Sunset Palliative Care, now in its 31st year serving Portage la Prairie and area, is still expanding its outreach and services. Executive Director Aldene Moroz highlights the organization’s focus on support that's always accessible, including its volunteer visits for individuals regardless of their palliative status.
Services and volunteer impact
Moroz notes referrals can come from anyone — family members, friends, or individuals themselves — to connect isolated residents with companionship. Volunteers regularly visit those in hospitals or at home, particularly when families are unavailable due to work or distance.
“Volunteers love to form a bond with that person as well as the family members. That’s something we’ve been doing for many years, and we want to continue.”
The organization also maintains a memory garden for reflection and remembrance. Moroz adds the space encourages visitors to “stroll through it, make memories, and maybe remember someone they’ve lost.”
Fundraising and future goals
To fund these initiatives, Sunset Palliative Care runs its annual Sunshine Raffle, now in its fifth year. This year’s top prize has increased to $10,000.
“We’ve upped the money people can win this year,” Moroz says.
The organization emphasizes community-driven support, aiming to address loneliness and grief while sustaining its programs through local engagement.