Handbags event raises $163,000 for hospice
Image from edshouse.northumberlandhospice.ca
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation is pleased to announce an outstanding success of its 2026 Handbags For Hospice event, which raised an incredible $163,000 to support services at Ed's House.
Guests gathered April 9 for an unforgettable evening of fashion, fun and fundraising, bidding on more than 140 luxury handbags. New this year was the addition of Layne The Auctionista – a dynamic auctioneer known for engaging audiences and driving generous bids.
“Layne played a key role in elevating the evening's excitement, while helping to raise vital funds in support of compassionate end-of-life care,” the announcement stated.
Funds raised will help ensure individuals and families from across Northumberland County continue to receive compassionate no-cost hospice services, including clinical navigation by Registered Nurses, who guide clients and caregivers through the health-care system from the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness all the way through bereavement, supportive care counselling, goals of care conversations, advance care planning, palliative pain and symptom management, volunteer visiting programs, end-of-life planning, grief and bereavement support and 24/7 end-of-life care.
“At Ed's House, dignity, comfort and support are not luxuries – they are promises,” Community Care Northumberland Chief Executive Officer Jordan Prosper pledged.
“Beyond our residence, our community hospice team continues to walk alongside individuals and families through life-limiting illness and bereavement, offering care, guidance and hope when it is needed most.”
The Handbags for Hospice Committee extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, with special recognition to Presenting Sponsor Jacqueline Pennington of Re/Max Hallmark. Another noteworthy sponsor was Tony Pulla, who sponsored the Give A Gift From The Heat campaign that raised $73,260 to go to improving the outdoor space for Ed's House residents.
The committee also expresses its sincere gratitude to the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre for hosting the event,
