NEWS RELEASE
HOSPICE WELLINGTON
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The audience at Hospice Wellington’s fourth Embracing Beauty event this past Saturday at the Hanlon Convention Centre was treated to a glittering New York- style runway show featuring incredible fashions, stunning footwear and extravagant Avant-Garde hair styles.
But even in the midst of all of that glitz and glamour, no one would argue that the highlight of the evening occurred when Guelph personality, Paul Osborne, took to the stage to share his family’s very personal experience with Hospice Wellington.
Osborne, an education administrator, local sports writer, father of three and widower, told of his family’s Hospice Wellington journey three years ago, when his wife Susan chose to spend her final days on-site at the state of the art residence in Guelph’s south end.
Paul explains, “As a caregiver, a husband and a father, being able to lean on hospice in a time when I myself was existing in a fog and dealing with my own deep grief and pain was like being tossed a lifeline. Hospice and their team of experts lifted so many burdens, and allowed us just to be together as a family for those last few, very precious days.”
Hospice Wellington offers compassionate support and expert care to individuals and their families through the end-of-life journey both on-site at their 10 bed residence, and in the community at private residences.
“While there is no charge to our clients, Hospice Wellington could not exist without the community donations and support we receive to supplement available government funding,” explains Todd Fraleigh, Executive Director, Hospice Wellington. “We are beyond thrilled with the awareness and success of this fantastic fundraising event, and we are so grateful to Derrick and Julio and the team at Valentini’s for their hard work and creativity. They have tapped into a new, younger audience for us to connect with.”
Embracing Beauty was brought to life in 2013 by Derrick Rutherford and Julio Rodriguez, owners of Valentini Hair Design & Esthetics, and has since grown to become one of the hottest tickets in town.
“We travel throughout Canada and across the globe performing at industry hair, beauty and fashion events. That is something that the general public typically doesn’t get to see,” explains Derrick. “We thought it would be fun to share a little peek behind the sequined curtain with our clients in Guelph, and help raise awareness and funds for Hospice Wellington at the same time.”
The evening featured a New York style runway show, Avant Garde styling by celebrated Matrix Canada hair artist, Derek Wierzbicki, a live auction, and scotch tasting.
All funds raised at Embracing Beauty go towards supporting Hospice Wellington’s many community programs and services such as grief and bereavement care, counselling and services; art therapy; caregiver support and volunteer training.
About Hospice Wellington:
Hospice Wellington offers compassionate support and expert care to individuals and families through the end-of-life journey.
Our Community Programs & Services and our 10-bed Residence support a dignified transition from diagnosis to end-of-life for the person with the illness, and continue through the grief and bereavement experiences of the family, caregivers, and friends.
More than 300 volunteers and a small Community staff team, provided care in 2015 to over 700 palliative and bereavement clients and their families. More than 1,400 residents have been served in our Residence since we opened in 2010.
Hospice Wellington depends on community donations and support. While services are at no cost to the client, government funds only 55% of operating costs. The other 45% (approximately $1million) must be raised in the community each year.
About Valentini Hair Design and Esthetics:
Valentini’s Creative Director, Derrick Rutherford has assembled an elite group of trained professionals whose talent and flair have become notorious throughout the beauty industry. Each member of the Valentini team is critical in the overall success of the salon, and all work together to create the best possible environment for their clients.
Valentini Hair Design & Esthetics offers a full selection of professional services for men and women. The team features talented professionals who specialize in hair design (colour, style, texture and hair extensions) and spa services including eye lash / brow tinting, facials, manicures and pedicures.
All salon and spa services are performed with high quality and professional products.
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