scotia, B4N 5E3, Canada
Hike for Valley Hospice 2020
$20,000 Raised!
Thank you Hikers, Donors and Volunteers!
We wish to thank you, our hikers, donors and volunteers for making our 2020 Hike for Valley Hospice (fall edition) a great success.
We were unsure if the Covid-19 pandemic would stop us this year, but you didn’t let us down. 70 Hikers, 20 Volunteers and legions of donors made this Hike a success!
$20,000 raised will support the care and comfort of those being cared for in the Hospice and in our community.
This year was made extra special with the opening of our new Valley Hospice. It was wonderful to begin the 2020 Hike from the grounds of Valley Hospice.
It was a beautiful day for a hike and we look forward to continuing this tradition in 2021.
Thank you to We’re Outside of Wolfville for donating these Cloudventure Trail Running Shoes.
Congratulations to Midge Lane, winner of our draw.

Hike with us … or…Hike from home – you decide!
Gathering to share this experience is at the heart of our Hike for Valley Hospice, however we realize that it is necessary to adapt to the pandemic landscape. You have the option to join us for a group hike or to go completely virtual with your own hike.

Come Hike with us: Meet up at the new Valley Hospice and join our guided 5 km hike to Miners Marsh on September 27, 2020. Social groups of 10 and under are suggested. We will stay safe and will practice physical distancing during the hike.
Hike from Home: Go for your own hike with family, friends or co-workers. Choose any place that is special to you. Stay connected on social media and share photos#hikeforvalleyhospice. Complete your hike on or before September 27, 2020.

Donate/Register: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/valley-hospice-foundation/p2p/hike-2020

Keeping you safe…
KEEPING YOU SAFE!
Valley Hospice Foundation and the Hike for Hospice Planning committee have developed guidelines to keep hikers, volunteers and staff safe while enjoying a guided Hike from our new Valley Hospice. We have consulted and reviewed sources and guides provided by the Nova Scotia Government with-in the Communities, Culture and Heritage COVID-19 Prevention Guide and the Health Protection Act Order.
The Guidelines were developed with consideration of the following areas key to mitigating risks related to COVID-19:

Physical Distancing & Limited Touch Points
Hand Hygiene
Location (outdoor venue)
Limited activities and non-essential items
Communication (staff, volunteer and participants)
Virtual options

GUIDELINES:

All activities on Hike day will take place outdoors. No one will be permitted inside the Hospice.
When arriving and while hiking everyone must practice physical distancing (6 foot) outside of their social group of 10 (maximum) and must wear non-medical masks when not physically distanced.
Volunteers and staff who are working the event will wear non-medical masks during the event.
Everyone arriving on site will be required to sign in and provide organizers with their contact information for easy tracing.
To alleviate congestion there will be properly spaced stations, signage and volunteers positioned to monitor line-ups to ensure physical distancing.
Participants are encouraged to use on-line tools for collecting pledges and making donations.
In order to limit contact, there will be a drop off-box to facilitate donations by cash/cheque. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for donations $10 and over. Please ensure that contact information is included with donations.
Hand washing station and bathroom facility will be available on site.
Participants are encouraged to bring along their own bottle filled with water.
Hikers will receive individually wrapped treat bag.
Hike volunteers will lead the Hike and will be positioned along the route to guide hikers.
There will be no post-hike activities.
Participants may consider our virtual Hike from Home
Should COVID-19 become present in the community we will shift activities to virtual Hike from Home

DONATE NOW

Call 902.679.3471 or email dale.sanford@nshealth.ca

Annual General Meeting
2020-06-10 19:00 - 20:30
Annual General Meeting 2020/21
The meeting will be held via Zoom Conferencing. Please mark your calendars.
Details for registering to attend will be posted here soon.

Virtual Garden Party FUN-raiser!
2020-06-01 - 2020-06-30
July 30, 2020 – THANK YOU!
The Garden Party has inspired a total of $30,110 in donations for our hospice gardens and for programs.
Thank you to all our hospice and garden party friends for giving so generously to help the hospice and its gardens. While we missed sampling little sandwiches, lovely scones and the sweet sounds of an orchestra playing in the beautiful surroundings of a colorful garden, we did enjoy gathering virtually with everyone for the month of June. The shared photos and recipes were wonderful and we look forward meeting everyone in the future in the garden.
At this point we have added plantings between the bedroom patios, purchased patio furniture and set up hoses for watering. Our next project will be to clean up the wooded area behind the hospice to create a pleasant view from each bedroom. We will post pictures as the work continues.
We were thrilled to receive a special gift of $10,000 during the Garden Party campaign from Joe Rafih, well known member of our Valley community and a second gift of $10,000 from a private donor. All the gifts from the Garden Party will go along way to support the hospice gardens and programs.
Pictured in their own garden: Joe and Rauda Rafih, Wolfville, NS

