By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
On February 9 of 2023, Kingsville resident Lennard Bickford learned his wife, Colleen, had two choices, go home or go to hospice after receiving a CT scan that revealed she had cancer. Just a few days later, she had a room with Hospice and passed away on February 24.
During her stay at Hospice, Bickford and son, Dave, were moved with the care Colleen received and the compassion they experienced. Wanting to give back in their wife and mother’s name to ensure anyone who needs to utilize hospice care gets the same experience their family did, they hosted the first annual “TOSS for HOSSpice,” last Saturday.
“They were very respectful,” Bickford said of the staff at Hospice. He added it was important to him to organize the tournament in his wife’s honour.
“She was our guiding light. She was the boss,” he shared fondly, standing by her portrait that was on display during the event.
He was grateful to everyone who came out to participate, businesses and individuals who provided door prizes, and to Armindo Lourenco for helping to organize the tournament. Without their support, the event would not have been possible.
Participants were urged to raise pledge dollars to get in on the play, with proceeds going to Erie Shores Hospice Campus. Any dollars raised for Hospice were welcome, and he hopes to not only continue the tournament as an annual event but wants to grow it, as well.
The event took place at the Camoes Portuguese Club Harrow, which not only gathered individuals together for a chance to play in a fun cornhole tournament in Colleen’s memory, it also provided an opportunity for representatives of Hospice to connect with community members about its services.
Deanna Bavetta, Community Engagement Coordinator for Erie Shores Health Foundation, which also supports Hospice, was pleased to greet those at the event, and noted special events hosted to help raise funds for Hospice are always appreciated and welcome.
Thanks to support, the first annual Toss for HOSSpice raised $5000 for Erie Shores Hospice.
Those who would like to make a donation to hospice can do so by visiting www.eshf.ca
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