Rawlinsons donate $650K to Saskatoon end-of-life care hospice

A project to build an end-of-life care hospice in Saskatoon is getting a big financial boost, after a $650,000 donation from Gordon and Jill Rawlinson.

The gift was presented to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation as part of the Close to Home Campaign for Hospice and End of Life Care during a ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Rawlco president Pam Leyland says it means a lot to the Rawlinsons to give back to the community in this way.

“Gord and Jill felt strongly that it was about time Saskatchewan had its own free standing hospice,” said Leyland.

The Hospice at Glengarda is planned to open in 2020 on Hilliard Street in Saskatoon’s Exhibition neighbourhood.

It will feature private patient rooms, as well as gathering spaces — including living rooms with fireplaces, kitchens and dining areas.

The executive director of St. Paul’s Hospital, Karen Barber, says the community support for the Close to Home campaign will help support Saskatchewan residents in their time of need, and will help people live their lives to the fullest as they journey towards end of life.

“The donor support and the community support have been amazing and the Rawlinsons have given so much over the years,” said Barber.

Construction of the hospice began in May, while fundraising continues for the facility. The Rawlinson donation brought the total raised to more than $18.5 million.

Gordon Rawlinson is the owner and CEO of Rawlco Radio, with seven radio stations in Saskatoon, Regina and Calgary, including 650 CKOM and 980 CJME.