Local doc now honourary chair of Handbags for Hospice

Local physician Dr. Naomi Ecob has been named Honourary Chairperson of the 2019 Handbags for Hospice Charity Auction. The announcement was made by the Community Care Foundation (Kawartha Lakes), which presents the annual fundraising event in support of the Community Care Health & Care Network’s Hospice Services programs.

The 4th annual Handbags event will take place Friday, Jan. 25 at the Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay. The first three events have raised more than $100,000 for Hospice Services programs, including grief support for local residents who have experienced loss of a loved one.

For many years, Ecob has been involved with Hospice Services, most recently as one of six on-call physicians to Community Care’s Palliative Care Community Team. “As a doctor, I see patients every day facing critical illness and loss. I recognize how Community Care Hospice Services helps ease the journey of individuals and their loved ones facing critical illness, end of life care and grief. These vital services would not be possible without the support of the community. This is why I have agreed to be the Honourary Chairperson for Handbags for Hospice,” says Ecob.

Ecob assumes the role of event chairperson from Lindsay resident Robyn McNabb, who was volunteer chair of the event for the past two years and who has served as a Handbags for Hospice volunteer since the event’s inception in 2016.

Proceeds from past Handbags for Hospice events have enabled Hospice Services to develop ongoing peer support groups for children, teens and their parents or caregivers. In addition, money raised through the evening’s Fund-A-Need appeal were instrumental in the recruitment, training and support of volunteer Care Companions and Grief Guides. Annually, more than 800 individuals and their families receive support through their journey with critical illness and grief.

“The event has made a deep impact for those in our community who are overcoming the pain and isolation of grief,” says Brad Sinclair, community care foundation board chair. “Instrumental to its success is the tremendous support we receive from local businesses providing sponsorships or donating to the auctions for which we are profoundly grateful.”

Planning for the Jan. 25 event has begun. The evening will feature dozens of unique and designer handbags available through live and silent auctions. Pane Vino Trattoria & Wine Bar will host the catering and wine bar. Layne the Auctionista will be bringing her high-energy performance and flair to the evening’s program. Tickets are $50 each and will go on sale in late November.

“Please save the date, it’s a not-to-be-missed high energy night of fun bidding on handbags, and enjoying friends,” says Kathleen Wild, Community Care Foundation officer for special events.

For further information about Handbags for Hospice, please contact the Community Care Foundation at 705-324-7323 ext 164.

** The 2017 & 2018 Handbags for Hospice volunteer chairperson Robyn McNabb (right) has passed the torch to Dr. Naomi Ecob. The 2019 Handbags for Hospice fundraising event takes place Jan. 25 at the Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay.