HALDIMAND-NORFOLK—The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice (NHCH) hosted a heartfelt Donor Appreciation Night on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 celebrating the extraordinary generosity and community spirit that has defined 2025 as a milestone year for the hospice.
The event, held at Port Dover’s Premier Yacht Club, brought together donors, volunteers, and community partners to reflect on the incredible progress made toward building a hospice for Norfolk and Haldimand counties.
In an emotional highlight of the evening, the Williamson family, led by Alan Williamson, announced a $1 million donation toward the construction of the hospice palliative care centre.
“The Williamson family has demonstrated what it truly means to be a benefactor,” said Andrea Binkle, Executive Director of NHCH. “Their generosity has shaped every stage of our hospice journey – from the gift of land, to providing our current home base, and now this transformative contribution. It’s more than a donation; it’s a legacy of care that will serve generations to come.”
The Williamson family’s remarkable commitment began with Norma and Drew Williamson, whose kindness, community spirit, and compassion continue to inspire all who knew them.
“Every person I speak with about the Williamsons says the same thing: you would never meet nicer people,” Binkle said. “Their children are carrying that same spirit forward. Through their actions, the Williamson family continues to build a future where every person in our community can experience dignity and comfort at life’s end.”
In addition to their latest contribution, the Williamson family has previously donated 10 acres of land near Jarvis – the future site of the hospice centre – and offered Drew and Norma’s family home as the current base for hospice services and administration. The family’s continued leadership and belief in hospice palliative care has been instrumental in turning vision into reality.
In recognition of their generosity and lasting impact, Binkle announced that the hospice residence will proudly bear the Williamson family name.
“Alan, Debbie, Eric, and Rusty – from the bottom of our hearts, thank you,” Binkle said. “Your commitment ensures that your parents’ legacy of care lives on in the most meaningful way possible, through a home built on compassion, dignity, and community.”
Throughout 2025, the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice has experienced an outpouring of community support through fundraising events such as Blooms for a Cause, Light Up for Hospice, and Hike for Hospice, along with countless private donations.
The Live Like Luke Campaign, which started on July 1, has raised nearly $400,000 this year, inspiring residents across the region to give generously in memory of Luke Johnson and in support of compassionate local care.
Together, these efforts have built a powerful groundswell of compassion and unity across Norfolk and Haldimand counties.
“Our Donor Appreciation Night was a celebration of gratitude and hope,” added Binkle. “The Williamson family’s gift reflects the very best of who we are as a community. It reminds us that hope, generosity, and love can build something extraordinary – a place where care truly feels like home.”
For more information on NHCH and how to support the building campaign, please visit norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca.
