Volunteers with the Summit Run present a donation to the Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

OPENING SOON

Rose Garden Hospice receives big donation less than a week before grand opening

Aug 24, 2023 | 3:00 PM

On the front steps of what will soon be Prince Albert’s first fully functioning hospice, stood a group of volunteers and a much-needed donation as the centre sits just days away from its grand opening.

The Rose Garden Hospice will hold that opening on Aug. 29 but as Executive Director Brett Enns explains, there will still be a lot of work to do before welcoming their first clients.

“We will start our orientation with staff on the 8th of September and it runs to the 15th of September and then after that, we’re hoping to have our first guest on September 18th,” he said.

“We have 10 beds in total. Our plan is to work with five beds for the first month or so just to make sure that all of our policies and our procedures are working well, that there is no big glitches so that we can build our confidence as we deliver this specialized care and provide just a high quality, excellent service.”

With just days to go until the opening of the centre, Enns said work has not stopped as they put the finishing touches on the rooms, the offices, and the communal kitchen.

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He compared the stream of tasks to drinking from multiple firehoses as there is also something that needs attention in the building as well as finding the staff to work inside.

“We’ve been engaged in interviewing, you know, hiring, posting of positions, interviewing staff and offering jobs to different individuals with specialized service in nursing and special care.”

Enns also took time to express his gratitude for the donation made to the Hospice on Thursday afternoon. The Summit Run presented a cheque of $5,000 which was raised at the annual event this past Father’s Day.

Lisa Evans with the Summit Run explains why they chose to give their funds to the Hospice.

“It’s fantastic for us to be able to give back to the community and the Rose Garden just seemed like a great fit to be able to help with.”

This was the first time since 2019 that the Summit Run took place after COVID restrictions delayed the last few events.

Evans said the Rose Garden Hospice was the recipient of their funds that year.

Enns said having a donation of that size, this close to the facility’s opening means wonders.

“We’re looking at furniture, some medical equipment that we’re still purchasing and so every dollar that comes in helps to make that a bit more, of a reality.”

Over the past several years, multiple fundraisers have been held for the Hospice with the final one, “Radio Day” wrapping up this past May with more than $100,000.

One of the big fundraisers allowed community members to purchase 2×6 boards used in the construction of the building. That campaign raised $300,000.

READ MORE: https://panow.com/2022/11/03/an-exclusive-look-into-the-construction-of-the-rose-garden-hospice/

The Grand Opening for the Rose Garden Hospice takes place on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. at the facility at 500 38^th Street West.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

@princealbertnow