The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting Mariposa House Hospice hard not long before it’s scheduled to open.
The organization has cancelled its three biggest fundraisers — the spring fashion show, golf tournament and Hike for Hospice — all of which were to be held between April and June. The events would have brought it about $25,000.
So, officials are getting creative. Mariposa House Hospice has launched a campaign called Honour Your COVID-19 Heroes, using the hashtag #MHHCovid19Heroes.
It is inviting people to make a donation to the organization, which can be done here.
There is a spot on the donation page where donors can include the name of an essential or front-line worker, company or organization. Every morning, they will be recognized on Mariposa House Hospice’s website and social media pages.
“Since we’re in the health-care field, we wanted to be able to recognize front-line workers and COVID heroes,” said Christine Cox, who looks after social media for the hospice.
“We needed to do something virtual, so we thought this was a good way to recognize our local heroes and raise some money at the same time. Some of the front-line jobs are thankless," said Cox. "This gives people an opportunity to thank them.”
Mariposa House Hospice is still hoping for a late-spring or early-summer opening, but there is no specific date. When it is open, its operating costs will be about $1 million per year.
The North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network is covering half of that, so the hospice will have to cover $500,000 annually. Losing out on the $25,000 from the cancelled fundraisers is “a big hit for us,” Cox said.
The events were cancelled rather than rescheduled because “we don’t know how long this is going to last or what restrictions will be in place,” she said.
There is no minimum donation required for the Honour Your COVID-19 Heroes campaign.
“Not everyone is in a financial position right now to do this and we understand that,” Cox said, adding, “Anything at this point will help.”
Mariposa House Hospice will be a five-bed residential hospice at 1140 Brodie Dr. in Severn Township, just outside of Orillia.
To learn more about Mariposa House Hospice, check out its website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
