On March 8th, the eve of International Women’s Day, the women of WINK gathered for our 2023 WINK Den to hear pitches from two amazing new programs at Humber River Hospital: the expansion of our Acessa ProVu program, a minimally invasive approach to treating uterine fibroids, and a new Hospice @ Home project, an initiative supporting patients who prefer end of life care at home.

After hearing each pitch, WINK members had the opportunity to meet and mingle with representatives from each program, including physicians, program staff, and grateful patients to learn more about each cause.

After a difficult deliberation, the WINK members cast their votes for which program would receive their combined gift of $65,000 – ultimately choosing Hospice @ Home!

Members were given the opportunity to mingle with each program and ask questions.

The group was also joined by keynote speaker Diane Clemons for an inspiring conversation about women in philanthropy, where Diane spoke of the inspiring women in her own life who have shaped her values. Diane and her husband, Michael, co-founded the Pinball Clemons Foundation and have raised over $15 million for marginalized youth.

Hospice @ Home

“Working with the older adult population, we see the challenges that arise during end of life care,” says Victoria Zefkic, the SCOPE and LTC+ Nurse Navigator at Humber River Hospital. “A time that should be spent surrounded by family and loved ones ensuring peace and comfort is often disrupted in a busy, stressful hospital environment. Hospice @ Home will provide a holistic approach to palliative care, right in the patient’s home.”

75% percent of patients have expressed that they would prefer to die at home, yet only 15% are able to do so due to limited hospice beds in our geography and limited supports provided through home care.

Keynote Diane Clemons (centre) spoke about the power of women in philanthropy.

Humber River Hospital will be collaborating with North West Toronto Ontario Health Team partner SE Health to pilot the innovative Hospice @ Home program. Hospice @ Home will serve palliative care patients with a specialized and dedicated 24/7 interdisciplinary team, consisting of: registered nurses, personal support workers, social workers, spiritual care, and other complementary therapists, going beyond what is provided through home care services.

“We will be using our funding from WINK to help cover costs associated with launching this pilot, transition support, nursing, complementary therapies, PSW services, medical equipment and supplies and volunteer expenses,” says Kathleen Kirk, Clinical Practice Leader on the Acute Care of the Elderly unit at Humber. “No price can be attached to the act of allowing a loved one to pass away in the comfort of their own home!”

The winning program Hospice @ Home will be using WINK funds to help launch their pilot.

Thank you to TD Bank Group for being an incredible sponsor for Women in Kindness!