A local real estate company is hoping to help build up an “important resource” in the community.
The Rossman Team recently made a $10,000 donation to Mariposa House Hospice and will be donating a portion of all of its future sales to the Brodie Drive facility indefinitely.
Jordan Rossman, who is also the driving force behind Why Orillia, a popular video series that shines the spotlight on local businesses and services, was introduced to the hospice when he went to the Severn Township facility to shoot an episode.
“I had the opportunity to tour their facility and immediately loved it,” Rossman told OrilliaMatters. “I had been looking for the right charity/organization to partner with for a while and instantly knew this was the one.”
He said his family knows the importance of such a service.
“I remember how fortunate my family felt when my father passed away that he was able to do so in the comfort of his own home. A lot of people don't get that experience,” said Rossman.
Mariposa House Hospice provides around-the-clock specialized end-of-life palliative care in a peaceful, homelike setting.
While the organization receives provincial funding, Annalise Stenekes, the facility's executive director, says the organization needs to raise about $600,000 annually to cover ongoing operational costs.
“They need help with funding right now, so it was perfect timing for both of us,” said Rossman, who explained he also hopes to bring awareness to the Butterfly Club that allows community members to make a monthly contribution to Mariposa House Hospice.
The initial donation and ongoing commitment from Rossman is a big help, Stenekes said.
“It’s something that we need our community to be involved in — supporting both financially and through volunteering,” she explained.
“It says a lot that Jordan’s team is making that initial donation but then making that promise of additional support because, for us, sustainability is huge. Not everyone realizes that residential hospices aren’t fully funded,” said Stenekes.
“It’s not just the financial support; it’s also knowing they believe in what we do, which gives us a boost,” said Stenekes.
“It gives us a higher sense of security that we’re going to bring in the donations we need to be sustainable.”
For more information about Mariposa House Hospice and the Butterfly Club, click here.
— With files from Nathan Taylor
