Chatham-Kent’s hospice is commemorating its anniversary with an artistic rendering that honours a decade of compassionate end-of-life care in the community.
As part of its 10-year celebration, the Chatham-Kent Hospice unveiled a commemorative mural on the exterior of its Wellington Street East facility on Tuesday, painted by artist and Chatham native Kelsey Van Raay.
Van Raay, who lives in British Columbia, travelled all the way back to Chatham-Kent for the five-day process of painting the mural.
“It’s quite a full circle moment for me, both in my art career and in my life in general. It’s incredibly special to be coming back here and support a place like [the hospice] but also leaving my mark on a place that has influenced me in so many ways in my life,” she said.
The mural features an eastern redbud tree mirroring the one planted in the hospice’s courtyard, along with monarch butterflies representing the journey of life.
“We really wanted to make sure the theme was perfect and ideal, welcoming, and bright,” said Van Raay.
Hospice Executive Director Jessica Smith said the symbolism of the butterflies has a special meaning to those in the hospice community.
“We have a volunteer that raises butterflies and we’ll bring them here to hospice,” said Smith. “It’s become a bit of an annual tradition that during that time they’ll be given to residents and families.”
The mural was made possible through the support of CK Mayor Darrin Canniff and Councillor Marjorie Crew, and the Hydro One Councillor Ward Funding program.
During the unveiling, officials with the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation also announced that their capital fundraising campaign for kitchen renovations has raised more than $184,000 toward its $286,000 goal. The project is expected to improve accessibility for volunteers and staff, enhance safety and workflow, and create a more functional and welcoming environment.
For more information about the campaign or to donate, click here.