HOLIDAY HEARTS
With the help of donors like you, we are able to give the gift of comfort. Your gift stays local, providing care to more than 150 residents and their families every year. By donating to ARCH, you directly support family and grief support services at Hospice. Every ounce of support helps. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you!
Our Story
At ARCH Hospice, the holiday season is a time of reflection, connection, and hope. With the twinkling lights on our trees, the delicious baking made with love by volunteers, and the festive activities that bring smiles to all who join in, every corner of Hospice is filled with the warmth of the season. As we come together, we’re reminded that the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped in paper, they’re found in the moments we share with those we love. It’s a time to create lasting memories with loved ones, wrapped in holiday magic.
Every year, we host a Holiday luncheon for our residents and their loved ones. Everyone gathers to enjoy delicious food lovingly prepared by our staff. This year, even Santa joined us! Moments like these, filled with laughter, shared meals, and simple joys, capture the heart of what ARCH is all about: a community united by compassion.
This year’s holiday campaign has faced unique challenges due to the postal strike, reminding us how much we rely on your support to make this season special. While our team works hard to create a festive atmosphere for families and friends to be together, it’s your generosity that truly makes it all possible.
ARCH Hospice is only partially government-funded, and each year we must raise $850,000 to sustain our programs and services. Donations made by December 31 will receive a 2024 tax receipt, making your gift even more impactful. These gifts are essential to ensure we can continue providing the care and comfort that families rely on. Every contribution, no matter the size, has a profound impact on our ability to serve those in need.
Please join our Holiday Hearts mission by giving the gift of togetherness. Your donation helps fill our Hospice Home with kindness, comfort, and joy, allowing us to continue creating moments that families will cherish forever. Make your gift today and help us make the holidays, and every day, memorable at ARCH Hospice.
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Cindy's Story
At ARCH, we understand that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. Each person’s journey is filled with stories, moments, and connections that matter, no matter how much time is left. Cindy’s journey was a testament to this belief, as she embraced each day with love and warmth, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.
When Cindy lived with us at Hospice, staff asked if there was a special meal she’d like to enjoy in her final days. Without hesitation, she chose king crab and prime rib. Thanks to a generous donation from Paesano’s, Cindy was able to share this meal with her loved ones, creating a moment filled with laughter and togetherness.
Cooking was one of Cindy’s passions, and she didn’t just want to enjoy the meal—she wanted to share it. With love and determination, she took on the role of “chef,” teaching our staff how to prepare the dishes she had perfected over the years. As laughter echoed from the kitchen, Cindy shared her stories and filled the room with joy.
In a touching revelation, Cindy later admitted that while she had chosen this as one of her final meals, it wasn’t her personal favourite. She prepared it because it brought happiness to those she cared about most. This meal was about more than just food; it was a symbol of the love and selflessness that defined her life.
Cindy’s granddaughter, Madison, beautifully captured her essence: “I spent the day scouring for pictures of my grandmother at ARCH, and I couldn’t find one single picture of her alone. I later realized that was just who she was and how she spent her days there—always with someone, always making someone laugh or smile.”
Before coming to ARCH, Cindy made a lasting impact in her community, raising over $36,000 through a fundraising event called “Raise the Roof,” which benefited both her church and ARCH. She lived a life of giving, and even in her final days, she continued to inspire others with her kindness.
“Tomorrow is promised to no one, so you have to make today a masterpiece,” Cindy often said, a reminder of the way she lived her life fully, embracing each moment.
Cindy shared not only wisdom, but many special moments connecting with staff, other families, and her loved ones. She left behind a legacy that lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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Andy's Story
Death is like the period at the end of a sentence—an inevitable conclusion. But before that period, there is a whole story to be lived. At ARCH, we believe that those nearing the end of their lives should still have the opportunity to experience the beauty of living, no matter how much time remains.
When Andy came to us in May, he was welcomed as a new resident at ARCH. Doctors had anticipated he wouldn’t be with us long, but Andy had other plans. What was expected to be a short stay turned into five extra months of life, love, and connection.
Though Andy was in a wheelchair, his spirit was anything but confined. He moved around the hospice with a sense of purpose, making his presence known in the most positive ways. He found joy in tending to the gardens, building new connections, and offering a helping hand wherever it was needed. One of his favourite spots was his own puzzle corner—a place where he would spend most of his time.
Not only did Andy make the most of his time at ARCH, he also touched the lives of others in meaningful ways. He frequently offered words of support, encouragement, and love to those facing loss. His smile and cheerful attitude brightened the hearts of everyone around him
Andy’s time at ARCH wasn’t just about enduring—it was about living fully, with joy, purpose, and an unwavering will to connect. His story is a testament to the idea that, at ARCH, life isn’t measured by the number of days left but by how we choose to live them.
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