On Saturday, 22 September, 2007, more than 120 volunteers gathered at the St. Luke Hospice and two senior care centers in Ostrava for the Toronto Foundation’s Annual Service Project.  Volunteers performed grounds maintenance, painted fences and gates, washed wheelchairs and other medical equipment, helped remove graffiti from the area, pruned trees, and more.  At the end of the day, the Foundation also contributed $6,000 for much needed medical equipment at the Hospice, including an autoclave and a patient lift.

The St. Lukáš Hospice, the St. Václav Charity House for Seniors, and the St. Alžbeta Charity House for Seniors are all located in the Ostrava area. They are managed by Caritas (Czech Catholic Charities), the Toronto Foundation’s partner for this year’s annual project.  More information about the St. Lukáš Hospice in Ostrava, Czech Republic can be found at www.ostrava.caritas.cz/.

Mrs. Vera Pražáková, director of the St. Luke Hospice, thanked the volunteers at a brief reception following the project saying, “We thank the Toronto Foundation for contributing not only financially, but through the volunteer service of its members.  These types of partnerships make our community a stronger and better place.”

Volunteers also enjoyed dinner and a program on Friday evening, September 21, 2007.  The program included remarks by Judith Richards, daughter of the late Wallace Toronto.

The Toronto Foundation is grateful for the many volunteers and supporters who gave their time and resources to this year’s project.  The Foundation is particularly indebted to Ms. Hana Václavová who served as the project’s director.

Items, services, & resources donated by the Toronto Foundation include:

* Dinner, breakfast, & lunch for all who participated
* One night of accomodations for those traveling from out of town
* Tools used for the yard work
* The rental of a truck and garbage bins for debris
* Funds donated to Caritas  for needed medical equipment