KIRKLAND, September 15, 2022 – Today, representatives of the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence (the “Residence”) gathered with donors, local leaders, Teresa Dellar’s family, and board members to celebrate their 20th anniversary, coming up on October 15th with an official inauguration of the Residence, two years after the completion of their consolidation project.
Almost two years ago to the day, the Residence unveiled its new name – the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence – to honour its late co-founder Teresa Dellar and closed its capital campaign and construction project- Caring & Sharing – Under one Roof. However, this was done very quietly due to pandemic restrictions.
As Dale Weil, Executive Director of the Residence shared in her opening remarks: “Today, we celebrate 20 years of providing the very best palliative care to those in need, ensuring fulfillment and peace in final days, with continued support for our patients and families, thanks to the generosity of our community. This is also an opportunity for us to officially, and finally, inaugurate the new Residence, which we completed two years ago and have awaited the opportunity to gather in greater numbers at the Residence.”
Outstanding community contribution
The major transformation of the facility would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the community through the capital campaign. From its initial objective of $12.5 million in 2018, the campaign successfully closed at $14.7 million in September 2020. And this incredible result was accomplished while the Residence continued raising its annual operating budget of close to $4 million.
The realization of a dream
The new, consolidated Residence, also home to the Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, is the realization of Teresa Dellar’s dream. Since its opening as a nine-bed facility in 2002, the Residence has had an exceptional evolution and has welcomed over 5,300 patients and more than 20,000 family members. Over time, it has emerged as an important leader in community palliative care, and today with its 23 beds, it is the largest free-standing palliative care facility in Canada. It is also now engaged in education and research to expand the capacity and quality of palliative care beyond its territory for more citizens to benefit.
Over its 20 years of existence, the Residence and its dedicated team of employees and volunteers have evolved, guided by Teresa Dellar’s vision and their determination to meet the needs of the community and beyond. Today, they celebrated their growth, milestones, and pride in having always stayed true to their guiding principle: We may not add days to life, but we most certainly add life to days.
“Inspired by Teresa, we understand the importance of dignity and compassion in the final days for patients and families, and the very special ways to deliver on that, both inside and outside our four walls,” added Dale Weil. “Thanks to the incredible clinical and operations teams that provide amazing care in all its forms day after day, families and patients continue to tell us how precious and helpful the time spent at the Residence is for them.”
Several West Island dignitaries and Residence honorary patrons also attended the event.
About the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence: The Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence is an independent, non-profit organization that provides services free of charge to patients and their families. The Residence relies on community support and fundraising activities to raise about $4 million each year to complement our government subsidy. With its 23 beds, the Residence is the largest free-standing palliative care facility in Canada and is recognized as a leader in its field. Since our inception, we have provided end-of-life care for over 5,300 patients and 20,000 family members.
***
SOURCE: Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence
Information: Elizabeth Huart, 514 972-4289 (cell) or ehuart@tdpcr.ca