The Peace Palliative Care Society was formed in 1989. The formation of the Society was spearheaded by Miriam Gair, who was, at the time, the head of the Home Care Department of the Peace River Health Unit. Miriam saw the need for involvement of family and trained volunteers to provide social and emotional support, in conjunction with the care from health care professionals.
A meeting of representatives from the Peace River Health Unit, the Grimshaw/Berwyn and Peace River Hospitals, Family and Community Support Services, Cansurmount, Peace River Ministerial Association, a self-help group called Friends of the Bereaved, and senior citizens gathered to set up the first meeting of the then called Peace River Palliative Care Coordinating Society on February 20, 1989.
The first year after its organization was spent researching other palliative care programs, what was available in the area at the time, and community needs that were not being met. By-laws were drawn up and the Society was registered with the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta as a Registered Charitable Organization in July, 1990, as the Peace River Palliative Care Coordinating Society.
In March, 1992 the Society held its first annual meeting, where a Board was elected consisting of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer and three directors. Workshops were held to train volunteers to provide assistance to people coping with past personal bereavements.
Our current Palliative Care logo was designed by Miriam Gair in aqua blue with black and white hands and golden wheat. Pins were made up bearing the logo.
A fund raising campaign was conducted and with the support of business, individuals and service clubs the Society furnished a palliative care room in the Peace River Hospital (old hospital along the river). The room was officially opened on April 28, 1993. Portable furniture was supplied to the Grimshaw/Berwyn & District Hospital. The Grimshaw/Berwyn Hospital held a special ceremony dedicating their furniture at the end of October, 1993. This furniture was to be wheeled into a room when needed by patients and families requiring palliative care services.
In 1993 the Society planned for its first pre-Christmas fund raiser in November and December called “Light Up a Memory”. Individuals purchased light bulbs in memory of loved ones and these were lit around signs in Peace River and Grimshaw. The money raised from this first campaign was to be used towards the purchase of a special hospital bed and to assist with the costs of equipment and drugs for those who chose to die at home. Today the Light Up a Memory campaign continues to be the main fund raiser of the Society.
In 1995 the Peace River Palliative Care Coordinating Society officially changed its name to the Peace Palliative Care Society.
Today the Peace Palliative Care Society continues to work closely with health care professionals in our area to ensure that the rights and needs of palliative patients to die in comfort and dignity are being met whether it be at home or in the hospital.