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.

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.

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.

Vince Merritt (left) speaks to audience while Thrifty Boutique manager Sandy Parker looks on.

Chilliwack Hospice Society volunteer Vince Merritt received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (SMV), awarded by the Governor General of Canada, on Wednesday, April 5 at the Thrifty Boutique. Mayor Ken Popove and Councillor Bud Mercer were present for the ceremony, along with Bob Besner, representing the Board of Directors for Chilliwack Hospice Society, and Sgt. Krista Vrolyk of the Chilliwack RCMP.

For the past 14 years Merritt has been volunteering for the Society at the Thrifty Boutique; helping with electronic repair and testing, repairing mechanical items, and welcoming and sorting items that customers have donated. He volunteered with Victim Services for the Chilliwack RCMP for 13 years prior to his time with the Hospice Society.

Chilliwack Hospice Society board member Bob Besner (right) speaks to audience with award recipient Vince Merritt at his side.

The SMV is the highest honour for volunteerism in Canada. To qualify for this award a person must have made significant, sustained, and unpaid contributions to their community in Canada or abroad. Nominees must have approximately ten years of volunteer service over their lifetime with one or more organizations. Significant volunteer work is work which has made a positive, lasting impact to the greater community and which brings honour to Canada.

For a more detailed description of the SMV, click here. The medal is accompanied by a lapel pin for everyday wear and a certificate signed by the governor general.

Chilliwack Hospice Society Executive Director Sue Knott and Thrifty Boutique Manager Sandy Parker presented the SMV to Merritt on April 5 after the store closed to the public in a private gathering for Chilliwack Hospice Society volunteers, staff, and invited guests.

During the award presentation Parker said, “Vince has contributed over 3500 hours in the past 14 years volunteering with the Chilliwack Hospice Society… Vince is one of the 105 volunteers here that inspire me to come to work everyday.”

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