​Tiverton businessman turns his birthday into fund-raiser for Huron Shores Hospice

For Joel Van Geest, owner of VG Renovations in Tiverton, birthdays are about more than cake and candles.

This year, he turned his special day into a celebration of compassion by hosting a Facebook fund-raiser for Huron Shores Hospice. His inspiring gesture not only raised funds but also raised awareness about the critical role hospice care plays in our community.

“Instead of receiving gifts from people, I always think, what can I do to help my community,” said Van Geest. “So, I thought, why don’t I give this a try and see where it goes?”

With that simple idea, he invited friends and family on Facebook to join him in supporting a cause that has deep personal significance: hospice care.

“Hospice is a big thing for me,” said Van Geest. “Hospice for my family was huge when my uncle, who was diagnosed with cancer, was admitted to hospice in Niagara. Just seeing the care that you get in a hospice is unreal, not only for the patient but for the family.”

His experience left a lasting impression. He recalled how hospice staff went above and beyond, not only attending to his uncle’s needs but also offering comfort and support to the entire family.

“People who worked there, were coming to me and asking if I was okay,” said Van Geest. “They were also asking the same question to all my aunts, uncles and cousins, all while taking care of my uncle. I just found that incredible.”

Moved by the love and care his family received, he decided to pay it forward by supporting Huron Shores Hospice. The local hospice’s mission of creating a home-like environment for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, resonated deeply with him.

“I am always amazed by the love and care that people get in hospice, and that is why I’m a big supporter,” said Van Geest.

He didn’t stop at organizing the fund-raiser. He matched all the birthday donations and presented a cheque for $650 to Cheryl Cottrill, founding director of Huron Shores Hospice, bringing the total amount raised through his fund-raiser, to $1,300. This was on top of his generous $1,000 donation to the hospice’s Christmas campaign and his avid support over the past six years.

If Van Geest’s story inspires you, why not follow in his footsteps? Visit www.huronshoreshospice.ca/donating-fund-raisers to find easy instructions on how to start your own Facebook birthday fund-raiser. Use his example to turn your special day into an opportunity to support compassionate end-of-life care and make moments matter for families in need.

Van Geest’s story reminds us that small acts of generosity can create profound impacts. By choosing to support Huron Shores Hospice, he’s helping to ensure that families facing life’s hardest moments, receive the same extraordinary care that meant so much to him and his loved ones.

For more information about Huron Shores Hospice and how you can get involved, visit the website at www.huronshoreshospice.ca or follow the hospice on social media.



Joel Van Geest (right) of VG Renovations in Tiverton matches the funds raised on his birthday for a total donation of $1,300 to Cheryl Cottrill, founding director of Huron Shores Hospice