Mission Hospice Society

Anyone who knows Angel Elias, knows that she loves the community of Mission and is honoured to be able to live, work and raise her family here.

September will mark the 8th anniversary of Angel employed as the Executive Director of the Mission Hospice Society. When she began her career here, the hospice had a staff of three and offered very basic programs. As of now, they employ 5 staff members and offer bereavement support, child & youth bereavement support, as well as palliative support services  within the 10 bed Christine Morrison hospice, as well as funding all comforts and non medical needs at CMH

The Mission Hospice Society would not be where it is today without all the hard work of their dedicated volunteers.

“They are all amazing people,” Angel tells us. “The heart of our organization.”

Offering two training sessions per year, volunteers go through 40 hours of volunteer and bereavement training before they are placed in to the support system.

“Most people come to us because they’ve lost a loved one,” Angel says.

People often become hospice volunteers because they are moved by the compassionate care their loved ones received and they feel that they want to be able to give back. Volunteering allows them to contribute, be part of a good cause, and make their community a better place.

With approximately 30 new volunteers joining each year, the Mission Hospice currently has 110 active volunteers, and many of those have been donating their time, skills and services for over 25 years.

With many of their volunteers over the age of 60, they are all unfortunately in the vulnerable sector and cannot be put at risk at this time. Volunteers have suspended all activities working in the hospital and with the public, but have collaborated with Mission Community Services Society and are assisting with their frequent senior wellness checks.

The Mission Hospice Society has always been there to help individuals through the process of grief and loss and end of life transition, and are determined to maintain this support. They continue to provide all of their services, but programs have now transitioned online through applications such as Skype and Zoom. 

“Staff is still connecting with their clients.” Angel explains. “We are still here to provide the tools and resources necessary to help manage grief.”

The Hospice also depends on our communjity for their support. This global pandemic has suspended a great number of the events intended to raise funds to support the Mission Hospice. The annual Hospice Gala was scheduled for this coming Saturday and the cancellation is a financial devastation for this non-profit organization. Angel is hopeful that the Ride for Hospice event will still happen, providing public social distancing is still in effect.

Despite the current situation and the difficult times we are all experiencing, Angel knows that we live in a kind community.

“When there is a call to action, everyone steps up. People in Mission wear their heart on their sleeve.”

Angel and the entire team of the Mission Hospice Society hope that everyone is staying safe and would like to remind everyone that if anyone needs grief support, please do not hesitate to reach out.

If you are wondering how you can support the Mission Hospice Society during this difficult time, please know any donation made, regardless of how big or small, is appreciated beyond measure.

“We do a lot with very little,”  Angel says.

Mission, it’s our turn to do a lot with very little.

Let’s not only support our small businesses, but also our local non-profits.

“Do not count the days; Make the days count.” Mohammed Ali

Mission Hospice Society Website
604.826.2235