WIPCR relies on community

BY ELYSE AMEND

elyse.amend@transcontinental.ca

While many of us are looking forward to spring, the executive director of the West Island Palliative Care Residence (WIPCR), Teresa Dellar, said now is when donations start to drop off.

“We get very few funds at this time and the summertime, but we continue to operate 365 days a year,” she said, adding the summer months often prove to be the WIPCR’s busiest. “That’s when our funds are the lowest, and I think that’s true for every charity.”

Located in Kirkland, the WIPCR is a non-profit charitable organization that provides care to terminally ill patients during their final days. While the Quebec government contributes $684,000 to its annual operating budget, the WIPCR must raise about $1 million ever year to stay open.

Last month’s Ninth Annual Valentine’s Day Gala brought in $220,000, and the WIPCR’s event co-ordinator Andrea Gordon said they have a few new upcoming events they hope will garner community interest: tickets for the first-ever WIPCR lottery will go on sale next month and are $100 each. There are four prizes up for grabs: $10,000, $5,000, a cruise for two, and a big screen television. The draw is scheduled for June 6 and will be broadcast live on the radio.

The Eggs Benefit will also be back for a fourth year in April at Restaurant Chambertin in Pointe Claire. People can drop by the restaurant all morning for breakfast and make a donation.

“That morning is also for the community to come in and celebrate what we’ve done over the year,” Gordon said, adding more details and the date of the event will be available soon. She also mentioned the Villeroy & Boch home décor store in Pointe Claire will hold a special sale on May 19, with 10 per cent of sales going to the WIPCR.

“Community involvement is extremely important. We rely on it, and that’s why we also try to help out the community too, when we can,” Gordon said. “I think you have to have that partnership.”

The team at the WIPCR is not just focusing on this spring, but is also busy preparing events for the rest of the year, such as the annual fashion show and the wine and dinner auction, both in October, the Festive Home Tour in December, and next year’s Valentines Day Gala – which will be the 10th edition of this event.

Dellar also highlighted some of the fundraising campaigns the WIPCR has year-round, such as the Mother's Day and Father's Day campaign, where people can make a donation in a loved ones name, and the Companies that Care campaign, through which businesses can sponsor items needed by the residence.

“Absolutely, it is the community,” Dellar said. “The community is our driving force.”

For more information on the WIPCR’s fundraising events and campaigns, visit www.wipcr.ca.