‘The need for this expansion is truly urgent,’ says co-founder of hospice which has reached just over 90 per cent of its $4.5-million target

NEWS RELEASE

MARIPOSA HOUSE HOSPICE CAPITAL EXPANSION COMMITTEE

***********************

Mariposa House Hospice (MHH) is within sight of the finish line for its ambitious capital expansion campaign, and a major local benefactor is stepping up to help the organization bridge the final gap.

The MHH Capital Expansion Committee announced this week that the campaign has reached just over 90 per cent of its $4.5-million target. To help drive the fundraising effort over the top, the JBS Foundation has committed a second $200,000 matching grant, effectively doubling the impact of every dollar donated by the community during this final phase. The JBS Foundation generously kicked off the campaign with a $500,000 matching grant last fall.

The expansion is designed to meet a growing and urgent need for end-of-life care in Orillia and the surrounding areas. For honorary co-chair Dr. Erika Catford, the project is about more than just construction — it is about addressing a critical gap in local healthcare.

“The need for this expansion is truly urgent,” said Dr. Catford. “In our most recent fiscal year, Mariposa House Hospice saw 45 ‘pre-service deaths’ — individuals who passed away while on our waiting list before they could be admitted to our care. These are 45 families who were unable to access the specialized support and comfort they needed during their final days. Expanding our capacity is necessary to ensure that we can be there for everyone who requires our services.”

The campaign has seen a groundswell of support since its inception, moving steadily toward the $4.5-million goal through a mix of private donations, corporate partnerships, and community-led events.

Honorary co-chair and former Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke noted that the city’s response has been a testament to its character.

“The momentum we are seeing in the community for this campaign is nothing short of incredible,” Clarke said. “Orillians and our neighbours in the surrounding townships have always been generous, but there is a specific energy behind this project. People recognize that hospice care is a vital thread in the fabric of our community, and they are determined to see this expansion through to completion.”

The JBS Foundation’s involvement has been a cornerstone of the campaign’s success. This latest $200,000 matching grant follows previous support, signaling the foundation’s long-term commitment to the hospice’s mission.

“The JBS Foundation believes deeply in Mariposa House Hospice and the profound work that is done within its walls,” said Terry Smith of the JBS Foundation. “We have seen the difference this organization makes for residents and their loved ones during life’s most difficult moments. We are proud to provide this matching grant to encourage the community to join us in making this expansion a reality.”

While the expansion will provide the physical space needed to serve more residents, MHH board chair John Mayo emphasized that the “bricks and mortar” are only one part of the equation. He credited the reputation of the hospice to the people working inside it every day.

“While we are focused on the growth of our facility, we never lose sight of what makes this place special,” Mayo said. “It is the dedication, professionalism, and most importantly, the compassion of the entire MHH staff that serves as the foundation of this organization. Their commitment to excellence is the reason Mariposa House has been so warmly embraced by the community. They provide the heart that beats within these walls.”

With approximately $400,000 left to raise to hit the final $4.5-million mark, the JBS Foundation match means that the community only needs to contribute $200,000 to trigger the full funding.

Donations can be made online through the Mariposa House Hospice website or in person at the hospice located at 1140 Brodie Drive. Every donation made now will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the JBS Foundation until the $200,000 goal is reached.

***********************