R Emily introduced Craig Kerr:
Biographical facts
Born and raised in Brighton
Graduated RMC in RCAF (1958 - 1966)
Business career in Toronto from 1966-1990
Real Estate Broker 1990-2010
Served two terms on Brighton Council (2006-2014)
Founding Director of Brighton Health Services Centre
Past Service
SOHO (chair)
Friends of Presqu'ile (chair)
Lower Trent Conservation Authority (chair)
United Lodge #29 (past master)
The Bridge Hospice Warkworth (secretary and fund development chair)
The Bridge Hospice Foundation (founding director and chair) - current position
Brighton Rotary
Brighton Curling Club (president)
Married Ruth (German) Kerr 1962
Three children
Seven grandchildren
Two Great Grandchildren
Craig acknowledged that he has trouble saying 'no' and that it is nice to be back at a Rotary meeting.
Craig noted a long relationship between Rotary and the Bridge Hospice.
The Bridge Hospice was the child of three nurses who saw a need for end of life care in 2010. Their vision resulted in the formation of the Bridge Hospice in 2013. It was a community and volunteer effort to design and build this 3 bedroom facility.
The residents and families pay nothing for their care at the Bridge Hospice. In the early days it was all done by volunteers. Now it is busier and professional care is needed such as doctors, nurses and PSW's.
After extensive lobbying of the Provincial Government, the government finally recognized the benefits and need and have started to provide some funding for the professional care. But this is only about 45% of the total costs.
In the early days, they had a contract with St. Elizabeth for professional help. St. Elizabeth used the experience as training.
Their fundraising efforts paid for 24/7 care and a little extra to put aside.
Now the building is getting older and needs maintenance. Government provides some limited designated funding but also brings administrative work and challenges with regulations etc.
There is also more competition for funds both from new Hospice facilities and Hospitals.
The Bridge Hospice has two sides:
1. The 24/7 care needed with professional staff.
2. Fundraising which is becoming a specialized skill
In 2019 they decided to create a Foundation that would be responsible for all fundraising, and with a goal to create a endowment fund.
Then COVID and that put a strain on volunteers.
They created the Foundation in May. They are now looking for an Executive Director who hopefully can develop new fundraising efforts that will also pay their salary.
Their funding needs include capital upgrades and maintenance, as well as to build an endowment. They are hoping to tap into some deep pockets, corporate money and develop specialized fund raising efforts.
67% of residents come from Northumberland County and about 22% from Brighton.
They are always grateful for help.
R Daniel thanked Craig and Ruth and described them as Community Weavers. They help knit the Community together.