Submission of the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA) conference “Imagine: Connecting Hospice Palliative Care Communities” for the 2014 Non-profit Innovation Awards Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations Prepared by Wendy Kurchak, Communications and Fund Development Coordinator, AHPCA

Imagine…

“Imagine: Connecting Hospice Palliative Care Communities” Conference

Passion

+Compassion

Passion +Compassion +Commitment

Passion +Compassion +Commitment Hospice Palliative Care VOLUNTEERS

In recognition, support, and celebration of the dedicated individuals and groups in Alberta’s hospice palliative care communities,

the volunteers and staff at the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association (AHPCA), located in Calgary,

invited hospice palliative care volunteers and professionals

Photo: comeexplorecanada.com from Calgary

and across the province Photo: comeexplorecanada.com

to gather at one time, “IMAGINE”

and in one central place, Photo: Weather-forecast.com

for Alberta’s first ever province-wide conference for community-based hospice palliative care groups to connect face to face!

“Imagine” was funded through a generous donation from the Eldon and Anne Foote Foundation

“On behalf of the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the “Imagine” Conference.” Terry Woytkiw, Board Chair

Volunteers networked,

shared their success stories and challenges,

and experienced new learning.

Why was the “Imagine” conference so important? “The delivery of many hospice palliative care services continue to function and thrive because of community based voluntary groups and their volunteers.”

“Volunteers are the way in which the community is involved at the most personal level in the care and support of the dying.” (Resource: N.S. Provincial Hospice Palliative Care,Volunteer Resource Manual )

And the impact of “Imagine”? “An amazing opportunity to network and come together with other likeminded individuals that have a passion for quality end- of-life care.” Participant

“Thank you for bringing the group together, initiating the conversations, and allowing people to “Imagine!” Participant “This was an awesome experience! The information and the networking are invaluable! Thank you so much for including us!” Participant

And the other impact of “Imagine ”? As the conference participants implement new practices of care and develop new support connections we will see ripples of change through their communities.

“Imagine…”

Innovation

“Imagine: Connecting Hospice Palliative Care Communities” together

“Thank you” for your consideration of AHPCA’s “Imagine: Connecting Hospice Palliative Care Communities” Conference for the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations 2014 Non-profit Innovation Awards