Willi’s Legacy
In an extraordinary example of community generosity, “Willi’s Match” raised over its $100,000 goal in just six days. These donations will be doubled to a combined total of $200,000 thanks to Willi and Nestor Kirenko, who made a generous matching-gift commitment to encourage the community to support compassionate end-of-life care at Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Willi’s experience as a resident at Chatham-Kent Hospice has inspired her and Nestor to champion hospice care and help ensure others in Chatham-Kent can receive the same comfort, dignity and compassion. They would like to thank everyone who made a donation or shared kind words or stories about their relationship with Willi.
While the $100,000 matching-gift milestone has been reached, the opportunity to make a difference continues. Willi and Nestor are now encouraging community members to carry the momentum forward by making a donation toward the purchase of three new cuddle beds for hospice residents and their loved ones.
Cuddle beds allow residents to share a bed with the people they love, creating opportunities for closeness, comfort and meaningful moments together during life’s most precious and difficult days. These specialized beds make it possible for families to hold hands, embrace and simply be together when that time matters most.
The community’s response to Willi and Nestor’s matching gift has been remarkable. Although the matching-gift goal has been reached, the community can continue this outpouring of generosity by contributing toward the three new cuddle beds, ensuring more residents and families can experience the comfort of being close to one another.
“Reaching the $100,000 matching-gift milestone in just six days is an incredible testament to the generosity of our community and the impact of Willi’s story. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated and helped make this possible. We invite the community to keep this momentum going by supporting Willi’s Legacy and helping us bring three new cuddle beds to Chatham-Kent Hospice,” said Jay Smith, Fundraising Manager at the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps make compassionate end-of-life care possible and brings the goal of three new cuddle beds closer to reality.
Together, we can honour Willi’s Legacy by bringing comfort, connection and compassion to residents and the people who love them.
“Willi’s Match” Launch Announcement
After more than 45 years dedicated to caring for others as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner, Willi Kirenko is drawing on her own experience as a hospice resident to help ensure others in Chatham-Kent have access to compassionate end-of-life care.
Willi and her husband, Nestor, have committed a $100,000 matching gift to Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, giving community members an opportunity to double the impact of their donations. For a limited time, every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Willi spent nine years providing end-of-life care before being diagnosed with cancer that has progressed rapidly. As her needs changed, she moved to Chatham-Kent Hospice, where she is now experiencing the care she once provided to others from the perspective of a resident.
Her experience has reinforced for her the importance of hospice care—not only for those nearing the end of life, but also for their families.
“I now understand Hospice in a way I never could before—as a resident. I know firsthand what this care provides: comfort when things are difficult, compassion when words aren’t enough, and the reassurance that no one has to face the end of life alone,” said Willi Kirenko.
These experiences have inspired Willi and Nestor to become an ambassadors for hospice care and to help make this support available to others in the community.
Community members are invited to join them in supporting Chatham-Kent Hospice and helping ensure individuals and families have access to compassionate, specialized end-of-life care when they need it most.
To learn more about Willi’s story and make a donation to the matching-gift campaign, click here.