For the second year in a row, an Oro-Medonte community has come together to support a new hospice.
The sixth annual Endless Summer Social, hosted by Georgian International president and CEO Jamie Massie, was held Thursday evening at Braestone Estates Farm on Line 9 North.
Last year, the event at Braestone Estates, which was developed by Georgian International, raised about $15,000 for Mariposa House Hospice, which included a sizeable donation from Georgian International.
“We’re hoping we can do more this year,” said Sue Brooker, one of Braestone’s community representatives for Mariposa House Hospice.
She said it was important to continue to support the hospice, which will be built on Burnside Line in Severn Township, just outside of Orillia.
“A lot of us feel like (Braestone) is our forever home,” she said. “The idea of having a hospice in the area, where we’ll be able to transition to, if necessary, is really attractive to a lot of us.”
The nearest hospice is in Barrie, and the one that will be built in Severn will provide a closer alternative, said Devon Turner, also a community rep for Mariposa House Hospice and a physician who resides at Braestone Estates.
“End-of-life care needs to expand in general, and the need for one closer to home is really important,” he said.
Turner was “quite touched that hospice was chosen” to benefit from the fundraiser.
“I provided a lot of end-of-life care for people who lived here. It can be one of the most challenging parts of someone’s life,” he said. “We’re doing a really, really great thing to give back to our community.”
As it did last year, Georgian International donated all of the alcohol for Thursday’s event, with all proceeds going to Mariposa House Hospice. More than $4,700 was raised last year through alcohol sales.
Money was also raised Thursday through “horseshoes for hospice.” People could pay $10 for one throw or $20 for three. The closest to the pin won a gift basket worth $1,000.
In 2018, Georgian International committed to providing $10,000 per year, for five years, to the hospice. Massie said the event was a way for the company and residents to give back.
“You embody the spirit of your country, and you’re showing that by being here tonight,” he told attendees.
Si Lowry, who co-chairs Mariposa House Hospice with Erika Catford, thanked everyone for their support.
“We’re just thrilled that you have chosen us as your designated charity,” he said.
Ground will be broken at the site “very soon,” he said, adding, “Hopefully, we’ll have a fully furnished hospice by the new year.”
