The Huron Shores Hospice is trying to normalize the conversation around death and dying.
Co-Chair Cheryl Cottrill said they're using $ 25,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s New Horizon Seniors Grant to implement programs such as Death Cafes.
Cottrill said its an informal conversation at a local coffee shop.to help people to plan for a good death.
"You just come in and talk about any topic around death and dying that you would like to, in a safe environment, and again, just to change the conversation and make it a little less awkward for people to have that conversation," she explained. "You're set up at tables, and you can start having a conversation, or we'll have some conversation starter cards on the table if people find it difficult to start that conversation.
"We're going to try to do them monthly or bi-monthly, depending what the community wants," she said.
The hospice operates a suite at Tiverton Park Manor and is fundraising to add a second bed.
The goal for Phase II is $235,000 to equip and furnish a second room and to have two years of operating costs in the bank before opening. To date, $60,000 has been raised towards that goal.
Huron Shores Hospice also has a long term plan to open a stand-alone facility in the Municipality of Kincardine, when Ministry of Health and Long Term Care funding becomes available, and when its fundraising goals are met.
