Record Setting Night at Handbags for Hospice

Monday, 10 February 2020 14:33

Handbags for Hospice raised nearly $171,000 for VON Oxford's Sakura House after a record setting night two weeks ago.

WOODSTOCK - Handbags for Hospice raised nearly $171,000 for VON Oxford's Sakura House.

Sakura House is Oxford County's only residential hospice. This years event had over 860 guests, 28 sponsors and over 100 volunteers. The grand total from the evening was a remarkable $170,849, which is the largest amount raised at a Handbags for Hospice event since it began in 2011.

An important part of the event was the “fund-a-need” segment which asked guests to help reach a goal of $50,000 raised to build a beautiful courtyard oasis in the patient wing at Sakura House. In five minutes, this goal was reached. Together, more than 375 donors raised $55,924, to make this wish come true. The renovation of the courtyard has been on the VON Sakura House wish list for more than five years. VON Sakura House had a design of the courtyard completed in 2012 but the design never came to fruition because of the lack of funds.

President of VON Oxford John Goodbun says they're excited to move this project forward with the help of these special donors.

“VON Oxford would like to thank each guest, sponsor, and volunteer who made this 10th Handbags for Hospice such a success. We are incredibly grateful to the Oxford County community who continue to support Sakura House through the Handbags for Hospice event, ensuring that patients and their families receive the best care possible and are surrounded by beautiful spaces. Thank you to the 375 donors who will help us build a new and beautiful courtyard space.”

VON Oxford would like to thank the 2020 Handbags for Hospice Organizing Committee: Christie Birch, Jayne Brewster, Karen Culley, Kim DeGraaf, Nancy Howse, Cathy Lee, Sarah Pimentel, Jill Roberts, and Louisa Russell.

They also want to issue a special thanks to Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada as the Handbags for Hospice Title Sponsor.