Canberrans are invited to take part in the $6 million expansion of Clare Holland House by contributing to a community appeal launched today by Cavalry Health Care and the Snow Foundation.

The expansion project will increase the hospice’s capacity by eight beds and service an additional 250 people from the Canberra region per year upon its scheduled competition in mid-2021.

The new community appeal invites Canberrans to donate to the internal workings of the hospice expansion.

Snow Foundation CEO Georgina Byron said inviting the Canberra community to become involved in the expansion would make it more special.  

“When we first started discussing the expansion project, it was important to us to open this up to the whole community so they could be part of it. We know many people have a lot of affection for Clare Holland House as a place they hold very dear to them,” she said.

“The $6 million is for the build and it is the extra touches funded by the community appeal that will make this place even more special. 

“It is the furnishings, furniture and fittings, along with gardens and landscaping that will enhance the amenity and environment for patients and their friends and family.”

The Snow Foundation committed $2 million to the project, while the remaining $4 million was funded by the Federal Government.

ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith welcomed the announcement, stating it was a positive step for palliative care in the ACT.

“Clare Holland House is well loved in the community due to its expertise in assisting patients and families achieve dignity and comfort, and in enhancing the quality of life for patients coming to the end of their lives,” she said.

“We know that our community is ageing and, with that, more people will need access to palliative care services; these expansion works will provide an additional eight palliative care inpatient beds to enable more Canberrans to access end-of-life care.”

Clare Holland House medical director, Dr Suharsha Kanathigod, said the hospice was grateful for the kindness shown from the Snow Foundation and the ACT community.

“We are, of course, also always here for the many families and friends who are part of the patients’ journey,” Dr Kanathigod said. 

“The Little Company of Mary was established in the 1870s to deliver care to the dying. Palliative care remains our passion and our specialty, and a community service we provide to this day through Clare Holland House – a service we intend to provide for many years into the future.”

The Clare Holland House Community Fundraising appeal is operating through the ACT’s community foundation, Hands Across Canberra. To find more information about the project and to donate visit www.snowfoundation.org.au

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