We acknowledge the unceded territory and ancestors of Coast Salish First Nations of Salt Spring Island & surrounding areas
who continue to use and steward the lands and waters of the Salish Sea.
About Us
We are a not-for-profit society that provides services for anyone who needs them on Salt Spring Island. We are a volunteer based organization led by a Board of Directors. We provide compassion and comfort for both the client and families.
Our History
Our hospice began in 1984 under the name of Bessie Dane Foundation in memory of Bessie Dane.
Bessie Dane moved to Canada from England at the age of 17 where she became a nurse. Her and her husband moved to Salt Spring Island when they retired and spent 30 years taking care of sick neighbours, doing whatever was needed.
After her death in 1984, Bessie’s friends started a hospice organization in her name, to continue the work she had started. The Bessie Dane Hospice Foundation of Saltspring Island provides support to patients recently diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, to those with a chronic or terminal illness, to their families, friends and other caregivers, and to persons recently bereaved.
Who We Are Today
We provide support & comfort for both the client and family through the difficult processes involved from life limiting illnesses and end of life and afterwards.
We have a palliative suite in Lady Minto Hospital and are the volunteer component of the Lady Minto Palliative Care Program.
In addition to the hospital, we also carry out our services in Residential Care and private homes.
We have concentrated on end of life care, grief support, vigils, ongoing education and training for members as well as providing information, education and awareness to the Community.
Our goal is to one day have our own hospice facility here on Salt Spring Island.