Grande Prairie Palliative Care Society in Grande Prairie, Alberta

We would like to thank everyone that supported our Virtual Memory Tree this year! We filled our tree with Memories of Loved ones and we raised a whopping $2,650 to support Palliative Care in our communities! #gppcsmemorytree #gppalliativecare #gp

We received a special gift in the mail yesterday. Thank you Sharon Johnson for your donations of shawls and hand muffs for the residents! They are absolutely beautiful! #gpcomfortcarebags #gppalliativecare #gpcompassionatecommunities

Thank you to NuVista Energy Ltd for your generous donation and continued support of palliative care in our community! #gpnuvista #gpcompassionatecommunities #gppalliativecare

Our community is AMAZING! A local quilting group work together each year to donate hand-sewn pillowcase to our hospice to make the rooms feel just a little more home-like. Thank you! #gppcs #gpcompassionatecommunities #gphospice

Let's show our community we care! This week is Universal Letter Writing Week. If you know someone who would benefit from a pen pal letter or if you would like to write a letter to someone email [email protected] and join our Pen Pal Program! #GPPCSVirtualPenPal #GPPublicLibrary

Sending a heartfelt thank you Community Foundation for helping us make a difference in our communities!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas! #christmas2020 #merrychristmas #seasonsgreetings #gp

January 10-16 is Universal Letter Writing Week! Have a loved one you haven't been in touch with lately? Want to express your gratitude to someone? Write them a... letter! After you're done, try reading an epistolary book! Written in the form of letters, they are great representations of the range of emotions you can find in a letter and the power of expression that physically writing things down can provide. Find a short list of some examples on our blog post here: https://www.gppl.ca//li/universal-letter-writing-week.html

Thanks to you our Virtual Pen Pal Program has continued to be an unprecedented success for 40 weeks! Your letters, cards, notes, stories, and videos have touched the hearts of 1000's of isolated community members weekly! Let's keep the love and support going for another 40 weeks! Email [email protected] to get involved. #virtualpenpalprogram #gp #volunteer #compassionatecommunities

WOW look at our TREE! The Memory Tree is really filling up with memories and love! Please keep the memories coming! You can comment below or pm me and we will add your memories to the tree! Here's how to participate: Post in comments or pm us your memory... Volunteers will copy your memories onto cards & hang them on the tree Watch the memories grow as we post updates each week! Click here to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/57537 #2020memorytree #gp #palliativecare #compassionatecommunities

HELP US FILL OUR 2020 Memory Tree WITH LOVE AND MEMORIES! Here's how to participate: Post in comments or pm us your memory Volunteers will copy your memories onto cards & hang them on the tree... Watch the memories grow as we post updates each week! Click here to donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/57537 #2020memorytree #gp #palliativecare #compassionatecommunities

What if... On December 1st, we all teamed up to ensure our community has access to FREE individualized grief supports in our area. Together, we can! ... On December 1st, we are asking you to give a few dollars in support of our $5000 goal. You can help launch this new series of Companioning Thru Grief Workshops with Marianne Hartman. By participating on #GivingTuesdayCA you will help us provide much-needed grief workshops and individualized supports, especially now, given the effects of COVID-19! Join us! Here’s how you can participate: Save the date - December 1, 2020 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates Share our #GivingTuesdayCA posts on social media Forward this email to your network Make a donation online on December 1, 2020

RAIN DOWN WORDS Upcoming workshops! Grief & Loss Writing to Heal Series NOV 30 DEC 07 DEC 14 7-9 pm DEC 12 1-3 pm *same participants ea week... Register: https://www.raindownwords.com/grief-loss-four-week-series Grief & Loss NOV 23 NOV 30 DEC 07 DEC 14 7-9pm via Zoom Grief & Loss NOV 28 DEC 12 1-3pm via Zoom GIVING TUESDAY IS ON DECEMBER 1ST & we are teaming up to ensure our community has access to FREE individualized grief supports in our area! #GivingTuesdayCA

Please join us on Nov 25thth for our monthly Death Cafe! To register please follow link: https://gppl.librarymarket.com/events/death-cafe-4 #deathcafe #palliativecare #gp

GPPCS is looking for new Governance Board Directors. We need your Expertise! Be apart of an exciting group, participate in the ongoing development of our strategic plan and policy development to ensure effective services, and assist in building positive relations among stakeholders and communities in the north to enhance palliative care! For more info email [email protected] TODAY! #leadership #compassionatecommunities #palliativecare #gp

Companioning Thru Grief - https://mailchi.mp/e360eb575458/companioning-thru-grief

