Following the death of his wife in September, lan Steele has been on a mission to help the Mariposa House Hospice Cuddle Bed Campaign.
Steele, who owned a dental practice in Orillia for 37 years, has donated $3,000 to Mariposa House Hospice in memory of his wife Robin to help the end-of-life service purchase new beds.
"They have six beds, five are fully functional and usable, but the sixth isn't," he explained. "The beds were originally hand-me-downs donated by Simcoe Hospice in Barrie."
Steele has begun going door-to-door asking for donations with the goal of raising $150,000. Replacing each mattress and bed frame with "cuddle beds" will cost Mariposa House Hospice $26,000 to $33,000.
"The expandable beds accommodate a family member who can lay on the bed and hug a loved one in their final hours," Steele explained. "I personally would have liked to have this available to me when Robin passed."
So far, Steele has canvassed over 600 homes in Orillia. Even if it takes years, he says he won't stop until he's reached his fundraising goal.
"I'll pound on every door I can," he said. "Every donation is worthwhile."
While Robin was only in the care of Mariposa House Hospice for about eight hours, Steele said the care of the home made it "much easier" to say goodbye.
"Hospitals are great, but they work with the living," Steele explained. "They don't want to work with the people who are checking out. When my wife passed, I was just thankful for this place."
Steele says Mariposa House Hospice provided a quiet and private setting for his family to be together in Robin's final hours.
"We were in a large comfortable room while my wife was being monitored by qualified people," he explained. "No matter your social status, race, or religion, death is inevitable and Mariposa House Hospice is here to assist you through this unfortunate time."
Mariposa House Hospice executive director Ted Markle says the non-profit charitable organization is "blessed" to have Steele's passion and support.
"We couldn't be more grateful," he said. "It's important for us to replace the beds at Mariposa House Hospice."
"The beds that we're looking to purchase are known as cuddle beds and they're expandable so people can lie beside their loved one in their final days and weeks. We think that's core to what we do."
Each year, 50 per cent of residential hospices in Ontario start off the year with significant debt. Mariposa House Hospice relies on community donations to overcome any deficits, Markle says.
"A project like this, where we need $150,000 to replace our beds, is important," he said. "We are moved and incredibly grateful to have someone like Ian step up and give everything he's got to the goal."
To donate to the Cuddle Bed Campaign, click here.
