The five Cowichan Valley Rotary Clubs, The Ladysmith Camera Club, Cowichan Valley Camera Club and the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery have created a powerhouse team to raise funds for Cowichan Hospice and the Rotary Gardens through a Charity Art Auction
Artists for Hospice is Saturday February 29th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at 444 Parkhill Terrace in Ladysmith. Original photography and art will be auctioned off in a live and silent action plus there are 50 amazing $20 art bargains. All profits go to Cowichan Hospice Rotary Gardens, with a goal of $10,000 that evening.
The Hospice Gardens project is progressing steadily. Framing work has begun on the site, and it is ready for a roof and walls to be put up. The actual garden aspect of the project likely won’t happen until June or July 2020.
Gerry Beltgens of the Ladysmith Rotary Club said it was fantastic to work with all five Cowichan Valley Rotary Clubs, the camera clubs, and the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery.
“It is really fun working with them – I’ve been really enjoying it,” Beltgens said.
Beltgens is motivated to fundraise for Hospice Gardens because of his personal experience in the family grieving process.
“When my mother passed away, our whole family was around. It happened at home. It was such a beautiful send off,” Beltgens said. “When my father passed away, there was no place for him to go. There was no palliative care, there was no hospice. We ended up in a basement room that they cleared out for us. That’s where our family gathered. My memory of being with my father, and with my family are still really amazing, but the scenario was so different from the previous one.”
The gardens are being set up with all needs and abilities in mind. Families will be able to share their last days with their loved ones out in a beautiful environment once the Hospice Gardens are completed.
Tickets can be purchased for $35.00 from any Rotarian in the Cowichan Valley, the Hospice Society, Camera Club members, Salamander books, the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery and online at Eventbrite, Artists for Hospice.