Our History
The Delta Hospice Society developed out of a need to support families living with the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness as well as those who are bereaved. The Society was incorporated in July 1991 in the province of British Columbia as a non-profit organization. The Society was registered with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a registered charity with the ability to issue official tax receipts for eligible gifts to the Society.
1992
The first volunteer training was held in the winter of 1992. Policies were developed and direct service to families began in the spring. Initially the program had 15 volunteers and focused on home and hospital visiting and twice-yearly training programs for new volunteers.
The first Celebrate a Life campaign was held at Christmas.
1995
The Delta Community Hospice Foundation was created to raise and administer funds to support the work of the Delta Hospice Society.
The first Celebration of Trees corporate fundraising event was held at the Municipal Hall.
1996
The first annual Garden Tour— a partnership between the Evergreen Garden Club and Delta Hospice— was held to raise funds for the Hospice.
1998
The Hospice Cottage Thrift Store was opened in the spring of 1998 and became a source of ongoing operating funds for the Society.
2000
The office changed to a resource centre and re-located as the Delta Hospice Centre in the Tsawwassen Professional Building, providing better access and visibility and more space for outreach programs.
2003
The Hospice Centre expanded its space to accommodate its growing outreach community-based programs. It became the Delta Hospice Care Centre.
2004
The Society presented a proposal to Fraser Health for a Family Centre for Hospice Care. A service contract was negotiated between Fraser Health and the Society for a .6 FTE counselling position.
The Hospice Cottage Thrift Store added two evenings a week to its hours of operation.
2005
Delta Hospice was chosen as one of 11 sites in Canada to pilot the draft Hospice Palliative Care Standards for the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA).
2006
Delta Hospice was awarded accreditation from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (now Accreditation Canada).
2007
Delta Hospice was successful in signing a letter of intent with Fraser Health to build a 10-suite Hospice and Centre for Supportive Care on leased land adjacent to Delta Hospital. This integrated model of care was unique to British Columbia. The agreement included the Society as the operator of both facilities and operational funding for the Hospice from Fraser Health. Architectural plans for both buildings were completed and the Delta Cares Capital Campaign began in September.
2008
With the detailed plans for the Society’s capital project complete, fundraising for the capital campaign for $8.5 million was the focus. Roberts Bank business corporations and their business partners made leadership gifts of over $1 million. Two Delta families made naming gifts of $1 million each to name the Irene Thomas Hospice and the Harold and Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care.
By October $5.5 million had been raised and a decision was made to build both facilities at the same time. Construction began in November.
2009
Construction of the Centre for Supportive Care was completed in October 2009 and the Society moved to its new location on November 1. Substantial completion of the Hospice was reached mid- December
2010
In 2010 Delta Hospice contracted with Fraser Health for operating funds for the Irene Thomas Hospice, making Delta Hospice accountable to Fraser Health and its accreditation standards and allowing Delta Hospice to discontinue its independent accreditation.
The official opening ceremony was held in January and the first patients were admitted to the Hospice in February. Grand Opening of the Harold and Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care and the Irene Thomas Hospice. The shortfall in fundraising was approximately $900,000.
2011
In the first year of operation the Hospice served 140 residents, their families, and their friends. The Centre for Supportive Care had more than 6,000 people visit and more than 11,000 phone calls.
2012
The Music Therapy program for clients begins. Staff, volunteer, and client education options grow significantly with the in-house development and introduction of spirituality, mindfulness, therapeutic touch learning sessions and the introduction of complementary therapies.
The Thrift Store was renamed the Delta Hospice Cottage Charity Shoppe to reflect that Delta Hospice was a charity and not a ‘for-profit’ organization, as well as to reflect the high quality and value of donated items.
2013
Emphasis was on organizational accountability through reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services in providing client service.
2014
Pledges to the capital project were fulfilled. All debt incurred during the capital project was paid off.
2018
The Board called the membership and the community to identify Delta Hospice Society’s role in the implementation of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation. The Board informed Fraser Health that the Society will continue to transfer patients requesting assisted death to another venue for the procedure.
2020
Fraser Health gave a one-year notice to the Society that the Delta Hospice service agreement funding contract with Fraser Health would be terminated February 2021 without cause. The reason behind the termination was that Delta Hospice Society’s constitution did not allow the provision for medical assistance in dying. It was the wish of Fraser Health to have all hospice settings provide MAiD.
2021
The ending of the service agreement with Fraser Health triggered a default in the lease agreement and the Society was required to give up occupancy at the Irene Thomas Hospice and the Harold and Veronica Savage Centre for Supportive Care. Services still continue virtually, by telephone, and in person.
