The Altona palliative volunteer team recently received a $2,500 donation from the Manitoba Nurses Union Local 33 aimed at improving care and comfort for those facing end-of-life experiences at the Altona Health Centre and surrounding facilities.
Team co-ordinator Maria Nickel said the group recently became independent after separating from CARE Inc.
“We’ve developed a new board with Esther Friesen as secretary-treasurer. All our members are local and have had experience with death and dying. We’re passionate about keeping this team going and doing the fundraising and charity work that’s involved behind the scenes.”
The team focuses on providing compassionate support to individuals and families during end-of-life care.
“Our goal is to help patients, families and the community through education and support. We supply the palliative care room in the hospital and address other end of life needs in the hospital, personal care home, and community,” Nickel said.
Their current fundraising goal is to purchase a hospital-grade reclining chair for smaller patient rooms.
“Our large palliative care room, which used to be the birthing room in the facility, is now our designated palliative care room,” she noted.
“Of course, there are often more people that are in the dying process than we have room for in that one room. But we’re still very lucky to have our one room, especially outfitted for that here. The other rooms are much smaller, so we want to buy a narrow, cleanable, durable recliner that someone can comfortably sleep in,” she explained, noting these chairs cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
But the work goes beyond equipment.
“We’re also there to offer solace and act as a liaison between families and the medical staff,” Nickel said. “We’re fortunate to have nurses trained in palliative care through a program called Pallium. It’s a two-day education led by nurses and doctors focused on this kind of care.”
Having access to trained professionals is crucial.
“End-of-life situations can involve confusion and strong emotions. Having support from nurses and doctors who specialize in this area brings peace and dignity,” Nickel said.
She noted the importance of opening up conversations about palliative care, citing materials from Pallium Manitoba.
“We live in a death-denying culture. People worry that talking about palliative care means giving up. But naming the elephant in the room helps move the conversation forward and removes fear.”
Fundraising is vital to the team’s sustainability.
“We rely entirely on community donations,” she said. “People donate in memory of loved ones or make year-end contributions.”
An upcoming fundraiser during National Palliative Care Week will be held at the Altona Mall across from IGA, where donations of cash or cheques will be accepted.
“We’ll be there on May 5 and May 9. We can issue receipts for any donation over $25, and we’ve set up options for online and e-transfer donations as well.”
There’s also a charming incentive.
“One of our board members, Barb Bergen, donates crocheted critters as thank you gifts for larger donations. It was a big hit last year. We raised about $3,000 in two days.”
The Altona group includes 14 volunteers who bring both experience and heart to the team.
“These are people who have worked in health care or simply want to help others at the end of life,” Nickel said. “Someday it will be us or someone we love in that hospital room. Having a comfortable chair to rest in during those hours makes a big difference.”
She credited the local program’s roots to early pioneers like Peggy Martens and Elaine Friesen, who helped launch palliative care in Altona in the late 1990s.
Kristin Hildebrand, representing the nurses’ union, said the choice to support the team was an easy one.
“Every year, we choose a charity, and this year we wanted to keep it local. We know what this group is doing, and we know the need is real.”
As for the recliner, the team is still gathering estimates.
“We’re looking at around $3,500,” said Nickel. “We need to ensure it’s cleanable, durable, and fits through the doors. But it’s worth it. Something like this can bring a bit of comfort in the hardest moments.”
Until then, the team continues to offer what they can with the equipment available, backed by a community that’s stepping up to help them provide care with dignity and heart.
