Face to face “from something to really something”

By Sean Frame

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County has announced that amount of money raised by their Face to Face campaign this year was more than ever.

Hospice Face to Face was launched 12 years ago by the vice president of St. Clair College John Fairley. The campaign aims to raise around $50,000 in the span of six weeks. Last year they asked 500 people to ask 10 friends for a donation of $10. The campaign was successful and raised more than $55,000. This year, according to Fairley, they decided to be

more specific. Transportation for hospice patients cost roughly $10 per patient and they transport around 6,500 rides. Their goal was to raise $65,000, but according to Fairly they far surpassed their goal.

“When I heard the number it was just shocking,” said Fairley who also hosts Cogeco’s Face to Face program. “I felt a feeling of gratefulness and reminds me of what charity is all about. Even
at their (Hospice) gala, they mentioned that the Hospice Face to Face is one of the major campaigns of the year. It went from something to really something.”

Laura Lemmon is the community engagement and event specialist for Hospice. According to Lemmon they had larger companies sponsor their campaign this year, namely Caesar’s Windsor, Windsor Chrysler and Overseas Motors. The transportation program is almost completely run by volunteers and according to Lemmon most of the drivers use their own vehicles. The money raised will go towards the transportation and other services offered in the wellness centre.

“We had a lot of help with the campaign this year, from Fairley who created the campaign and also the volunteers and canvassers who went door to door to raise money on our behalf,” said Lemmon. “We are so excited to announce the total to everyone tomorrow at our wrap up
party and start working on a plan for next year.”

Face to Face announced on Oct 22 that they raised more than ever with over $70,000.