British royals with a strong West Island connection have become patrons of the West Island Palliative Care Residence. Peter Phillips, the eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, and his wife Autumn Phillips, who grew up in Pointe-Claire, accepted the invitation to become patrons earlier this year. The patronage was only recently formalized.
The royal couple were the surprise guests of honour at WIPCR’s annual fundraising gala — the Valentine’s Day Ball — in February. The gala, on a British theme, raised $500,000 of the $4.8 million required to run the facility. Every year, the facility must raise $3 million through individual and corporate donations. The Quebec government gives the centre $1.8 million.
The royal couple will not be giving money or raising money for the residence, but a royal patronage can go a long way in drawing attention to an organization.
“We simply asked and they said yes right away,” WIPCR executive director Teresa Dellar said. “They are both so kind and down to earth.”
Dellar said receiving royal patronage from the British couple was extra special because modern-day palliative care took root in London, England a half-century ago.
“That direct link to the birthplace of modern hospice care is important to us,” she said.
Dame Cicely Saunders opened St. Christopher’s Hospice in London in 1967. The hospice focused on relieving physical pain for a person reaching end of life, while at the same time addressing the patient’s psychological and spiritual needs and those of the family.
“It’s my first experience with royal patronage,” Dellar said. “So I don’t know what the results will be, but we are honoured they accepted. Anything that creates excitement and gets people talking about what palliative care is and why it is important is wonderful.”
Dellar said they hope to hear from the couple next year when the WIPCR celebrates its 15th anniversary.
For more information about the West Island Palliative Care Residence, visit www.residencesoinspalliatifs.com.
