JARVIS — “Everyone’s last breath is as sacred as their first.”
These words guide Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice Executive Director Andrea Binkle in her mission to expand hospice palliative care across the two counties.
With over 40 years of experience as a registered nurse and more than two decades dedicated to hospice palliative care, Binkle brings both expertise and empathy to the hospice.
Binkle assumed her role in December 2023, stepping out of semi-retirement to take on what she described as an exciting opportunity.
“This hospice was a brand-new organization, and they needed someone to help lead it – someone who had the history of working with the Ministry of Health and experience growing hospice programs,” she said.
Her priorities upon arrival were clear.
The organization already offered grief, bereavement, and psychosocial spiritual support programs, but Binkle focused on expanding these services and securing more sustainable funding. That goal was quickly realized with support from the Ministry of Health and a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
With the new funding, programming has expanded across both counties.
A key milestone came earlier this year when the hospice received approval from the Ministry of Health for allocated beds, paving the way for a residential hospice facility in the region.
This is a significant development for local residents, as no such facility currently exists within either county.
“Every individual at that level of care has to go outside the counties to receive it,” said Binkle. “They were born here, and they want to die here. We’re trying to make that possible.”
To meet this need, a 10-bed hospice residence is planned for a 10-acre property in Jarvis. Binkle said the land was generously donated by a local supporter and will house a 16,000-square-foot facility designed to serve individuals and their families during the final stages of life.
Rezoning applications are underway with Haldimand County, and construction is expected to begin later this year.
Building such a facility in a rural area presents unique challenges. Transportation is one of the biggest barriers, not only for patients, but also for families and caregivers.
For now, the hospice brings bereavement services directly to clients in their homes, and Binkle hopes the Jarvis location will be central and accessible to residents from across the region.
The emotional demands of hospice work are high, but Binkle prioritizes support within her team.
“We check in with each other every day. It’s about seeing how someone is doing as a person, not just as a care provider,” she said. “And we also go out and have fun together. That balance is really important.”
Currently, the hospice has a small staff of four, but relies heavily on a dedicated network of 30 to 35 volunteers. These volunteers assist with everything from grief and bereavement programming to administrative tasks and fundraising events.
In 2023, the organization served more than 100 clients – double the number supported when the hospice began operations in 2019. Services range from one-on-one sessions to home visits and group workshops. Demand continues to grow, and the team is exploring ways to serve even more people.
“We’re always asking, who aren’t we reaching yet?” said Binkle. “For example, how do we better support bereaved parents who’ve lost a child?”
Community support remains critical to the hospice’s future.
Fundraising events such as the annual Hike for Hospice and seasonal “Blooms for a Cause” plant sales provide essential funding, while third-party fundraisers and online donations add to the total.
Binkle said volunteer support is always welcome and encouraged.
“Our community has been incredible so far,” she said. “We’re very grateful for the help we’ve received, and we hope it will continue as we prepare to build the residential hospice.”
Binkle’s background includes leadership roles with the Ontario Palliative Care Network, Waterloo Wellington Community Care Access Centre, and the Victorian Order of Nurses.
She has also worked as an associate professor at Conestoga College and is a past recipient of the YMCA Women of Distinction Award in Public Service and the CCAC Leadership Award.
Despite a long and accomplished career, Binkle remains focused on the future. The proposed hospice in Jarvis will not only help to fill a gap in care, but it also represents a broader commitment to dignity, choice, and compassionate support for people nearing the end of life.
“Our job is to make sure people don’t have to leave home to receive quality end-of-life care,” she said. “It’s about giving them the peace and comfort they deserve, surrounded by the people and places they know.”
As the hospice moves closer to breaking ground, Binkle’s vision continues to guide its progress: building not just a facility, but a lasting legacy of care rooted in the community it serves.
