HOSPICE HELP Pictured during the declaration at the Hospice office on Friday, July 18th (clockwise from top left) were Brad Bromley of Sobeys, board member Catrien Dainard, executive director Maria Kliavkoff and Andrew Rutledge of Pharmasave Cranbrook. Absent are Keith Irwin from Pharmasave Invermere and Adrienne Turner of the Ivy House and Columbia Garden Village. Photo by Dan Walton
By Dan Walton
Pioneer Staff
The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley hasnt lost any steam since its strong start last September.
There were two major announcements on Friday, July 18th at their Frater Landing headquarters the Hospice Society has been granted Charitable Status by the Canada Revenue Agency, and theyve teamed with two new corporate partners.
The new status shows that Canada Revenue Agency recognizes the Hospice dedicates its resources to charitable purposes, which will make the societys donors eligible for tax receipts. Before it was recognized as a charity, the Hospice Society was operating as a not-for-profit. Asked why the local society wasnt launched with a charitable status, executive director Maria Kliavkoff explained it was a long bureaucratic process. She said normally it takes between one and two years for an organization to exchange the paperwork and complete obligations.
Its a long haul and its not easy to get the status, she said. Hospice societies do often get recognized with a charitable status, but its not a rubber stamp.
Sobeys in Invermere and Pharmasave (both in Invermere and Cranbrook) are the two new sponsors, adding to the Hospices existing partnership with Golden Life Management and the Cranbrook Medical Equipment Centre.
Our sponsors recognize the importance of what we do, and theyre making a commitment to us over the long term, said Ms. Kliavkoff. Its a win-win situation; they want to be associated with Hospice and support something they believe in.
The Hospice Society has made over 270 visits to clients between Canal Flats and Spillimacheen since service commenced in September.
