Love and generosity filled Nativity Hall on Friday, February 14, as the first-ever Valentine’s Gala for Hospice brought the community together in support of Carefor Hospice Cornwall. The sold-out event, organized by Seaway Valley Entertainment, Country Catering, and The Fab Event Co., featured an elegant eight-course meal, live entertainment, a silent auction, raffles, and a memory wall to honour loved ones.

Jacqueline LaFave of Seaway Valley Entertainment, one of the event’s co-organizers, emphasized the personal significance of the fundraiser.

“Everything raised here tonight is going to hospice,” she said. “Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect time to hold this event. Many of us have lost family members who couldn’t be here today, and this is a way to honour them while supporting a great cause.”

LaFave shared a deeply personal connection to hospice care, recalling the compassionate support her best friend received during her battle with breast cancer.

“When she needed them, hospice was right there. They honoured everything she wanted and ensured she had a dignified passing. They are truly fantastic.”

The eight-course meal included a soup course, charcuterie, puff pastry, pasta, and a main dish, followed by a sorbet cleanse and dessert. Live performers surprised guests throughout the evening, culminating in a DJ-led dance.

According to Angela Labelle, Hospice Manager at Carefor Hospice Cornwall, the gala was a unique way to engage the community.

“I think this is a great idea, especially on Valentine’s Day,” Labelle said. “It’s a way for people to get out, support hospice, and experience something different.”

She highlighted the importance of hospice services beyond inpatient care.

“Hospice isn’t just a facility—it’s a service. We provide community support, caregiver assistance, and bereavement services. We’re there for families before, during, and after their loss.”

With an overwhelming response, organizers are already looking ahead to next year.

“We sold more tickets than expected,” LaFave said. “Based on the turnout and enthusiasm, we’re planning to go even bigger next year.”

December 7, 2024 – By Kim Burton-Schram, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Seaway News

With everything costing so much these days, some families struggle to find the extra funds needed to install the legally mandated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

With that in mind, Enbridge Gas and the South Glengarry Fire Department have partnered to provide 144 combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to residents in need.

Through the Safe Community Project Zero initiative, Enbridge Gas, along with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, have provided smoke and carbon monoxide units to 75 stations in Ontario.

“This program represents a $450,000 investment by Enbridge Gas,” said Anik Benoit, Community Engagement Advisor for Enbridge Gas. Benoit, Mayor Lachlan McDonald, Jamie Fawthrop, CAO of South Glengarry, Tina Castonguay from Carefor South Glengarry, Deputy Chief Jason Vaughan and Fire Chief Dave Robertson attended the announcement held at the Lancaster Fire Hall to kick off the program.

The goal to assist adults and families who need to ensure their homes are safe. Thanks to the Meals on Wheels program through Carefor, the Fire Department will be able to acknowledge and assist those who are housebound or cannot afford detectors. In addition, firefighters from South Glengarry will carry alarms in emergency vehicles should they see a residence requires a unit.

Each detector has a lifespan of ten years and does not need to have its batteries changed during that time.

This program has been supported by Enbridge Gas for 16 years with the aim to bring to zero the loss of life due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Over 100,000 detectors have been handed out through Ontario Fire Stations since the start of the program.