Members of the Mariposa House Hospice board are breathing a sigh of relief after getting a $1-million boost from the province.
They had applied for a capital grant a year ago, but the election pushed the request to the back burner.
When Mariposa House Hospice launched its fundraising campaign in November, it had a “commitment” from the province that it would provide the $1 million.
“It was getting to the crunch,” said board co-chair Si Lowry. “We’ve got architectural drawings and other things done, but we didn’t have official approval (for the grant).”
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care released that funding this week. It will be added to the $2.3 million Mariposa House Hospice has raised privately from community supporters.
Another $200,000 is needed to meet the capital campaign goal of $3.5 million.
“Everybody’s just over the top with excitement,” Lowry said.
Fundraising has been going well since the campaign launch Nov. 14.
“Since then, we’ve already raised another $300,000,” Lowry said.
The five-bed Mariposa House Hospice will be built in Severn Township at 1140 Brodie Dr., just outside of Orillia.
Anyone who wants to contribute to the fundraising effort can visit mariposahousehospice.com, email [email protected] or call Sue Morris at 705-327-6191. Also, donations can be mailed to Mariposa House Hospice, P.O. Box 473, Orillia, Ont., L3V 6K2.
While money is important, it isn’t the only need. Services and labour will also be required. The board invites local contractors and building suppliers to an information session Jan. 9 at Kelsey’s in Orillia to learn about opportunities to contribute to the build. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information about this event, call Dave Carson at 705-326-3595.