The support of our community (individuals/schools/businesses/sponsors/groups) has made our Virtual Care program a success during Covid-19! We are excited to share that ALL 80 of our devices are being utilized by isolated community members and seniors facilities across NW Alberta, and our local Adult Day Program! As Covid-19 restrictions linger, this Virtual Care Program continues to grow and so does the need for more iPads and Google Nest Hub Max's. For more information on ...how you can help or donate please contact [email protected] #compassionatecommunities #gp #supportingseniors2020 #covid_19 #palliativecare #mentalhealth See more

Today we remember those who fought and still fight for the freedom of our country, our freedom. Covid has restricted how we gather so let us take extra effort to reach out to those brave men and women still with us and thank them personally. #remembranceday #military #weremember #veterans

Calling all teachers! Please share this post with a teacher you know! We are seeking students to write letters to our isolated seniors. For more information please contact [email protected] #virtualpenpalprogram #compassionatecommunities #teachers #students #school #volunteer

OH MY...Did not realize we were so low on pen pal letters to send out this week! Can you Help??? Please contact [email protected] to send a letter or for more information about our isolated senior pen pal program. #virtualpenpal #supportingourseniors #covid_19 #gp

SEEKING LETTERS FOR OUR SENIORS! We are now moving into week 35 of Covid-19 isolation and our pen pal program is going strong. A letter, card or even a short note can make the day of so many seniors still in isolation. Email [email protected] for more info #virtualpenpal #supportingseniors #compassionatecommunities #gp #volunteer #wecare

Let's Speak up!! On Sept 9th the Alberta government announced the allocation of $20 million to palliative care over the next 4 years. Please write to MLA Peace River, Dan Williams, to express the need for Palliative Care funding in Grande Prairie and surrounding rural communities. #palliativecare #gp #mycaremycomfort #whpcday20

Thanksgiving is always a wonderful time to reflect on the things we are most thankful for. We are thankful for you. Every day, we see and hear about your acts of kindness, compassion and your drive to support palliative families. Thank you and have an absolutely beautiful Thanksgiving weekend! #compassionatecommunities #palliativecare #thanksgiving #gp

Thank you to everyone that sent in Virtual Pen Pal Letters!! The residents and community members receiving your letters want to thank you for your thoughtfulness and hope that you keep the letters coming. Please email your letters to [email protected] #virtualpenpal #isolatedseniors2020 #covid_19 #gp #compassionatecommunities

Our Pen Pal Program is running low on letters! Help out isolated members in your community by sending a letter to [email protected] Over the last 7 months we have sent out over 750 letters to isolated individuals! Please help us continue this fantastic program! #palliativecare #isolatedseniors #COVID19 #penpals #gp

Thank you Linda Bonke for your donation of handcrafted wheelchair blankets! These items will go to palliative individuals in our community. #compassionatecommunity #palliativecare #gp #donate

Rotaract you are amazing! Thank you for your help!

This AHS resource offers free mental health support during Covid-19 https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17019.aspx #compassionatecommunities #covid_19

Interested in the virtual pen pal program but are unsure of what you would write about? It can be as simple as writing about what you did today or a funny story from your past. It can be a few sentences or a few pages, really the world is your oyster. Letters are delivered Monday through Friday and we are always happy to have new letter writers join the program. Contact Morganne @ [email protected] for more info! #GP #palliativecare #penpal #compassionatecommunity #longtermcare #nonprofit #volunteer

We received a beautiful donation of shawls for our Comfort Care Bags from the Stitch Club of Grande Prairie! They donated 4,547 items into our community this year! They are seeking yarn donations, if you can help contact Anne @ 780-513-0601 #volunteer #compassionatecommunities #donate

Today is International day of Older Persons! Take the time today to call an older person and hear their story. https://youtu.be/IfziND3eE28 #palliativecare #compassionatecommuinties #seniors #changethewayyouthinkofage #gp

We need YOU to help support isolated seniors! We are in need of letter writers for our pen pal program! You can make a difference for isolated seniors in your community! Contact [email protected] for info! #GP #palliativecare #penpal #compassionatecommunity #longtermcare #nonprofit #volunteer

Stay informed about what Palliative Care looks like in the North! #palliativecare #hospice #gp #compassionatecommunities

Come join us on Wednesday for this month's Death Cafe via zoom! #deathcafe #gp #starttheconversation #palliativecare

Our Society was very honored to have Marion Clarkson as one of our valued volunteers. She opened her home to new volunteers needing a safe place to learn about interacting with clients in their homes. Marion was an educator for many years and she continued life long learning as proven with her volunteering. One of the legacies that will continue Marions focus on education is through the new ML Clarkson Bursary (details posted on the website). This bursary is to provide finan...cial support for volunteer and health professionals to engage and develop palliative care in this area. Marion was a very generous donor and supporter of the Society. In this video clip, taped just a couple of months before her death, she demonstrated her commitment to us and her community. #compassionatecommunities #palliativecare #hospice #volunteer #donate #honoredfriend See more

