JARVIS—The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice is honoured to announce a transformational $500,000 donation from Peter Porter in memory of his late wife, Judith Ann Porter.
This generous contribution will support the construction of the hospice, with the Family Room named in Judy’s honour, creating a space where families can find comfort, peace, and connection during their most difficult moments.
Peter’s donation is a deeply personal tribute to Judy, who passed away in 2024 after battling cancer. As a stroke survivor, Judy required 24/7 care from Peter in her final months at home in Port Dover. Despite his unwavering devotion, Peter now realizes how physically and emotionally taxing it was to care for a loved one at home without proper support.
“I wish my wife had access to a hospice at the end of her life,” he reflects. “She didn’t want to go to the hospital – she wanted to be at home. And I never pushed it. But looking back, I understand how much a hospice would have helped, not just for her, but for me, too. It’s a place like home, but with the support you need.”
Judy’s journey was filled with strength and resilience. After suffering a stroke, she faced the challenges of recovery while also battling cancer. Through it all, Peter was by her side, ensuring she had everything she needed.
However, as her illness progressed, he realized that no matter how much love and dedication he provided, there were aspects of her care that would have been better managed in a hospice setting.
“If you ever have someone who is in real pain, home is no place to be,” Peter explains. “If your loved one is suffering for a long time, it’s not fair to them – or to the family. A hospice would have allowed me to be with her, without having to take care of her. That’s a big deal.”
Recognizing the need for a hospice in Norfolk and Haldimand, Peter is committed to ensuring that other families don’t face the same challenges he did. His donation is not only a tribute to Judy, but a lasting gift to the entire community.
A legacy of giving back
Peter’s success in business has allowed him to give back to the community that supported him throughout his career.
“I have been very fortunate in business, and I really appreciate the landowners and especially the people who have worked for me. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done. This is my way of paying it back,” Peter shares.
He hopes that his donation will inspire others to support the hospice, ensuring that families in need have access to compassionate and dignified end-of-life care.
“Maybe one day, someone else in this community will have the fortune of using this facility when they need it most,” Peter says. “It will make things a little easier for them – and that’s what matters.”
The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice extends its heartfelt gratitude to Peter Porter for his generosity and vision. His donation will leave a legacy of comfort, care, and compassion for generations to come.
“Peter’s incredible generosity will make a lasting impact on our hospice and the families we serve,” says Andrea Binkle, Executive Director of the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice. “His gift ensures that those facing end-of-life care will have access to a warm, supportive, and home-like environment, just as Judy would have wanted. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to creating a space where families can find peace, dignity, and the care they deserve.”
Fundraising has been ongoing for Haldimand-Norfolk’s first hospice, with land previously donated to host the facility in Jarvis.
For more information about how you can support the hospice, please visit norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca or contact the NHCH team directly.
