SWDPC hosts annual gala themed ‘Hope Grows Here’

The Stonewall legion was filled with compassionate community members and local dignitaries for a noble cause last Saturday evening. Nearly 240 supporters packed the hall, all driven by a shared mission: to elevate palliative care in the region.

South West District Palliative Care (SWDPC) hosted its annual gala evening celebrating compassion and commitment to providing essential palliative care. Guests enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner, prepared by dedicated legion volunteers and served by the Warren Collegiate varsity girls’ volleyball team.

This year’s gala raised more than $36,500, a significant boost that will help sustain vital programs offered by the organization.

The lucky winner of the online 50/50 draw was Stonewall’s Tyler Chatfield, who took home $2,295. The golden ticket draw — 10 crisp $100 bills — was won by Stonewall’s Paul Mulvihill.

SWDPC chairperson Sandra Smith introduced local dignitaries and special guests, some attending for the first time, as well as long-time supporters who have been integral to SWDPC’s mission over the years.

The evening wasn’t just about fundraising; it was about celebrating the community bonds that make initiatives like these possible while providing essential comfort during life’s toughest transitions.

SWDPC facilitates coordinated, comprehensive, compassionate programs for clients experiencing a chronic or terminal illness. The organization enhances the quality of a person’s remaining life through physical, spiritual, emotional and social support, not only to the client but also to their family and significant others or caregivers.

Trevor King, MLA for Lakeside, spoke of his deep respect for SWDPC, as his family used its services when his father was facing end of life. He addressed the gathering with words of hope.

“With this year’s theme ‘Hope Grows Here,’ the SWDPC continues to grow,” he said. “And it will continue to grow with you, the people that are here tonight, and organizations that continue to support this organization. Hope is something that comes with very kind words and maybe a touch of a hand and a hug.”

He congratulated SWDPC on the work it does for the community. 

“The SWDPC brings good comfort to our families and makes our community a better place to live.”

Mona Buors, minister of Métis Child and Family Services for the Manitoba Métis Federation, also praised SWDPC.

“Gatherings like this are more than events on the calendar. They are the heartbeat of community care, compassion and connection,” she said. “Since 1997, SWDPC has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing end-of-life journeys.”

For nearly three decades, the program has provided comfort, dignity and understanding during some of life’s most challenging moments.

“What makes this work truly remarkable is that it is powered not by fees or formal funding but by people — by volunteers who give their time, by community members who offer their generosity and by evenings like this one,” she said.

“Although the program operates in partnership with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, it relies entirely on donations and community support to deliver volunteer services, essential education and specialized equipment that make a world of difference for families.”

She added that this work aligns deeply with the strong cultural values of the Red River Métis community.

“Our nation has always placed family at the centre, caring for one another, honouring our elders and offering support in times of vulnerability,” she said. “Traditionally, we care for our loved ones at home, surrounded by family and community. But today, when living with family isn’t always possible, programs like SWDPC become an extension of that cultural responsibility.”

SWDPC helps ensure loved ones continue to receive compassionate, culturally grounded care, dignity and support when they need it most.

“Each contribution, each act of support helps sustain the kind of care that honours our past, supports our present and strengthens our future,” she said. “Your presence truly matters. Thank you very much for the work you do.”

Reeve Ken Mulligan of the RM of Rosser, Reeve Doug Oliver of the RM of Woodlands, Reeve Wes Taplin of the RM of Rockwood, Reeve Rick Chartrand of the RM of St. Laurent, Coun. Paul Humeny of the RM of Armstrong, Coun. Michael Hepples of the Town of Teulon and Deputy Mayor Peter Bullivant of the Town of Stonewall all brought greetings and thanked the SWDPC board for its hard work and dedication to providing care and making the end-of-life journey easier for families.

Taplin alluded to the theme “Hope Grows Here,” highlighting the resilience and strength that exist within the community and the incredible impact people can have on one another’s lives.

“In times of challenge, it can be difficult to see beyond our struggles,” he said. “Yet here, in this room filled with compassion and kindness, we are reminded that hope is not just a feeling. It’s something we can all build together. Everyone plays a vital role in creating an environment where individuals and families can find comfort, dignity and love during their most difficult days. We live in a community where compassion flourishes and no one walks their journey alone.”

Gwen Sharp, volunteer co-ordinator for Nav-CARE, a program sponsored by the SWDPC board, provided insight into the initiative as it reached the two-year mark.

“Two years was the benchmark for funding for Nav-CARE through Health Canada. And in those two years, we had goals that we were expected to meet — and we did it,” she said.”

“We started with zero volunteers and zero clients, and we now have more than 38 volunteers, 60 clients, have made 280 individual visits plus 400 volunteer hours, and in that first two years, we did more than 45 presentations.”

Nav-CARE offers support to individuals who may be going through a period of loneliness, have a chronic condition or are in declining health. Clients do not need to be palliative, and support is offered at no cost. The support is social in nature, focusing on improving quality of life.

Volunteers assist with navigating available resources to allow individuals to live in their homes longer. The service includes consistent visits from a dedicated volunteer who helps re-engage clients in hobbies and other interests, helps relieve feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety, assists in finding resources for individual needs, provides a listening ear, a friend and ally to clients and their families, and helps clients get where they need to go.

Looking ahead to 2026, as Nav-CARE enters its third year of service, increased uptake and awareness are expected. Ongoing education, outreach and followups will remain central to Nav-CARE’s work as it continues to connect with the communities it serves.

Bob Beck with the Interlake Community Foundation presented SWDPC with a cheque for $5,000 raised at the Ralph Eichler Charity Golf Tournament hosted in June. The annual tournament splits funds between SWDPC and the Interlake Community Foundation.

Following speeches and presentations, the dance floor filled as Night Train provided the evening’s music.

SWDPC will host two Evenings of Remembrance this year: on Nov. 30 at Woodlands Oak Park Estates at 2 p.m. and at Lions Manor at 7 p.m.

For more information or to make a donation to SWDPC, email admin@swdpc.com. For more information on the Nav-CARE program, contact Sharp at navcare@swdpc.com