Akasu Palliative Care Society Had a Meaningful Year

Akasu Palliative Care Society Had a Meaningful Year

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Akasu Palliative Care Society held their Annual General Meeting at Vegreville Anglican Church on October 18.

Chair Jenny Cooper said their team supports individuals and their families with understanding and compassionate care as they transition through grief, loss and end of life. They encourage strong community support, bereavement workshops and volunteer training.

“Accepting the role of Chair has surprisingly gone rather smoothly and I certainly appreciate all the kind words and support of the board,” stated Cooper.

“Akasu Palliative Care Society pursued during COVID following provincial and national protocol with continued contact and meetings through technology of Zoom meetings, the odd phone call and email. Board members are satisfied with the venue of Vegreville Anglican Church as a meeting place as it is casual, we have access to a kitchen and a comfortable setting. A small donation to the church was made at the September meeting.

Welcome to our newest member Jennie Johnston who has already taken part in the business of our operation, we are fortunate to have you. We say farewell and extend our very best wishes to our Treasurer Margaret Johnson who has moved to Edmonton. Margaret was very efficient as treasurer. Pastor James Lavoy is the Hospital Chaplin and has attended a meeting and receives our minutes for information.

In front row is the Executive from L-R: Ardythe Butler, Jenny Cooper, Anita Wilson. In Back row from L-R are the members: Margaret Johnson, Barbara Bienvenue, Carol Rudyk, Charlene Melenka, Bernice MacKoway, Viola Braun-Fox, Rhonda Ewasiw.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

There were many challenges during the last year regarding contact of various staff at Alberta Health Services as there was so many changes with the hospital/staff. With great persistence, finally, a hospital visit to ‘Alyce’s Room’ was made with the Shavchook family, three board members and the new site manager. All parties involved continue to work on acquiring furniture that is needed and also chair replacement for the original room.

Our board has discussed various requests made by donors in a very sensitive manner to ensure the decisions made are fair and just for today and future donations.

Christmas Service of Remembrance was chaired by Carol Rudyk and we all appreciate her efforts and coordinating with all the individuals involved to ensure once again the great success of this event.

Board members have attended various training/ courses and submitted the learned information to the Board. It is wonderful to report that two members will be attending a Provincial Grief conference in Red Deer and will report back to the rest of the Board. I am hoping we will be able to continue to attend similar conferences/training in the future.

Our society applied for a government grant to establish a website and though we were not successful, Charlene Melenka, Rhonda Ewasiw, and Ardythe Butler have volunteered to meet and discuss what we would like/need/finances and other things we will need for a website and will report to the membership as a whole once this is complete. Charlene Melenka is also the Manager of the Facebook page.

As chair, I did a presentation about our society to the Rotary Club of Vegreville and it appeared to be very enlightening to many of the members there. I also met with professionals from Autumn Rose Funeral Home and explained the difference of control of donations and that donations to Akasu stay in our community.

Upon reviewing the society bylaws of 1998, I find it amazing that three of the original co-founders: Carol Rudyk, Viola Braun-Fox and Bernice MacKoway remain with us sharing their experience, compassion and attentiveness. This is simply unprecedented and our society and community are so grateful for your 24 years of service.” Cooper said.

Cooper was elected Chair, Ardythe Butler was elected Vice Chair and Anita Wilson was elected Secretary-Treasurer.