The Townsend Smith Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to establishing North Halton's first residential hospice facility. Incorporated in March 2011 and registered with the Canada Revenue Agency under the Income Tax Act, the foundation focuses on providing access to palliative and end-of-life care for residents in the Milton and Halton Hills communities of Ontario[1][3][5].

History

The foundation's origins trace back to 2007 following the passing of Ron Townsend, a retired district chief of the Milton Fire Department. His family recognized the urgent need for local hospice care to serve their community. They initiated fundraising efforts through events such as the Ron Townsend Memorial Golf Tournament. Similarly, in 2009, following the death of Tessie Smith, a well-known Tai Chi instructor in Milton who was unable to access hospice care in her final days, her husband and friends joined forces with the Townsend family. This collaboration led to the formal establishment of the Townsend Smith Foundation with a unified mission to build a hospice residence that would fill this service gap[3].

Mission and Services

The foundation is committed to filling the absence of residential hospice care in Acton, Georgetown, and Milton by building a dedicated facility to provide compassionate, dignified end-of-life care. This initiative aims to offer comfort and support to patients and their families during critical times. The organization also provides support and education related to hospice care, including free seminars for the community and those interested in end-of-life care and bereavement support[1][4].

Current Developments

The foundation has secured a property located at Trafalgar Road and 5 Side Road in North Halton, where it is engaging skilled architects to design and plan a 10-bed residential hospice. The project is currently in a capital fundraising campaign phase to finance construction and equipment for the hospice facility[1][3][5].

Community Involvement and Fundraising

Townsend Smith Foundation actively encourages community involvement through donations, volunteering, and participation in special events. Annual events such as the "Hike For Hospice" play a crucial role in raising awareness and funds to support the hospice project. The organization values volunteers who contribute skills and time to help advance its mission, fostering a strong community connection around hospice care[1].

Governance

The foundation operates under the guidance of a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee strategic planning and fundraising efforts. The organization relies primarily on donations and community support to achieve its goals[3][5].

This summary encapsulates the Townsend Smith Foundation’s commitment to delivering hospice care access in North Halton, reflecting its community-driven origins and ongoing efforts to build a dedicated hospice residence.