The Hospice, Erie Shores Campus, has unveiled a new space for reflection and connection as it carries out the final wishes of a volunteer who passed away.
A bequest from the late Reverend Sandra Ann "Sam" Morris to the Erie Shores Health Foundation helped pay for a Wind Phone.
"The Wind Phone is a disconnected telephone that invites patients, families, visitors, volunteers, and staff to speak freely into the wind for anyone or no one to hear," explains a release from the foundation. "Whether sharing a memory, saying a prayer, speaking to a loved one who has passed, or simply releasing thoughts, the Wind Phone provides a quiet space for personal reflection."
Sam had hoped one day to bring it to the hospice.
As a former Spiritual and Supportive Care volunteer, she had a deep connection to the organization and its patients. Her dear friend Doreen Thibert, who introduced the concept to Sam, recognized the opportunity to honour her wishes.
"The love we feel for someone doesn't end when they die and neither does our need to feel connected to them," said Executive Director of The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, Katharen Bortolin. "At Hospice, we know that care extends beyond a person's final days, supporting the family, friends, and loved ones they leave behind. The Wind Phone offers a space to share unspoken words, cherish memories, and find comfort."
A ribbon-cutting ceremony last weekend brought Sam's friends together, alongside representatives from Erie Shores Health Foundation and The Hospice, Erie Shores Campus.
"Sam's gift is a beautiful example of how generosity can create a lasting impact," said CEO of the Erie Shores Health Foundation, Penny Bellhouse. "This thoughtful tribute reflects her commitment to caring for others."
The Wind Phone is located in the gardens at The Hospice, Erie Shores Campus.
