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Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw has officially opened its new hospice palliative care wing at Pioneer Lodge, delivering Moose Jaw's first dedicated space for compassionate end-of-life care.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together health care leaders, elected officials, donors, and volunteers who helped bring the project to life after more than a decade of effort. The wing includes three fully furnished hospice bedrooms, a family room with kitchenette and library, a Sacred Space for reflection, and the outdoor Serenity Garden.
“This is a defining moment for healthcare in Moose Jaw,” said Andrew Will, CEO of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “We’re grateful to be part of a project ensuring individuals and families have access to dignity, comfort, and support in their final days.”
The project was led by Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, a community-run organization formed in 2014 following the vision of Arlene Kolosky, who advocated for quality hospice care in her own final days. Since then, the organization has raised more than $900,000 in capital and in-kind support. Arlene's family were present for the opening, which also included MLA Blaine McLeod, Mayor James Murdock, Karen Abry with the SHA, and former board chair Angela Sereda, who helped the organization reorganize as a registered charity in 2021.
Major donors included the Hetherington and Jameson families, who sponsored hospice rooms in memory of loved ones. Contributions also came from businesses, service groups, and individual donors from across the region.
“This is what happens when a community refuses to let go of a good idea,” said Tim McLeod, MLA for Moose Jaw North, Justice Minister, and Attorney General. “We now have a space built on compassion and community strength.”
Board Chair Sara Bryan also recognized those who made the project possible: “This hospice wing would not exist without the extraordinary generosity of donors and sponsoring businesses."
Bryan had a long list of names to thank, from Keon Garden Centre to Cypress Paving, primary contractor C&S Builders, Design Elements by Jillian, and many more.
"On behalf of the board and the families this space will serve—thank you.”
Heartland Hospice continues to seek funding for the completion of the project, as well as ongoing contributions to the wing and support for families and staff. Donations can be made at heartlandhospicemj.ca.
“This was built with intention and love,” said Megan Patterson, MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow. “And it will serve this community for generations to come.”