Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. breaks ground on Welcome Centre

July 2018

Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. breaks ground on Welcome Centre

July 19, 2018

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. announced the expansion of their Erie Shores campus, located in Leamington, with an incoming addition of a state-of-the-art Welcome Centre. This was made possible through a generous donation Don and Kathy Mastronardi, in memory of their parents Umberto and Mary Mastronardi and Roy and Betty Hockaday.

On Wednesday, July 18, the Hospice Board was joined by members of the St. Clair LIHN, the Erie Shores Health Care, and the Leamington District Memorial Hospital for an official ground-breaking ceremony.

Joan McSweeney, Hospice Board Member and friend of the Mastronardi family, was ecstatic with the Mastronardi’s generous gift. She said the new building will allow the hospice to meet all of the needs it dreamed of: space for counselling sessions, programs, training, meetings, children’s play area and receptions.

“It will include an area where hospice programs can be offered to family members and patients, and to anyone facing life-altering diagnosis or for persons caring for them,” said McSweeney.

The Mastronardis have supported local events and community projects for many years through corporate donations and have continued their selfless way into retirement. The plans and drawings were designed by Dan Amicone, architect of Architecttura Inc., who also designed Erie Shores campus’ building.

Hospice Executive Director Carol Derbyshire says this new building is a dream come true for Erie Shores Hospice.

“Don and Kathy Mastronardi are the latest example of how truly wonderful the giving spirit is in Leamington,” said Derbyshire.

Currently, about 50 programs are being offered at Windsor Hospice Location. It will be beneficial to see the opening of the Erie Shores Welcome Centre, to alleviate the longer travel times made by families and friends from the County. The Welcome Centre will have two large adjoining rooms, one named for the Mastronardis and the other for the Hockadays, that will open into one grand reception area.

The building will be located south of the Erie Shores Residential Home, taking up a portion of the parking lot in front of the building. Other than the auditorium, there will be a pair of board rooms and storage rooms (such as knitting supplies for their avid knitters). The building will be entirely accessible.