Virtual Garden Party FUN-raiser! June 2020
The COVID 19 pandemic has brought about new ways of doing things so, to get around the challenges that it presents, we are hosting a traditional garden party in an unusual way.
To raise the funds required to continue working on the grounds, patios, and gardens we are throwing a “virtual garden party”. This online event will run from June 1st-30th.
During the month we will share garden photos, garden party recipes you might want to try, hints you can use in your own garden, flower arranging ideas and there will be draws for garden-related goodies.
Join our Facebook Garden Party Group here
Scroll down for more updates!
Ways to participate in our Virtual Garden Party:

Make a donation to support the gardens at the hospice using the form or by mail: Valley Hospice Foundation, 23 Earnscliffe Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 1X4
Purchase a gift certificate from your favorite local nursery. We will provide you with a charitable tax receipt and you will have helped out a local business. Leave the certificate at the nursery and simply give us a call to let us know it is there. 902.679.3471.
Join us on June 10, 2020 at 7 pm for the Valley Hospice Foundation AGM via Zoom. We will take you on a virtual tour of the new Hospice. You must register by contacting dale.sanford@nshealth.ca .
Join our Facebook Garden Party Group here We want to hear from you and we hope you will share photos of your garden and your garden wisdom or E-mail a photo of your garden.

June 15. 2020
It has really been a great couple weeks raising $6798 already! ($2700 in Gift Certificates, $4098 donations and a Paperbark Maple value $200) THANK YOU!
We completed the plantings between the patios and the furniture arrived. Next we will add some colorful planters.

These women hosted a plant sale on Bishop Avenue and raised $782.95!
New beginnings as we witnessed our first bloom in the gardens at the Hospice.
Thank you for all your wonderful photos being posting on our page: Join Facebook Group Keep up the good work.
June 5, 2020
We’re so excited to give you an update to our Virtual Garden Party FUN-raiser.
After just one week we have raised $3900 to help the gardens at the Hospice! This includes donated gift certificates to local nurseries in the amount of $2000. We love that you’ve chosen to support us and our community this way. Also in the mix is a beautiful Paperbark Maple from The Briar Patch Garden Centre. Thank you!
ENTER TO WIN! Draws will take place June 15 and June 30th.
You owe it to yourself to seek out and try some of the many ciders produced in our Valley. For our Garden Party we’re leaning towards Earl Blue from Annapolis Cider Company or Blueberry Ginger from Maritime Express Cider Co Ltd but we want to know your favorites too.
We know that not everyone is able to join us on Facebook to enter our contests, but you can still get in on a chance to win.

E-mail us and enter in the comments your favorite cider produced in the Annapolis Valley and to get the party started we will enter you into a draw for a hand tied seasonal flower bouquet from A Beautiful Wild delivered weekly to Stirling Farm Market – Greenwich

Our Garden Party Facebook Group has over 100 members and they are sharing all kinds of ideas and garden tips. So much fun. Here’s just a few examples:

Check out these links that have been shared for tips and recipes:
Lavender Scones:
https://lavendercanada.com/blogs/from-the-garden/recipe-lavender-blueberry-scones?fbclid=IwAR07LStfXB801ugsXiBo4mCB_4x6myvVZat6Gnqp4QPSUj1UTTzGn_rxzb4
How to use your lilacs in bouquets:
https://twobirdsonestonefarm.com/blog/
Taking Care of your Hanging Baskets:
https://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2017/07/16/keep-hanging-baskets-blooming/?fbclid=IwAR3HgS2vZqDMezn2mL-179iFdKo43R_szedK9fkrr6KCsUT_7IHu_xZeS_U
Enjoy!

Our Goal is to raise $8000 in the month of June!
The funds will be used to:

Complete the landscaping around the hospice
Plant “living walls” between the residents’ patios to create privacy
Create a walkway in the woods behind the hospice
Purchase benches, planters, and a barbeque

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow – Audrey Hepburn
Here’s a look towards the back patio of the hospice. Ideas started early in the spring as we kept our distance while looking over the possibilities for the gardens and patios.

A little walk can help when loss feels heavy.
Each bedroom and the “quiet” room has a view into a wooded area behind the hospice.
Our vision is to clean up this area and create paths with benches and to add plantings suited to the natural beauty of the space.