Excellent source of information for any of us caring for someone during Covid-19

In the last six month our virtual pen pal program has delivered 700 letters to isolated members in our community and across Canada. These letters have helped show residents that their community cares for them and often it is the highlight of their morning. These letters range from long adventurous stories to the daily happenings of life. We are always happy to have more letter writer join the program. If you would like to be involved please contact Morganne @ [email protected] #GP #palliativecare #penpal #compassionatecommunity #longtermcare #nonprofit #volunteer

A heartfelt thank you to Val Clutton, her daughter Phoenix, and everyone who supported them by donating to their campaign! #hospice #palliativecare #compassionatecommunities #gp #amazingpeople

Death Cafe...What is that? If you have never heard of a Death Cafe and are curious please come join us. Its not morbid, its just regular people openly talking about death related topic that are relevant to them or they are curious about. There is no agenda, objectives or themes. #deathcafe #compassionatecommunities #palliativecare #gp

During covid GPPCS has been providing both iPads and iPad stands for clients in community and facility to utilize and stay connected with their family, friends and loved ones. Monday we will loan out our last available iPad stand and are seeking donations or funds to purchase more stands and iPads as we are preparing for the second wave of covid. If you are able to help please email [email protected] #palliativecare #compassionatecommunities #virtualcareprogram #covid_19

I am passing the GPPCS leadership envelop to Hope McNally, who is ready for the challenge! For 15 years this Society was a vital part of my life, helping it grow and change was exciting as well as challenging. I am proud of our accomplishments and as everyone knows, it takes a village to make things happen! I am profoundly grateful to the funders, sponsors, volunteers and especially to Hope for joining us 4 years ago, bringing her knowledge and passion to help further the awa...reness needed to enhance access to compassionate end of life care. Thank you Hope for taking on this role and for your dedication in advocating for all people to have access to compassionate end of life care in Northwestern Alberta. Stay strong and stay well! Brenda Finch

We had some lovely guests stop by this morning. These young ladies and their classmates at the Beaverlodge Day Care made 10 shawls to donate to our Comfort Care Bag Program. Thank you to Thorine Newman and your team! #compassionatecommunities #hospice #comfortcarebags #palliativecare #volunteers #youthvolunteers

The Hospice received the ultimate gift of connection today! Weyerhaeuser purchased and installed a Google Nest Hub Max for each residents room at the hospice. These new Hubs give residents the ability to connect with their loved ones, community and so much more all by simply saying Hey Google.... Once our job of installing the hubs was done we could hear laughter and music coming from each of the rooms as residents and their families were learning to use their new devices. One was listening to old Country music, one was asking google to tell them jokes and one resident was excited to be able to get the news just by saying Hey Google. What a great day! Weyerhaeuser #hospice #palliativecare #weyerheauser #compassionatecommunities #virtualcare

We are so grateful to the dedicated letter writers who have made our virtual pen pal program a huge success. Monday through Friday letters are sent out across northern Alberta and B.C to care facilities for there residents to enjoy as well as to isolated members in our community. These letters have helped with the loneliness isolation has caused and it shows the individuals that there community cares about them. Without the dedication of our community sending letters we would never have been able to have such a successful program. If you would like to join the virtual pen pal program please contact [email protected] http:[email protected]

Every morning during the week we send out letters to participants in our Virtual Pen Pal Program. These letters are a mix of everyday life happenings, stories of travels or adventures and greeting cards/notes. These letters bring an immense amount of joy to the recipients and although many are not able to respond they are happy to know their community cares about them. We are always happy to have more letter writers join our program. If you would like to be involved please contact [email protected] or [email protected] #GP #palliativecare #penpal #compassionatecommunity #longtermcare #nonprofit #volunteer

Staying connected with loved ones is vital during Covid. Many facilities and seniors have utilized our Virtual Care - iPad loaner program and our Virtual Pen Pal Program to stay connected with their family and community. If you would like to know more about our programs or to volunteer, become a recipient or donate, please contact [email protected] #gp #virtualcare #virtualpenpal #hospice #palliativecare #COVID__19

Our virtual pen pal program brings letters to isolated residents all over the north. The letters act as bridge between the outside world and the residents. Many facilities have expressed their gratitude for the pen pal program and state it brightens the residents day! We are always looking for more pen pals to write in letters for the program! Please contact [email protected] or [email protected] if you would be interested in participating! #gp #palliativecare #penpal #compassionatecommunity #longtermcare #nonprofit #volunteer

Please join us on Wednesday July 29ths Death Cafe via Zoom! To register please contact Jill @ 780-357-7473 #deathcafe #oliversfuneralhome #gppubliclibrary #palliativecare #letstalkaboutdeath

