Mark Preece House

Volunteers

- they use volunteers and rely heavily on them.

- the volunteers try to keep the house. clean and support the families who stay

- volunteers are screened, interviewed, and background checked.

- over 50 volunteers.

- the qualities needed in volunteers are caring, kind, able to be a good listener,etc.

- specific jobs they do are answer phones, greet guests, help with house keeping, and cook dinner.

About the Charity

The Main Goal

The main goal is to provide a home for families of patients in the hospital. Also, to provide a warm and welcoming house that is

so close to the hospital.

- the main goal is to provide a home for families of patients in the hospital.

- accepts people for as long as they need to stay.

- average stay is 4 days.

- $40/per night

- 50% of people who utilize the facility come from Thunder Bay.

- not first come first serve; severity of condition determines who can stay if full.

- over 2 years of service, over 1300 people have been helped.

History of the House

- Mark Preece worked as a physician in the ICU at Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS).

- died of cancer in 1997.

- in 2004, HHS agreed to a lease of a 1870's building on Barton Street.

- was created to be a temporary home for families of patients staying in the hospital.

- in 2009, a fire burned down most of the original building.

- re-opened in 2010 after renovations.

Services

Finances

- funded solely by donations, no sponsors.

- 2 major fundraisers per year; golf tournament and 4 course-dinner.

- several raffles and other fundraisers during the year.

- staff consists of 3 full-time and 6 part-time employees.

- the Board of Directors consists of 11 members who were previously involved in the hospital.

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- over 1300 families stay per year.

- rooms can accommodate 3-4 people per family.

- the money will go towards the second floor, and 10 more rooms.

- all ages can attend.

- there is no restrictions on whom they serve

- a kitchen is available for meals, snacks and friendly conversation.

- common areas include a dining area, living room, laundry room and patio.

- telephones are available in the bedrooms, as well as internet access.

- the House is designed for short-term stays up to 30 days; the average stay is about four days.

- free parking is available for families in the Hamilton Health Sciences Lot behind the House.

- families staying at The Mark Preece Family House are welcome to have visitors between the hours of 9:00am to 9:00pm.

Registration : 86700 9615 RR0001

Why our Charity Should Win the $5000 Grant

- helps patients recover when family is close by to comfort them.

- helps families deal with stress that comes from having someone close very sick or injured.