Dear Readers,
I am reaching out to you today on behalf of Hospice Orillia to ask for your help. In light of our current Canada Post strike, many may not have received Hospice Orillia's recent Annual Appeal letter.
For the past 15 years, I have volunteered in their Bereavement Services program, and this work has transformed my life in ways I never could have imagined.
After losing my first husband, I felt a deep calling to help others navigate their own grief. I knew from personal experience that grief is a journey no one should have to walk alone. That’s why I joined the volunteer team at Hospice Orillia, and I’m so grateful I did. I’ve had the privilege of supporting countless individuals through their grief journeys, and each time, I’m reminded of how special this organization is and how vital their work is to our community.
Hospice Orillia serves our community with compassion and respect, helping individuals and their families face life-limiting illness or loss with dignity. Their bereavement groups offer a safe space for people to share their stories, support one another, and realize they are not alone in their pain.
Grief is not something that can be "fixed"—it takes time, and every journey is different. But the beauty is in seeing people slowly open up and find hope again. By the end of our eight-week sessions, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations. Participants learn to carry their grief differently—not to move on, but to move forward, holding onto memories in a way that feels more manageable.
The programs offered at Hospice Orillia extend far beyond bereavement groups. Below are just a few of the services available:
Bereavement Support Services:
- COPE Facility Dog Trooper
- Equine Bereavement Support
- Overdose-Related Loss Support
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support
- Peer Support Groups
- Peer One-on-One Support
- Youth Equine Bereavement Support
Visiting Hospice Services:
- Complementary Therapies, including Reiki
- Footprints Legacy Project
- Supportive Counselling
- Visiting Volunteer Services
All of this is made possible through the support of people like you!
As a partially funded organization, Hospice Orillia relies on donations to offer these vital programs free of charge to our community.
That’s why I’m reaching out to you today, to ask for your support. Your can help ensure that no one in our community has to face grief, illness, or loss alone.
I invite you to join our Heart-to-Heart program by becoming a monthly donor. Your monthly contribution—no matter the amount—provides ongoing support, allowing Hospice Orillia to continue offering bereavement and visiting hospice services to those who need them most.
I’ve seen firsthand the profound difference these programs make in people’s lives, and it’s all thanks to donors like you.
Please consider making a one-time donation or joining the Heart-to-Heart Club with a monthly gift to help us continue this essential work. Together, we can help individuals and families face these challenging times with dignity and compassion, always honouring their uniqueness within an atmosphere of confidentiality and respect.
To make a donation online please visit https://hospiceorillia.ca/annual-appeal-donation/. Donations can also be dropped off at the Hospice Orillia office located in the Orillia Common Roof building, 169 Front St. S., Orillia, ON L3V 4S8.
On behalf of the countless clients we have had the honour of serving, thank you, for your kindness, compassion, and support.
Should you wish to speak with someone regarding this request, please feel free to call Amanda Tevelde, Communications, Fundraising and Community Relations Specialist at (705) 325-0505 ext. 207 or reach out via email to amanda@hospiceorillia.ca
Warmly,
June Gunn
Bereavement Services Volunteer
Hospice Orillia
