It’s September and for Huron Shores Hospice it means it’s time for the sixth ‘Handbags for Hospice’ annual Gala at the Kincardine Pavilion
The annual Gala brings together 170 women and men for a fabulous evening of handbags, appetizers, drinks, games, fun and fundraising to celebrate the Power of the Purse. This is the first in-person event in three years and, at the last Gala in 2019, the event raised over $160,000.

This year’s empowering evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a silent auction of over 100 designer handbags and opportunities to participate in the live auction for luxury experiences and getaways, as well as a wine wall, trivia game and a premium prize raffle.
The evening will once again feature the high-energy, entertainment-packed Layne the Auctionista. This event sold out in a few hours when tickets were released becoming the community’s must attend event!
Huron Shores Hospice provides quality end-of-life care, at no cost, to residents of Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Huron-Kinloss and surrounding areas. “Our vision is to create a world where end-of-life receives the same beauty, care and respect as the beginning, by creating moments that matter,” says co-Chair Cheryl Cottrill. “In addition to end-of-life care, Huron Shores Hospice also provides free programs for Grief Recovery, End of Life Doula services, Death Cafes and End-of-Life Planning workshops. Huron Shores Hospice is a charitable not-for-profit, volunteer-driven, community-funded organization, located within Tiverton Park Manor in Tiverton, Ontario.”
Community volunteers began meeting in November 2012 to bring a residential hospice to the Municipality of Kincardine, serving the residents of south Bruce County.
Then, in 2018, with tremendous monetary support from the community, Hospice opened the first suite at Tiverton Park Manor.
In 2019, community programs for grief support, end-of-life planning, Death Cafes and End of Life Doula services were added.
Last year, 2021, Hospice was able to open its second suite at Tiverton Park Manor, doubling the number of families that are able to be served.
“Since we opened the door to our first suite we have supported over 80 families, with a 100% satisfaction rating from the families we’ve been privileged to serve,” says Cottrill.
Services: The residential suites consist of a room for the resident, a private washroom and a private area where family members can stay with their loved one. The suite is staffed by Tiverton Park Manor professionals along with volunteers who assist the family with comfort care. Nursing staff is either on site or on call 24/7. Medical Director, Dr. Damian Gunaratne, provides care to residents in the hospice, in concert with the resident’s family physician.
Huron Shores Hospice first suite was funded entirely through local community fundraising and all funds raised to support Huron Shores Hospice remain in the community.
In 2020, the Hospice was provided with partial funding from the Ministry of Health, but each year, $310,000 must be raised in the community to keep programs and residential suites operational. “All donations made to Huron Shores Hospice stay in our community to provide quality end-of-life services to our local residents,” adds Cottrill.
How can you help Huron Shores Hospice?
- Pledge your financial support by donating on line at www.huronshoreshospice.ca or by mailing your donation to Huron Shores Hospice, Box 250, 24 King Street N, Tiverton, ON N0G 2T0. All donations are greatly appreciated. Tax receipts can be issued for donations over $20
- Spread the word to family and friends
- Volunteer – volunteer on the board, on a committee, provide comfort care in the hospice or help with administration and clerical work
- Donate – through planned giving, Legacy giving and memorial donations
- Attend our annual fundraising events – Hike for Hospice in May and Handbags for Hospice in September