Our Organization
Overview & History
In November 2010, Hospice opened Bobby’s Hospice, Atlantic Canada’s first 10-bed community palliative care facility for people who need 24-hour, expert care in the final weeks and months of life. Our home was named Bobby’s Hospice in honour of a 20-year volunteer, Catherine “Bobby” Lawson, who provided a significant donation to help us achieve our dreams of an in-patient residential hospice. Bobby’s Hospice adheres to the highest standards in healthcare, yet still remains a home away from home for patients and families on this end-of-life journey. Our goal is to create an environment in which comfort, compassion and excellent care prevail and that all who spend time
at Bobby’s Hospice experience quality, compassionate care that celebrates life.
The Hospice Shoppe journey started a little earlier, in July 2009, as an upscale second-hand boutique that sells donated clothing and household items, with 100% of the proceeds funding care at Bobby’s Hospice.
Our Organization
Overview & History
Mission
Delivering compassionate care that honours life, even in its final stages.
Vision
A world where every person has access to quality hospice and palliative care.
Values
People
We walk beside individuals and families during life’s most difficult
Healing
We support emotional and spiritual healing, caring beyond the physical.
Hope
We help people find hope, fostering moments of connection and strength.
Comfort
We provide expert, attentive care to ease pain and bring peace of mind.
Dignity
We uphold each person’s dignity with deep respect and compassion.
Meaning
We help people uncover purpose, love, and peace as they approach life’s end.
Growth
We support personal and emotional growth—even in the final chapter of life.
Our History
Use the timeline below to browse our long history in Saint John!
The Beginning Founded by Dr. Nancy Grant and community leaders, with the Sisters of Charity providing office space and volunteers beginning home-based support.
Friends of Hospice The Friends of Hospice auxiliary formed and held the first Annual Hospice Valentine Gala.
Grief Support Hospice added grief support services to its programs of care.
The Vision of Bobby’s Hospice Inspired by the Senate report “Quality End of Life Care: The Right of Every Canadian,” Hospice established an Education & Advocacy Committee led by Dr. Chris O’Brien to promote end-of-life care locally.
Relocation Moved operations to Saint John Regional Hospital. Executive Director Sandy Johnson joined Health Canada’s National Strategy on Palliative and End-of-Life Care.
Research & Planning Started planning a Hospice Centre of Excellence with Extra Mural and the Palliative Care Unit. Also launched a Therapeutic Care Clown Program with the hospital’s volunteer department.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a volunteer pilot palliative care program in Sussex and held the first Hospice Memorial Walk.
Second Relocation Moved into a former home at 282 Douglas Avenue. Continued fundraising, research, and planning toward building a 10-bed residential hospice, involving collaboration with local officials and media.
Official Establishment Hospice purchased 385 Dufferin Row (former St. Joseph’s Convent) at the significantly reduced rate of $250,000, and launched the “Realize the Dream” campaign to build the region’s first residential hospice.
Third Relocation Temporarily relocated staff to Brunswick Square in donated space. Began architectural and renovation planning with Shirley McAlary and architect Michael Richard; Bird Construction engaged for the project.
Operational Funding Secured a $730,000 annual funding commitment from the NB Government, announced at the Valentine’s Gala. Opened The Hospice Shoppe in July, funding hospice care through sales.
Renovations Complete Renovations finalized. Appointed key staff including Dr. Chris O’Brien (Medical Director) and Nurse Manager Nicole Hamming. The hospice held an open house in October and officially opened to patients on November 1.
Sunflower Luncheon The first Annual Sunflower Luncheon is held.
Hospice Legacy Foundation Established the Hospice Legacy Foundation in June under Chair Shirley McAlary to provide sustainable funding; also launched the annual Hospice BBQ fundraiser.
500th Patient Celebrated admitting the 500th patient and marked five years as a trusted in-patient palliative care provider.
Free Public Lecture Hospice expanded its services to include education and launched the first annual Free Public Lecture and Living Well Dying Well Conference.
Increased Operational Funding New Brunswick’s Liberal government increased annual operational funding to $766,500. With enhanced resources, Hospice added staff (Music Therapist, Social Worker, Development Manager), upgraded facilities, improved care programs, and formed partnerships with Fundy Funeral Home and the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.
Residential Hospice Standards Hospice Greater Saint John, with NB Medical Society and Hospice Fredericton, influenced the government to adopt residential hospice standards grounded in best practices.
10 Years of care Named among Canada’s Top 100 Charities for Giving. Celebrated admitting the 1,000th patient and a decade of compassionate care.