Sonia Pedulla shares why hospice and palliative care is so important to our community and why raising money in her mom’s name has meant so much.
“On behalf of the Pedulla family we would like to thank everyone for their generous donations in memorial of Sylvia. Sylvia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother (Nonna). She was a kind, caring and a giving woman. Her house was always open to all and always filled with family and friends. This cause meant a lot to her as not many families are as fortunate as her to have been at home and in close proximity to all her loved ones. We are so grateful to have raised this money so we can help palliative patients be as close to their families as Sylvia was to hers. Having a hospice in town gives these patients the palliative care they need and still be with their loved ones . Sylvia always did what she could to help our community, she was a very special lady, she was touched by many and loved by all. By raising this money as one last thing in her honour would have meant the world to her. “ – Sonia Pedulla
We are often asked “Where will you build your hospice?” Townsend Smith Foundation’s Board of Directors is currently doing due diligence on two potential building sites, one being the Milton Education Village in southwest Milton. The second location is in Halton Hills. However, between finding a suitable location, purchasing it or having it donated, getting approvals, site plans and zoning in place, it does take a long time.
We are not putting all our eggs in one basket and if you are aware of another potential site we would be interested in learning more.
Once we are able to obtain a suitable site, we’re still not ready to build. The Ontario Ministry of Health requires an approval process, and at this time, no hospice beds (for TSF or any other organization) have been approved for funding. An application to the MoH, and significant funds are required before any beds can be authorized.
Securing a property to serve our communities in North Halton is our primary goal. I hope it won’t be long before we can come up with more solid information.
We welcome Astrid Lakats, newly elected board chair, to Townsend Smith Foundation. Astrid is a resident of North Halton. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with her own accounting practice in Milton. Astrid has served on the boards of numerous not-for-profit organizations, and is a past Board Chair of the Mississauga Halton Community Care Access Centre. In her time with MHCCAC, Astrid saw the profound impact of hospice care on terminally ill patients and their families. She is honoured to be part of this incredible journey to build a hospice in North Halton.
Today, Premier Doug Ford and MPP Parm Gill announced the development of the Milton Education Village (MEV), which will include a potential hospice, campuses for Conestoga College and Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a new retirement village and long-term care home owned and operated by Schlegel Villages.
Townsend Smith Foundation has been working to build a hospice for North Halton. The community support has been continuous and overwhelming. In the information session this morning, MPP Parm Gill referenced the Townsend Smith Foundation and we are encouraged by today’s announcement and grateful that Premier Ford and MPP Gill recognize the need for a hospice within our community.
Boston Presbyterian Church, the Ladies’ Fellowship Group, the choir and the membership at large have been regular supporters and donors to the Townsend Smith Hospice Foundation since 2016.
As they celebrate their 200th year as a congregation their enthusiasm and support for a hospice to serve North Halton residents continues to grow.
