"Furniture for a cause" is a piece of the puzzle that brings comfort to those in need.
Multiple Rotary Clubs, including Okotoks, have been recognized for their contributions to furnishing resident rooms at Foothills Country Hospice, making them feel more like home.
A recognition ceremony was held at the hospice on Sept. 16, acknowledging funding from Rotary Clubs in Okotoks, High River, Stampede Park, Heritage Park, Calgary West, Centennial, and Sarcee.
The funding was used to purchase furnishings for the hospice’s new resident rooms, providing a warm, inviting, and comfortable space for residents and their families.
“Although the furniture is designed so it works with health and safety and medical requirements, it was specifically chosen to be comfortable and welcoming to families,” Frances Schwartz, Foothills Country Hospice Executive Director, said.
June Diment, board chair, noted that seemingly simple items such as couches and tables can have a significant impact in a hospice setting.
“A couch is not just a couch when it allows a family member to stay close through the night,” she said. “A table is not just a table when it becomes a place for photographs, for sharing meals with loved ones, for quiet conversations, and the memories that families will carry with them forever.”
The hospice’s new wing opened in early 2026, increasing its capacity from eight beds to 16. Diment said the expansion was about more than simply adding beds.
“It was about creating rooms that feel like a home,” she said. “When you’re in a hospice, they must add a lot of warmth and soften the clinical edges.”
The furnishings have helped create spaces where families can stay together, share memories, and spend time with their loved ones.
Kerri Ann Colby, Okotoks Rotary Club President, said that supporting the Foothills Country Hospice was an honour.
“This facility holds a deeply special place in all of our hearts, providing comfort, dignity, and sanctuary to individuals and families,” Colby said.
She noted that the partnership represents a symbol of community care, friendship, and respect between the clubs, and the hospice.
“We hope that these expanded spaces and the furniture within them bring peace and comfort to countless families for years to come,” Colby said.
Leave a Reply