Today is International Self-Care Day! Here are 3 Simple Self-Care Ideas for People Who Are Grieving #1 Take a walk - physical activity can help your body release tension and pain. #2 Phone an old friend - One of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental well-being is to connect with other human beings who care about you. #3 Try a new hobby or activity - Activities, such as painting, knitting or colouring can help you activate the creative side of your brain, which can increase your well-being and resiliency. #compassionatecommunities #volunteers #palliativecare #hospice #seniors2020 #grandeprairie

Its been really strenuous during covid, our residents, seeing all this outside support from people all around the globe that dont really even know them, its really lifted their spirits. Having a Pen Pal gives a senior a way to feel needed, checked in on, and something to look forward to. Email [email protected] to become a volunteer writer! #virtualpenpalprogram #palliativecare #volunteer2020

Thank you volunteer pen pals for making a difference in so many peoples lives! With your dedication and support our letters reach over 5000 isolated seniors weekly. The gift of your time demonstrates to these seniors that they are cared for by their community and is the best gift of all. So please keep the letters coming! Letters or participation questions can be sent to [email protected] #compassionatecommunities #volunteer #virtualpenpals #palliativecare #virtualcareprogram #volunteerspirit #grandeprairie #supportingseniors #volunteerswanted

Thank you for the donation of beautiful fleece in the memory of Elsie Johnson. This fleece will be used to create shawls that will be placed in our Comfort Care Bags that are delivered to each new admission at Prairie Lakes Hospice. #compassionatecommunities #volunteer #supportingseniors2020

Wanted: Virtual Pen Pals with great pictures and stories! We are seeking additional volunteers to write letters to isolated seniors. A great story and/or picture can go along way in brightening someone elses day! Please contact [email protected] if you are interested or would like more information. #virtualpenpals #compassionatecomunities #palliativecare #volunteer #suportingseniors2020 #virtualcareprogram

Thank you Lorna for making our day a little brighter with your donation of beautiful shawls. We are looking forward to making someone elses day a little brighter by including them in our comfort care bags. #compasionatecommunities #supportingseniors #volunteers #comfortcarebags #palliativecare #hospice #volunteerspirit #palliativecarematters #hospicevolunteer #seniors2020 #grandeprairie

Thank you to our very special friends at Remaine Calm for donating shawls for our comfort care bags. We appreciate your time, thoughtfulness and effort to help support our comfort care bag program. #compassionatecommunity #supportingseniors2020 #volunteers #comfortcarebags #palliativecare #hospice

Wishing you a safe and happy Canada Day! #compassionatecommunities #virtualpenpalprogram #hospicecare #palliativecare

A Comfort Care Bag is given to every person moving into hospice. The intention of the bags are to help new residents and their families feel supported and cared for by their community. The bags are filled with goodies including a lovely fleece shawl in each. The shawls are good for a chilly evening sitting with a loved one or as a light wrap for residents who are seeking warmth. Due to Covid we are running terribly low on shawls. If you are able to help us with these items please email [email protected] #comfortcarebags #palliativecare #hospice #compassionatecommunities

Physical isolation is not easy on any one of us. For those living in a facility and not able to have the freedom of seeing families and friends, its even harder. With your help, physical distancing does not have to mean social isolation. Learn more about our Virtual Care Programs and Virtual Pen Pal Programs today! For more info contact [email protected]

We are loving all the great letters and fantastic pen pal sign offs. Some of our favorite ways to end letters include: * Sending virtual hugs * Take care and be safe * Thank you for taking time to read my letter * Bye for now, stay well... #virtualpenpalprogram #compassionsatecommunities #palliativecare #hospicecare #volunteer See more

Today is National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day. It is a day to get Canadians talking about cancer wellness, what it means to live well with cancer and encourage anyone living with cancer to seek out cancer wellness resources in their community. #compassionatecommunities #virtualcareprogram #palliativecare

Please join us at the GP Public Library tonight via Zoom for the Death Cafe. The Death Cafe is a safe place to openly discuss topics about death, dying, loss, grief and so much more. For more information please contact Jill at 780-357-7473 #palliativecare #grief #loss #compassionatecommunities #compassionateconversations

Do you have any Canada Day plans or traditions? Your new pen pals would love to hear about them. For more information on how to become involved or to send a letter, please email [email protected] #compasionatecommunities #virtualpenpalprogram #pallitivecare #hospicecare

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there near and far, but always close to our hearts, we wish you a very special Fathers Day! #compassionatecommunities

Have you been thinking about becoming a pen pal and are a little unsure how to start your letter? Here is a few of our favorite ways to start off being a great pen pal: * Hi its you your pen pal (insert your name here) * Dear friends or hello friends * Good day pen pal The next step can be to tell a story about your life, pet or trip, feel free to include pictures to enhance the story. For more information on how to become involved or to send a letter, please email [email protected] #compasionatecommunities #virtualpenpalprogram #pallitivecare #hospicecare See more