About Us
What We Do
The Pictou County Palliative Care Society enables compassionate care of those living with a life-threatening illness for which no cure is available. It assists individuals being cared for in their homes, supplying essential equipment and supporting the delivery of care that emphasizes quality of life and offers relief from the isolation associated with living with a life-threatening illness.
We are not a hospital, nor are we a medical supply company. We are simply a group of volunteers who care about the quality of life for those who are nearing the end of theirs. Through community donations, we fill in the gaps left by the healthcare system, so they can focus on what really matters.
It is with great joy and gratitude that I step into the role of Board Chair for the Pictou County Palliative Care Society. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and passionate group as we work together to enhance palliative supports within our community.
As we move forward, I hope to engage our board in creative and meaningful ways, fostering new ideas that will strengthen and expand our impact within the community. We have a strong team, and there is important work ahead of us. I am confident that, together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need compassionate care and support within our palliative community.
With many iniatives already underway: PALS Palliative Support Group, 3C’s Caregivers Group for Palliative , In-Home Coordinator for palliative patient visitation and new initiaves coming soon. Coupled with our annual iniatives like Christmas Memory Trees, Remembrance of a Life, and throughout the year with our Death and Grief Cafes, we are positioned for much success.
I look forward to collaborating with each of you, and our community partners, as we build on the society’s successes and explore new opportunities for growth and service. Thank you for your commitment to this vital work of which this Society has been offering for over 35 years. “The little things matter”.
Warm regards,
Shawna
A note from our Board Chair to Directors and Community Partnerships
SHAWNA Coleman
Chair
SUSAN Matheson
Secretary
DEBBIE Williams
Associate Member
DOMINIC Boyd
Vice Chair
CARLA QuigIey
Finance
ANN DeCoste
Past Chair
+ Board Committees
Executive Committee
Shawna Coleman | Dominic Boyd | Tara Russell | Susan Matheson | Debbie Williams
Finance Committee
Terri Lynn DeLorenzo | Tara Russell | Carla Quigley
Governance Committee
Rob Roy | Terri Lynn DeLorenzo | Ann DeCoste
Fundraising Committee
Debbie Ratfliffe | Eion Dewar
Education/Communication Committee
Adam Camero |Shawna Coleman | Mark Firminger | Margaret-Ellen Disney |Dominic Boyd
Client Services Committee
Debbie Williams | Rachael MacDonald
Strategic Planning Working Group
Executive and Board of Directors
Nomination Committee
Ann DeCoste| Danny MacDougall | Shawna Coleman
In-Home Coordinator Consultant
Francesca Couture (with support from PCPCares, Aberdeen Health Foundation, Men's Prostate Cancer Support Group of Pictou County
+ Bylaws
Our Society is made up of Directors (12); Associate Members who are physicians, nurses, or social workers; Members, and Volunteers. This is a diverse group of individuals with a broad skillset and a desire to advance the objectives of the Society.
While all society members serve voluntarily, there is a group we refer to as Volunteers. These are the people who engage one-on-one with clients and their families, usually in the Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital. These Volunteers provide support, companionship, a listening ear, or whatever other service meets the needs for comfort at the moment. Volunteers maintain a supply of basics for the Unit kitchen and often bake and cook items for use by those admitted or visiting the Unit. Requests for Volunteers visiting homes in the community have decreased over the years as Home Care and other community supports have been established.
A copy of the written by-laws can be requested from the Chair.
+ Financials
The Finance Committee is pleased to let donors know that all funds and donations collected are 100% completely returned to the needs of clients in the community. We pride ourselves on complete transparency with full disclosure from the Accountants at the Annual General meeting as well as monthly reporting at all board meetings.
The conditions under which palliative care services can be offered have been highly influenced by the spread of COVID-19. We've had to adapt to offer additional needs for mental and physical assistance through our services. Our clients recognize the constraints put in place through Provincial and Federal regulations as well as the fact that they belong to a high-risk category.
Although our Society was not able to execute any planned fundraising activities in 2020, thanks to generous donors responding to our appeal letter in May and a Provincial and Federal grant, we are able to continue our services and expand them where necessary until at least the fall.
We will further rely on small and larger donations, through cheques, e-transfers, Canada Helps and PayPal to reach 2021 goals. Furthermore, if health guidelines allow, we will organize a small fundraising event in September 2020.
Partner ships
Partnerships
Our Partners
Our heartfelt thanks to our corporate partners and sponsors who enable us to deliver the best palliative care in Pictou County. These great people give their time, effort, money, or space to allow those living with life-threatening illnesses to be supported and comfortable in their own homes.
Contact us today to find out how your group can become a welcome partner of our Society.
