MEDIA RELEASE December 5, 2025
Province provided two grants totalling $200,000 through the Province’s Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand Hospice Huronia programs
Penetanguishene, ON: On Friday, local MPP Jill Dunlop met with staff and volunteers from Hospice Huronia – Tomkins House to hear from them about the impact that two grants totalling $200,000 have had since receiving them last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The two $100,000 grants have helped the hospice expand supportive services and programs while meeting the highest national standards.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to Hospice Huronia on receiving two Ontario Trillium Foundation grants through the province. These investments will help ensure programs continue to meet the highest standards of care and best practice for those navigating difficult journeys. I’m inspired by their commitment to expanding outreach and enhancing support for palliative clients and grieving families earlier in their experience. The dedication of this organization strengthens our entire community, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion you bring to every family you serve.”
In early 2024, the Hospice learned it was receiving a two-year, $100,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant to help expand its Bereavement Support program and to also get out in the community to offer earlier and increased support to palliative clients. The one-year Seed grant, awarded last fall, has helped with staff costs in reviewing and ensuring Hospice Huronia policies and processes meet or exceed national standards as they work towards national accreditation. Both grants will be finishing soon, leaving Hospice Huronia – Tomkins House better equipped to continue to provide exceptional service to North Simcoe residents needing end-of-life hospice care or bereavement support.
“We are profoundly grateful for the support provided by the Province through the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The demand for bereavement services continues to rise across North Simcoe, and the Resilient Communities Fund grant has allowed us to expand our grief programs and reach more families when they need us most,” said Stacey Cooper, Interim Executive Director of Hospice Huronia. “Together, the grants have helped us grow responsibly and sustainably as we continue to provide the consistently high-quality compassionate services we are well known for.”
Hospice Huronia’s Tomkins House welcomes residents who are at the end of their life journey and support them and their families in a home-like setting. These services, its visiting volunteer program, and bereavement support services are free to all thanks to partial funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, grants such as these from funders like the Ontario Trillium Foundation, donations from its generous community, events and community fundraisers.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Media Contact: Stacey Cooper, Interim Executive Director | stacey.c@hospicehuronia.ca | 705-549-1034