INCORPORATION OF THE DELTA HOSPICE SOCIETY – 1991

The Delta Hospice Society was developed out of a need to
support families coping with the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness and those who are bereaved. It was incorporated in July 1991 in the province of British Columbia as a non-profit, community-based organization.

The Society was registered with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) as a registered charity with the ability to issue official tax receipts for the donation of gifts to the Society.

1992

• The first training for volunteer was implemented in the winter of 1992. Policies were developed and direct service to families began in the spring. Initially the program had 15 volunteers and focused on home and hospital visiting and twice yearly training programs for new volunteers.
• The first Celebrate a Life Campaign was held at Christmas.

1995

• The Delta Community Hospice Foundation was created to raise and administer funds to support the work of the Delta Hospice Society.
• The first Celebration of Trees corporate fund raising event was held at the Delta Municipal Hall.

1996

• The first annual Garden Tour was held to raise money for hospice. This was a partnership between the Evergreen Garden Club and Delta Hospice.

1998

• The Hospice Cottage Thrift Store was opened in the spring of 1998 and became a source of ongoing operating funds for the Society.

2000

• The office changed to a resource centre and re-located as the Delta Hospice Centre in the Tsawwassen Professional Building, providing better access and visibility and more space for outreach programs.

2003

• The Hospice Centre expanded its space to accommodate its growing outreach community-based programs. It became the Delta Hospice Care Centre.

2004

• The Society presented a proposal to Fraser Health for a Family Centre for Hospice Care.
• A service contract was negotiated with Fraser Health and Delta Hospice for a .6 FTE counselling position.
• The Hospice Cottage Thrift Store opened two evenings a week.

2005

CCHSA Site to Pilot Draft Hospice Palliative Care Standards

• Delta Hospice was one of 11 sites in Canada that participated in the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) pilot for the draft hospice palliative care standards. Delta Hospice was one of five community hospices and Delta Hospice and Canuck Place were the only two organizations in BC. Delta Hospice was able to provide valuable feedback regarding the volunteer component and other areas within the standards document. The CCHSA will be approving the standards in 2006.

2006

Accreditation Awarded

• Delta Hospice earned accreditation for meeting the standards of excellence in the delivery of hospice palliative care from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA). CCHSA since changed its name to Accreditation Canada.

2007

Letter of Intent Signed with Fraser Health

Capital Campaign launched in September

Created Communications Coordinator Position (.8 FTE)

• Delta Hospice was successful in signing a letter of intent with Fraser Health to build a 10-suite Hospice Residence and Supportive Care Centre on leased land adjacent to Delta Hospital. This integrated model of care will be unique to British Columbia. The Society will operate both facilities and will receive operational funding for the Hospice Residence from Fraser Health. Plans for both buildings were completed and the Delta Cares Capital Campaign was initiated with the goal of raising $10 million.
• A Communications Coordinator position was created to support both the awareness of programs and services as well as the capital project.