Living Wish’s heartfelt mission of granting final wishes to adults facing an end-of-life illness will continue to inspire hope and create lasting memories – CollingwoodToday
Rob, a palliative patient at Hospice Georgian Triangle’s Campbell House, always dreamed of going to Disneyland. But when his illness made that trip impossible, staff and volunteers at Campbell House brought Disney enchantment to Rob and his family through the Living Wish program.
That wish was delivered when Rob shared a special meal from Young’s Chinese Food Restaurant with 22 family members, many wearing Mickey Mouse ears. Volunteer Thai and her daughter baked Mickey Mouse cupcakes, while other volunteers transformed the space into a joyful celebration. Surrounded by family, delicious food, and thoughtful touches Rob enjoyed his Disney-themed family celebration.
Passing the torch, Keeping the flame
The original mission of The Living Wish was to provide medically supervised and supported end-of-life wishes to patients in the region facing a terminal diagnosis. It’s helps terminal patients reframe hope and enhance their quality of life.
Since 2018, The Living Wish Foundation in Collingwood has granted more than 120 wishes. To ensure Living Wish has the volunteers and resources to continue delivering the growing number of wishes, as of May 2025, The Living Wish program is now under the umbrella of Hospice Georgian Triangle. The program will now operate as the Hospice Georgian Triangle Living Wish Program. Kelly O’Neil, Public Relations and Communications Manager with Hospice Georgian Triangle says it’s a perfect fit. “Living Wish has an amazing group of volunteers, many who also volunteer with Hospice Georgian Triangle. We also have a dedicated Hospice Georgian Triangle staff member in April Lawson who is coordinating and executing the wishes supported by Linda Caron, our Development and Stewardship Manager with Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation.”
The Living Wish Foundation was formed from a deeply shared belief that even at the end of life, there is still room for joy, meaning, and love. Living Wish Foundation Co-Founder Lisa Wright says, “As we transition The Living Wish Foundation into a hospice-based program, I know that hospice will carry the same passion into this next chapter. Partnering with hospice allows us to ensure the sustainability of the program and to reach more people.”
The Living Wish Foundation was co-founded by Lisa Wright, Nancy Good-Kennedy, and Medical Director of Hospice Georgian Triangle, Dr. Alyssa Boyd. Dr. Boyd shared the heartfelt origins of the program, which since 2018 has granted more than 120 wishes – from one last snuggle with a beloved pet, to a trip to the family cottage, to simply enjoying a favourite flavour of ice cream. Dr. Boyd says, “Some of the most privileged moments of my career have occurred because of these wishes. I’ve been welcomed into family discussion around the kitchen table, where we laughed and cried while contemplating meaningful, and sometimes wonderfully whimsical wish ideas. I’ve shared ice cream cones with delighted grandchildren as treasured photos were captured in the background. I’ve held hands with families and patients as they looked into my eyes with a gratitude beyond words. What a gift this program has given to all of us.”
Trish Rawn, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice Georgian Triangle says, “A legacy of hope and humanity was created by the co-founders of the Living Wish Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Alyssa Boyd, Lisa Wright, and Nancy Good-Kennedy. Their vision and the dedication of their board and volunteers have shaped a compassionate, community-driven initiative that we are proud to now carry forward.”
Wishes often simple but meaningful
Sherry’s wish was to attend a Toronto Maple Leafs game. The Living Wish program called out to the community and tickets were donated in no time. Sherry met mascot Carleton the Bear and Leaf legend Darryl Sittler.
Being unwell for some time, attending a Toronto Blue Jays game was on Linda’s bucket list. The Living Wish Foundation got her to the game and secured four donated accessible tickets for the Mother’s Day game.
In the spring of 2024, the principal and teachers at Hyland Heights Elementary School in Shelburne planned an impromptu Grade 8 graduation for Ava so her mother Amy, who was terminal could have her wish to see her daughter graduate. The Living Wish program made it happen.
Mama Jude always wanted to be married. With the help of The Living Wish, Jude had a wedding ceremony with her best friend to celebrate her last wish at the public garden gazebo.
Esther’s Church family has been a significant part of her life. Thanks to her amazing care team and the Living Wish transport, Esther who wasn’t able to attend church in about year, was reunited with friends, able to celebrate her love for God and was truly at peace.
Under Hospice Georgian Triangle, Living Wish will continue to ensure more patients receive a final wish. Hospice Georgian Triangle Executive Director Sandra Sullivan says, “Welcoming the Living Wish into our hospice family allows us to expand its beautiful legacy, creating moments of joy and connection, even at the end of life. Thanks to the continuous generosity of supporters, can continue to help even more people in these special moments.”
Care Gala Fundraiser
The Care Gala on Saturday, September 27th is Hospice Georgian Triangle’s signature fundraising event. It’s held at Blue Mountain Resort and is a celebration of people make all of the work at Campbell House and the various community programs possible.
This year, they will be featuring the Living Wish Program and what makes Campbell House so special. Kelly O’Neil says, “It’s a meaningful celebration inspired by the generosity of our community. We welcome many people from around the region and beyond. We gather to celebrate the lives of those who have passed. It’s an emotional experience, sharing personal stories and the work of Hospice Georgian Triangle.”
For more information and tickets, click here.
A heartfelt milestone
The Living Wish Program’s new home under Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation secures its future and opens the door for growth. This collaboration unites dedicated Living Wish volunteers with Hospice’s compassionate team, to ensure the legacy of granting final wishes to patients in Southern Georgian Bay for years to come.
For more information or to continue your support, please contact the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation at (705) 444-2555, Ext. 7527 or visit them online here.
