NEWS RELEASE
HOSPICE GEORGIAN TRIANGLE
*************************
A beautiful gift has been given to our community on the grounds of Hospice Georgian Triangle’s Campbell House.
Robert (Bob) Thompson was a prominent lawyer in Collingwood until his death in 2011 and Ricki is a retired art teacher who worked at Georgian Bay Secondary School.
As Ricki explained at the dedication ceremony, “I did not win the lottery. Bob and I were careful to invest well over the years, and when it came time last year to cash in my RIF (Retirement Income Fund), it became apparent that the benefit of supporting local charities was much more appealing than contributing to the government coffers by having to pay taxes on my RIF. As such, I was able to support Hospice Georgian Triangle and our local hospital, two important organizations for everyone in our community.”
Ron Emo, past chair of both the HGT Board and the HGT Foundation Board explained at the dedication, “The intent of the Sanctuary Garden was to create a private and tranquil space that our patients and families can use while they are here with us at Campbell House. Additionally, we will be able to use these sitting areas and outdoor 'rooms' in the good weather to host some of our support programming – whether that be grief and bereavement programs, caregiver support groups or one-on-one counselling sessions.”
Trish Rawn, interim executive director at HGT shared, “in the five years that Campbell House has been open, HGT has cared for over 800 patients and families within our hospice. The addition of this incredible garden will bring much joy and comfort to many, many people in the days to come, and we are very grateful to Bob and Ricki for making this possible.”
*************************
