‘This is your home’: Matthews House Hospice unveils Centre of Excellence in Alliston
After all those years of fundraising and planning, the dream has finally become reality.
Hundreds of guests came out to celebrate the grand opening of Matthews House Hospice’s Centre of Excellence at 131 Wellington St. E. in Alliston.
The brand new $6-million facility features 10 beds for palliative care, along with a host of programs and services.
Hospice president Margo Cooney told the crowd the new facility will act as a place of “service, compassion and welcome” for those facing life threatening or life limiting illnesses, the bereaved and their families
“This is your home,” she said. “At some point in our lives we may need the care of Matthews House or we will know someone who will, and Mathews House will be here, ready to help at any time.”
She said none of this would have been possible without the tremendous amount of support the community has given to the organization.
“Our heartfelt thanks go out to our incredibility generous community, our benevolent corporate donors, our caring provincial, county and municipal governments, all of whom provided funds and resources to make this construction possible,” she said.
CEO Kim Woodland said the real job now begins.
“For us it’s about a new beginning, a fresh start based on a solid foundation of really great support from our community and volunteers,” she said. “We will be having chats and journeys together about living and living well before we die, because that’s what hospice is.”
The state-of-the-art facility, which began construction last fall, boasts a living room, kitchen and garden where families can spend time together, along with several other areas where guests can make and listen to music, draw pictures, take part in reiki and reflexology sessions, watch movies and more.
“You can do whatever you want to do,” Woodland said. “We will make sure your days are meaningful and pain free.”
The organization has raised all of the capital funding for the new building, but will require about $1.2 million every year to cover the operational costs.
To become a supporter or a volunteer, or to learn more about the programs and services, visit .