The family after whom the Stan Klemencic Care Centre is named was honoured as the second annual John Williams Champion of Care Award winner Wednesday.
About 100 people attended Hospice Quinte’s Champions of Care breakfast to honour members of the Klemencic family which donated $1 million to the organization in 2021.
Klemencic’s daughter Barb Toffelmire said the family toured the almost-finished hospice in Bayside and knew right away they would support the facility and its staff.
“He didn’t want to be in hospital or long term care and he always said no one should die alone. The hospice and their mission fit exactly what he talked about.”
Toffelmire went on to thank the hospice’s staff for their professionalism, along with the Board of Directors and the around 100 volunteers, for their selfless dedication.
“But we are very mindful that long before we came on the scene Ross McDougall and the late John Williams rounded up a team, an incredible team, and spearheaded a campaign to bring a hospice centre to our community.”
Toffelmire said she and her four siblings have 16 children between them along with 18 grandchildren.
“We look forward to a continued long partnership with Hospice Quinte in memory of our Dad (applause out).”
The annual award’s inaugural winner was Ross McDougall.
