Today (Friday) Prince George Hospice Society accepted a donation of three iPads and $2,000 from Paziuk & Associates Private Wealth Management, but more assistance might be needed.
The iPads from Paziuk & Associates Private Wealth Management will help the facility by connecting those who have fewer opportunities for face-to-face visits with their families and will improve communication for those who struggle to communicate in traditional ways.
“Right now it’s going to allow us to connect families, and connect with people in the community, it’s going to allow us to extend our reach further to those that need it,” said Donna Flood, Executive Director of the Prince George Hospice Society.
Jaymie Kohler, an associate with the wealth management company, explained he has a personal connection with hospice:
“My mom was actually here two years ago and she spent about two and a half months at hospice… They’re phenomenal. The staff were great, and the way they treated my mom was unreal.”
In addition to the iPads, Paziuk & Associates’ cash donation will support the purchase of an outdoor tent, which Hospice will use to host events and facilitate meetings for families.
However, Prince George Hospice requires about 2.5 million dollars a year to operate, is reporting donations are down about 44% due to COVID-19.
“Operationally what we do doesn’t change because of COVID, the care and compassion our staff give hasn’t changed,” said Flood, who continued “we’ve had to cancel some of our major fundraisers just because of COVID, and we also had to close down our store for two months.”
The result of COVID-19 has been a reduction in income for hospice.
Flood added Prince George’s Hospice Society would not be able to operate during COVID-19 without the emergency funding provided by the government.
However, the Executive Director’s outlook was optimistic as she said Hospice staff have remained creative.
Flood also hinted a major annual fundraiser will be making a return early next week.