At Chilliwack Hospice Society, the new fridge enhances the experience of participants in grief support groups by making it easier to prepare and share meals. Whether it’s a pot of soup, a tray of sandwiches, or snacks and refreshments after a support session, food often plays a quiet but powerful role in creating connection and comfort.

“Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but when people gather to cook or share a meal, it becomes easier to talk, to listen, and to simply be together,” said Sue Knott, Executive Director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “These fridges may seem like a small upgrade, but it has already deepened the sense of community and care we strive to create in every one of our free programs.”

One program already benefiting is the Men’s Cooking Group, held the last Saturday of each month from 5–7:00pm. Open to men who are grieving the death of someone in their lives, this casual, confidential evening of cooking and conversation invites participants to connect with others who are on their own grief journey. Whether you’re an experienced cook or looking to learn new skills, you’re welcome. To join the men’s cooking group or learn more, contact Lucy Fraser, MSW, Director of Programs, at (604) 795-4660 or lucy@chilliwackhospice.org.

The fridge at Thrifty Boutique, located at #101–7955 Evans Road, was purchased specifically for volunteer use. Volunteers play a vital role in the Boutique’s daily operations — from sorting donations and merchandising to assisting shoppers. With a dedicated space to store lunches, beverages, and treats, the new fridge is helping make their time at the store more enjoyable and comfortable.

Chilliwack Hospice Society extends heartfelt thanks to the Distribution Committee of the Chilliwack Foundation for making these purchases possible and for its ongoing support of the Society’s work over the years.

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.

In addition to recognizing the growing needs in our community, the PieceMakers acknowledged the financial challenges that often accompany those needs. Their donation was made with the intention that it would support and strengthen our ongoing commitment to compassionate, community-based care.

Beyond financial support, the PieceMakers Quilting Guild also contributes in a deeply personal way—by donating handmade quilts throughout the year. These beautiful quilts are placed on the beds at Cascade Hospice Residence, offering warmth and comfort to those who are dying. After the death, the quilt is gifted to the surviving family as a keepsake — a lasting reminder of care, dignity, and compassion.

At Cascade Hospice, Chilliwack Hospice Society provides comfort care and skilled volunteer support to patients and their families. Our team offers presence, companionship, and practical help to those navigating the final days of life. The quilts from PieceMakers play a quiet but powerful role in that work.

“These quilts wrap our patients and families in comfort,” says Candice Quesnel, BSW, RSW, Palliative Services Manager at Chilliwack Hospice Society. “They represent the spirit of community care that makes Chilliwack such a special place.”

We are deeply thankful to the Chilliwack PieceMakers Quilting Guild for their kindness, generosity, and continued support. You make a difference.