Cowichan Hospice House is looking for at least five volunteer gardeners to help maintain their grounds.
The gardens at Cowichan Hospice House create a beautiful outdoor extension of “The House that Love Built.” Patients and loved ones find peace, quiet and a connection to nature.
Made possible by the Rotary’s fundraising efforts (the first joint project involving all five clubs in the region) this space acts as a crucial part of the care and wellness for those spending their final days at the facility.
“Even for people who can’t be outside, the view from their windows of the beautiful plants, trees and garden features gives them a sense of spaciousness and nature, as well as the sense of being in more home-like environment than in a facility,” says Shelley Kuecks, Palliative Services coordinator at Cowichan Hospice.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Lake Cowichan Auxiliary, the purchase of a bariatric Broda chair will allow more patients to travel into the garden for fresh air and a change of scenery. This is yet another way to provide dignity and access to all patients of Cowichan Hospice House, which will allow everyone to be enjoy the therapeutic outdoor space.
Donna Kaiser, who leads the team caring for the gardens at Cairnsmore Place, says, “It is more of a green garden, which takes as much upkeep as the flowered garden,” she says. “The hospice garden is a healing garden, and we need upkeep to let patients keep enjoying it.”
Kaiser says that at least five more volunteers are needed to help keep up the Hospice House garden grounds. Gardeners work Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with coffee provided.
To inquire about becoming a hospice garden volunteer, contact Donna: 250-510-2225 or donnakaiser46@gmail.com