MIRANDA LIGHTSTONE
The 1510 West

The Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence celebrated a resounding success at its 26th Annual Valentine’s Ball, raising a record-breaking $730,000.

More than 400 guests gathered at the Château Vaudreuil on Feb. 14 for the annual fundraiser. The sum raised surpassed last year’s total of $680,000 by $50,000, setting a new benchmark for the event. In 2023, the ball raised $637,000.

“Your unwavering support allows us to provide not just care, but comfort, dignity and peace for our patients and their loved ones,” the centre’s executive director Dale Weil told the guests in attendance. “Together, we create an oasis where every moment matters.”

Weil attributed the fundraising success to the generous support of major sponsors, including National Bank, Pfizer Canada, Broccolini, BFL Canada, Merck Canada, TASK, Delmar International and Roxboro Excavation. The residence also welcomed new sponsors Jacques Maurice Group of Scotia Wealth Management, KRB, la Vie en Rose, Fiera Capital, Tenaquip, Bell Canada and Birkenstock.

The funds raised contribute to the residence’s overall annual fundraising goal of $4.5 million. The residence also relies on major gifts from individuals and foundations, mail campaigns, third-party events, planned giving and endowments.

In addition to the Valentine’s Ball, the residence hosts two other annual fundraising events: an annual golf tournament and the “Course pour la compassion.”

When asked about the increase in donations this year, Weil pointed to several factors:

“We are very fortunate to have a loyal group of returning sponsors and ball participants,” she said. “This year we benefited from some new sponsors and first-time gala participants. A very strong silent auction with wonderful new venues and art.”

“We are deeply grateful to this incredibly generous community who has helped us surpass expectations. As important as raising money, this gala is also about welcoming newcomers to learn about the residence, and we are very fortunate to have made some new connections that will help us going forward.”

The Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence is a non-profit organization providing free palliative-care services. With 23 beds, it is the largest palliative-care facility in Canada and a recognized leader in its field. The residence relies on community support and fundraising activities to raise $4.5 million annually, complementing its government subsidy.