Joan Beldam (left) with Sue Knott, Executive Director, and Phoebe

We were honoured to be the recipient of a $1,000 Lead Well grant from Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union, in late 2023. This special donation was awarded through Envision’s Lead Well program in recognition of Joan Beldam’s outstanding volunteer contributions. Joan selected Chilliwack Hospice Society as the benefactor of the award, reflecting her active involvement with our organization and others including Soroptimist International of Chilliwack and Chilliwack & District Seniors Resources Society.

“Donations like this truly make a difference,” says Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “We rely on the generosity of community members and partners like Envision Financial to help fund our free programs and services. This support allows us to continue offering compassionate care to families in Chilliwack as they navigate end-of-life journeys and the grieving process.”

In 2023, First West Credit Union funded 73 Lead Well grants, empowering their employees to support non-profit and charitable organizations that serve the most vulnerable in our communities. The program encourages staff to share their skills and time to help local organizations flourish — something Joan Beldam exemplifies through her many hours of volunteerism.

To Joan and to Envision Financial, thank you. Your support helps us continue to walk alongside people in our community at some of life’s most difficult moments.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

At Cascade Hospice, our skilled palliative care support volunteers offer their time, presence, and empathy to those who are dying and to the families walking alongside them. They provide gentle companionship, a listening ear, and comfort during life’s most difficult moments.

Volunteers are also essential to our grief and bereavement support programs, caregiver support, and Relaxation Program — offering emotional support, wellness practices, and meaningful connection to those navigating loss or caregiving.

We also honour the dedicated volunteers at Thrifty Boutique, our vibrant social enterprise. They sort donations, assist customers, create beautiful displays, and help foster a welcoming shopping experience. Revenue from Thrifty Boutique partially funds all of Chilliwack Hospice Society’s programs and services, helping ensure we can continue to provide compassionate care for all who need it.

All our programs are offered free of cost to adults, youth, and children in Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison Hot Springs, and neighbouring Indigenous communities. We accept new volunteer applications year-round at www.chilliwackhospice.org/volunteer. Volunteers supporting patients and clients complete our 35-hour Basic Hospice Training course.

To every volunteer: your kindness brings light, your care brings comfort, and your presence changes lives. Thank you for making waves where they matter most.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Marilyn Vik

Marilyn has been a steadfast volunteer with the Chilliwack Hospice Society, playing a pivotal role in organizing key fundraising events such as the former November Night Gala and the annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice. Her efforts in these events have been instrumental in raising essential funds to support individuals who are dying and their families. Beyond special events, Marilyn dedicates her time to the society’s Thrifty Boutique, where she serves as a cashier and curates appealing displays, enhancing the store’s welcoming atmosphere.

Before retiring from Prospera Credit Union, Marilyn led numerous community involvement initiatives in Chilliwack. Her outstanding volunteer efforts were recognized in 2012 when she became the inaugural recipient of Prospera’s Ron Sweeney Community Champion award. Additionally, Marilyn has been an active member of Soroptimist International of Chilliwack, working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs aimed at social and economic empowerment.

Reflecting on her commitment to the Chilliwack Hospice Society, Marilyn shared, “Chilliwack Hospice Society is my main focus. I have personally experienced a loss through cancer and have seen firsthand how this disease affects so many lives. Being involved with the patients truly is humbling.”

Marilyn’s dedication has garnered accolades, including the Stan Rogers Legacy Award at the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in 2016. Her philosophy that “volunteering is a way of living” has left a lasting impact on the community.

MP Mark Strahl, who had the honour of presenting the medals, remarked, “The King’s Coronation Medal offers a meaningful way to recognize individuals from across Canada who have made a difference. Today, in my capacity as their Member of Parliament, I was proud to present these medals to these outstanding constituents in my riding of Chilliwack-Hope.”

Marilyn’s unwavering commitment and selfless service continue to inspire those around her, making her a deserving recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and a cherished member of the Chilliwack Hospice Society circle.

I started volunteering there just after my mother passed away. We had gone on the tour at the hospice but unfortunately mom never made it there. They offer so many things for people who are grieving or need help along the way. So, I wanted to help support them by volunteering.

I grew up in Port Coquitlam then moved to Chilliwack to retire. I love it here. I am married with one daughter. In my spare time I love keeping busy knitting, sewing, acrylic and water painting, but my main passion is fused glass.

Juliana Verde

Hello, my name is Juliana, and I have been volunteering at Cascade Hospice since the beginning of 2024. My heart has always felt pulled toward caring for others. Being involved with the Chilliwack Hospice Society has provided me with a variety of training and volunteer opportunities that have enabled me to care for others in a more meaningful way. I value the connection I get to share with clients and their loved ones, and I appreciate being able to offer comfort and companionship in their experiences.

I am currently a student working towards a career in the human services field. My husband and teenagers have been very supportive as I have embraced my new role as a student, and we’ve all had the added benefit of having to strengthen our life-balancing skills. We enjoy spending time together outdoors and never miss an opportunity for a good marshmallow roast around a cozy fire.

I love working at the Thrifty Boutique doing displays, working the floor, and dressing mannequins. I also love the other volunteers, and meeting customers…some have become good friends.

I have been married over 50 years to my soul mate and have two wonderful and successful sons. I also have a beautiful granddaughter and a wonderful grandson. My husband and I enjoy driving our hot rods on rod runs.

In a former life, I worked in retail merchandising and for me, the fashion area was a natural fit. Thrifty Boutique allowed me to transition from employment to retirement and I’m enjoying every minute of it. I had heard many great things about Thrifty Boutique and they’re all true. Having volunteered for numerous organizations in the past, this is the most rewarding and fulfilling.

I’m a mom of three and a grandmom of seven. My spare moments are spent with my husband, Richard, my kids, grandkids, and my dog. Reading, Zumba, and yoga are my passions. In the fall, I hope to enroll in a couple of college classes and polish up my tap-dancing shoes.

In my business life, I am in a partnership with my husband and son as real estate agents. We recently opened our own satellite Re/Max office in Yarrow. It’s kind of a boutique too! Our only child is married with a beautiful wife and two gorgeous daughters who call me Nani! They are my pride and joy!

While not working, I enjoy walking with friends, working out at the gym and spending much time with my family! I feel blessed to have met such incredible people from my life journey so far and look forward to many more years of volunteering at the best little store around.

I have met a lot of people volunteering and have made some wonderful friends who also volunteer. I am privileged to work with great staff members Sandy, Stephanie, Lily and Danika to mention a few.

I have been married to my husband George for 37 wonderful years and together we have a daughter, a son, and two grandsons. In my spare time I enjoy walking my puppy, cooking, knitting, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Hi, our names are Jim and Jan. We have been volunteering at the Thrifty Boutique since 2013. We are one of the many husband and wife teams currently volunteering at the store. I work in the décor department and Jim helps in many areas of the store. We both enjoy helping make Thrifty Boutique successful while working with wonderful people.

We feel this is the best kept store in Chilliwack and it has given us the opportunity to give back for the wonderful life we have led. Jim and I have been married for 57 years, we have two daughters and four grandchildren. When we are not working at the store, we enjoy spending time with our grandchildren, traveling, dining, and enjoying life and family.