Beth Donovan Hospice Teams Up with Kemptville 73’s for the 2024/25 Season to Drive Awareness and “Unlock the Beds” for Palliative Care in North Grenville
North Grenville, Ontario—September 16, 2024
Beth Donovan Hospice (BDH) is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Kemptville 73’s Jr A hockey team for the 2024/25 season as part of its “Unlock the Beds” campaign. With the 73’s long-standing leadership in the community and their dedicated fan base, this partnership brings together the excitement of local hockey and the critical mission to bring palliative care beds closer to home. The 73’s deep roots in North Grenville make them the perfect partner to help raise awareness, because hockey and heart go hand in hand!
This collaboration is part of a larger campaign, supported by the Canadian Cancer Society. Together, we are addressing the shortage of hospice beds in North Grenville where it’s needed most—right in our own community.
Currently, families in North Grenville must travel more than 55 kilometers to access hospice care, a burden that places unnecessary strain on patients and loved ones during an already challenging time. Through the “Unlock the Beds” campaign, BDH is urging residents to act by signing a petition at cancer.ca/hospice, which is automatically sent to our local MPP Stephen Clark.
“We are thrilled to be leading this important campaign,” said Sue Walker of Beth Donovan Hospice. “Everyone deserves the right to spend their final days surrounded by loved ones not far from home. ‘Unlock the Beds’ is about ensuring North Grenville families can receive the care they need, where they need it most.”
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Bring Care Closer campaign highlights the fact that Ontario currently only has 3.47 hospice beds per 100,000 people, well below the recommended 7 beds per 100,000.
The “Unlock the Beds” campaign is aimed at closing this gap for North Grenville, ensuring the community has the facilities to support palliative care needs.
To help raise awareness Beth Donovan Hospice has partnered with the Kemptville 73’s Jr A hockey team. During home games, BDH will host a booth at the Kemptville arena, providing fans and attendees with the opportunity to sign up for the petition, and get involved in securing these essential hospice beds for the community, helping us take a huge step toward making hospice beds a reality for North Grenville.
“We’re excited to partner with the Kemptville 73’s to get the word out,” said Sue Walker. “Hockey brings the community together, and we hope the energy of the games can drive even more awareness for this critical cause.”
Beth Donovan Hospice committed to making sure that North Grenville and surrounding communities has the resources it needs to provide quality palliative care for everyone, close to home.
