Since inception 8 years ago Bluewater International Granfondo has raised over $400,000 to support Hospice/Palliative Care in Sarnia Lambton with the focus on Palliative Care education. In addition, BIG supports Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
A significant amount of funds raised through the Bluewater International Grandonfo has supported the Bluewater Palliative Care Retreat (BPCR) which hosted its fifth event in the Fall of 2023. The BPCR is an accredited event attended by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, spiritual care providers and volunteers to hear presentations from world renowned palliative care leaders on topics ranging from the most recent advances in palliative care to the importance of self-care for health care workers. This focus on education allows for the development of knowledge and skills in those who attend while promoting working relationships and practices between palliative care organizations in the community. This, in turn, positively impacts all those who receive care from these organizations.
St Joseph’s Hospice has been supporting terminally ill people in our community as they face their illnesses since 2005. The Hospice also offers support programs for people who are caring for or grieving the loss of a loved one. In addition to this, in December 2009 St. Joseph’s Hospice opened its doors as a Residential Hospice on Christina Street Sarnia. This home-like, ten suite residence provides 24-hour specialized palliative care, free of charge, to people living with a life-threatening illness. The hospice is a non-profit organization serving Sarnia Lambton with a highly skilled professional staff, and over 375 volunteers.
Palliative Care at Bluewater Health is supported by dedicated palliative physicians and nurses who care for patients in hospital, community and in clinics. In addition to the staff that work on the unit, Bluewater Health has a full-time palliative care nurse navigator who provides basic palliative care and is a palliative resource and support for all staff. With strong partnerships between hospital and community, local and regional cancer centres, palliative care in Sarnia-Lambton focuses on patient and family-centered care that is compassionate, holistic, and individualized. The Palliative Unit at Bluewater Health was founded by Dr. Linda Bowring over 25 years ago and is named in her honour.
For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters have been championing the health and wellbeing of youth. They step in before it’s too late, to help prevent the physical and mental effects of adverse childhood experiences. They ensure children as young as 7 are supported by caring adults as they overcome these adversities, helping them to do better in life – physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and academically. Their events and initiatives along with their no-cost mentoring programs strive to reach young people who face adversity and are in need of an additional supportive relationship. This organization makes a difference in the lives of thousands of youth in the Sarnia-Lambton Community.