Written by: John Bkila
Resident Mary Pumpelly-Knowland, 41, is hosting her first solo show at the Allegro Café at Whole Foods Market Oakville, 301 Cornwall Rd., and donating 20 per cent of sales to Ian Anderson House (IAH).
“The cost of a patient to stay there (IAH) is $1,900 per day and my dad was there for 14 days. But that kind of care, you can’t measure — it was way beyond the monetary amount,” said Pumpelly-Knowland. “So I wanted to do something to thank them (IAH). I felt like this was not only a way to raise money, but also raise awareness to what they provide.”
The local artist says the care her father received at IAH was nothing short of incredible with round-the-clock assistance for the patient and support for the families involved, as well.
“When you can’t provide that yourself, it’s wonderful to have a place that is very similar to that and makes the person feel as if they’re at home. They’re incredibly caring and every need is provided for. It was just outstanding,” she said.
IAH also provides a resource centre with information for those in the community giving palliative care for someone at home.