Sunset Palliative Care has entered its 31st year of offering compassionate end-of-life support to Portage la Prairie and the surrounding area. Executive director Aldene Moroz says the non-profit continues to grow thanks to strong local support and the dedication of its volunteers.
Founded in 1994 by Dr. Kenn and Joyce Collier, the organization began humbly, with coordinators working from home. Today, it operates out of the Herman Prior Activity Centre under the leadership of board chair Dr. David Kinnear. Current board members include Kathy Hogue, Emily Gray, Lori Bachalo, Caitlin Giercke, and Julie Baker.
Sunset’s 42 volunteers provide a wide range of services—from friendly visits and comfort care at home or in health facilities to grief support programs and twice-yearly training sessions. They also assist with fundraising events, including the annual Christmas Dinner of Hope and the popular Rainbow Auction in August.
Helping hands and lasting connections
Moroz notes that not all clients are in palliative care when they’re referred.
“A lot of family members will refer people that they feel need a friendly visit. Even if you're not palliative… families are out of town, people are still working, and they need someone to go in and visit their loved ones.”
She adds that volunteers often form strong connections with those they visit, offering emotional support to clients and families alike.
A place to remember and reflect
One of Sunset’s most cherished initiatives is the Memory Garden at Island Park, which recently underwent a major expansion. Designed as a peaceful sanctuary, the garden includes benches positioned to overlook the lake, nearby playground, and walking paths.
The space is used for private visits, meaningful conversations, and memorial gatherings. Families can have loved ones' names engraved on a commemorative monument for a modest fee. The garden also serves as a venue for celebrations of life and other ceremonies.
Moroz continues:
“We want people to go over to the Memory Garden and enjoy it and stroll through it and make some memories of their own over there, and maybe remember that person that they've lost.”
Related stories:
- Sunset Palliative Care at halfway mark for Memory Garden expansion
- Sunset Palliative Care Celebrates Milestone
Sunshine raffle returns with bigger prizes
Sunset’s 2025 Sunshine Raffle is now underway, offering residents a chance to win one of several cash prizes while supporting palliative care services. The top prize is $10,000, with additional draws for $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000. A $1,000 early bird prize will be drawn on May 16, followed by the main draw on June 26. Four free tickets for the 2026 raffle are also included in the draw.
Fewer than 500 of the 1,000 printed tickets remain. Moroz encourages early purchases to avoid disappointment.
“Just under 500 have been… that we have available. For $50, you're supporting palliative care. You never know when you're going to need it, and we really feel it's important for this community to step up this year.”
Tickets are available at the Herman Prior Centre, Foil Hair Salon, and MacGregor Health Centre, or through Sunset volunteers. Buyers can also e-transfer $50 to info@sunsetpalliativecare.org with their name and cellphone number to receive a digital ticket.
New legacy funds bolster future care
In 2024, the Community Foundation of Portage la Prairie created two new designated funds in support of Sunset Palliative Care. The Mount Carmel Preceptory #44 Fund will direct annual investment income toward the organization’s future work in the new Portage District General Hospital’s palliative unit, which includes six rooms, a family lounge, and rooftop garden.
The Dale & Karen Braden Family Fund also supports Sunset’s programs. Dale Braden received care in Sunset’s designated hospital suite, and Moroz says the gift honours his memory while helping others.
These are open-designated funds, allowing anyone to contribute at any time in any amount.
Palliative care services are always free to individuals and their families. For more information or to refer someone, call 204-857-3746 or email info@sunsetpalliativecare.org.