Skip to content

Tip a glass for a good cause

As the Nakusp Hospice Society Coordinator, Geeraert is tasked with recruiting and training volunteers for this important role.

Trisha Shanks

Arrow Lakes News

When it comes time for a terminally ill person to depart this earth, there is a term for “being kept comfortable” — palliating. While their pain is being managed by medications, care of their emotional and spiritual needs is referred to as hospice. Having access to compassionate and supportive hospice during the palliative process is priceless. For many, it is a gift to be able to access volunteer hospice visits when the time comes. Hospice care in this sense is essentially providing company — not medical care or counselling of any type, but just being with a sick and dying person so that they are not alone. Making sure that there are enough trained, willing volunteers in the Arrow Lakes is the responsibility of Cindy Geeraert.

As the Nakusp Hospice Society Coordinator, Geeraert is tasked with recruiting and training volunteers for this important role. After volunteers are screened, they must complete a thirty hour training course. Geeraert needs to generate the funds to be able to offer the course to new volunteers. In the interest of creating public awareness and fundraising, Geeraert is holding an evening event on March 27.

She is hoping for a great turnout for the Nakusp Hospice Society’s first wine and cheese gala. Partygoers can expect a fun evening with entertainment and a silent auction while they sample British Columbia wines with artisanal cheese.

“We’ll have a variety of BC wines donated from Wine Mates and three to four micro brewed beers. Halcyon Hot Springs is helping to purchase the cheese and Overwaitea is donating bread and crackers,” Geeraert said. The silent auction features donations from a variety of local artists and businesses.

“Some have just come in and donated their work for the cause (without being asked),” Geeraert said.

Tickets are $40 and are available through Carson’s Corner, the Treasure Trove and Hospice members. The event is being held at the Senior’s Hall on March 27 from 6-9 p.m. For further information, call 250-265-7179.