Heartland Hospice’s dream of expanding hospice care in Moose Jaw has come to fruition. The project is the culmination of years of planning and fundraising efforts, and as of April 29, 2024, it has officially broken ground. 

“It’s been a lot of work and effort put in by not only our current board, but the founders of this organization Heartland Hospice back in 2014, and really Arlene Kolosky’s vision of what she wanted in here final days for a hospice.” said Angela Sareda, Chair of Heartland Hospice. 

Heartland Hospice executives, Saskatchewan Health Authority executives, C & S Builders team members, and Tim McLeod, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health all gathered in the Serenity Garden at Pioneer Lodge to mark the occasion. 

The renovations to the future hospice wing are set to begin on May 6, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of 2024. 

Heartland Hospice has held many fundraisers to bring the project to reality, including their most recent cabaret, and the organization has received support from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week for three years in a row, with the previous two raising nearly $72,000 for the hospice project. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of the community. We have such tremendous support from our community partners, such as the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health,” said Sereda. 

Generous donations from individuals have greatly assisted the project, including two separate donations of $150,000 each being made to sponsor rooms within the wing. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our community donors,” 

Businesses and residents within Moose Jaw also rallied in support of Heartland Hospice; with donations from Young’s Equipment, The Medavie Foundation, Golden West Trailer, Conexus Credit Union and dozens of individual citizens contributing to the project. 

“There are so many worthwhile causes today to support, and we really just want to acknowledge everybody that has supported Heartland Hospice throughout the last 10 years,” said Sareda. 

While the construction phase has begun fundraising is still underway, with the capital campaign currently sitting at $820,809 of their $1,000,000 goal.