Stories

Grief can be isolating, especially for kids.
That’s why earlier this year, we launched the Common Ground Mentorship Program. This new Children’s Grief Centre initiative offers steady, non-judgmental, non-clinical, one-to-one support for youth grieving the death of someone important in their lives.

Our Companion Program - launched in Spring 2022 and run by our Osten-Victor Living with Advanced Illness Centre – continues to grow and thrive! The program thoughtfully matches trained volunteers with people who are living with an advanced illness to enhance the quality of life for the client and their support system. As the name suggests, companionship is the heart of this work.

When a call went out for a volunteer massage therapist at Rosedale Hospice, Mellisha, owner of Omega Massage & Wellness, felt an immediate and unmistakable “yes!” in her body. Her intuitive response has since grown into a deeply meaningful offering of comfort, presence, and compassionate touch for patients at Rosedale.

A new discussion group at the Osten Victor Living with Advanced Illness Centre is creating space for honest, heartfelt conversations about living with dignity through advanced illness. Inspired by a client’s vision to revive the Living with Cancer program, and shaped by shared experience, the program offers weekly connection and support for those facing any advanced illness. Early gatherings have already sparked meaningful moments of understanding, laughter, and a sense of community.

Editor’s Note (January 26, 2026): We were deeply saddened to learn that Al Osten died on January 23, 2026. As we mourn this great loss, we remain...

Hospice Calgary’s Board of Directors is thrilled to share that after a successful search we can announce that Robyn Romano will move into the role of Executive Director effective February 2026. The Board is confident that Robyn’s leadership, strategic capabilities, and passion will be a great fit for Hospice Calgary.

Our Elevator and Service Elevator (affectionately known as our “Elevette”) have been undergoing major upgrades since June. The Elevette upgrades were completed in early August and included new internal mechanisms, a new cabin interior, and a fresh coat of paint.

When Hannah was 14, she accessed grief counselling through the Children's Grief Centre. Hannah's dad had died suddenly in 2021. After accessing non-grief specific counselling supports in the community, the family was referred to the Children’s Grief Centre because of their complex grief needs.

Fiona's relationship with Hospice Calgary spans nearly three decades. Her time with the organization began in the mid-1990s as a volunteer and is now ending as the Executive Director. Throughout her journey, she leaves a legacy of vision, compassion, and dedication which will be felt for many years.