Patti's story was shared at the 7th annual Handbags for Hospice on October 16th, 2025.

Thank you, Layne, and good evening everyone, it so great to see such a full room!

My name is Patti Schellenberger, and I started volunteering in the kitchen at Rotary Hospice just a few months ago.

Rotary Hospice has been near and dear to my heart since my husband Arnie was there in July 2019. Before that time, I knew little about hospice care and the support we would receive.

Our time at the hospice touched me deeply; it’s why I chose to become a volunteer.

On the day Arnie was transferred to Rotary Hospice, I had to explain to the driver that he would not want to leave his home. The driver took things into her own hands and spoke to Arnie with such kindness.

She asked him: Arnie, what’s your favourite special treat?

He said “ice cream, but I've already had some today”...looking at me.

I assured him he could have it again.

On a hot July afternoon her van pulled into his favourite ice cream place, Erie Drive In, and this kind woman stood in line to get him his favourite…a zebra cone.

When we pulled into the hospice members of the clinical care team were waiting outside for his arrival and they were shocked to see him come out of the van on a stretcher - ice cream in hand and a smile from ear to ear!

I volunteer in the kitchen now because I know how food/treats/kindness can make such a difference. It turned that very sad, heart wrenching day into a happy memory for me and I know it made such a difference in Arnie's well-being in that moment.

That night, while playing cards late into the night, we enjoyed bowls of microwave popcorn. It may sound like the simplest of snacks, but at the time, I remember thinking that the staff couldn't have been kinder in serving us something Arnie and I could enjoy together.

This evening, you’ll find bags of popcorn at your place settings as a small reminder of these simple joys.

As a kitchen volunteer now, six years later, I see first-hand the thoughtful care that goes into preparing homemade treats and soups.

And beyond the kitchen walls, I know that the food we provide gives immense comfort for loved ones during a very difficult time.

I remember a woman who had been there several days with her Mom. She was getting some soup and looking at the cookies and muffins. I asked if I could get her anything else. She said, “is there any chance I could get some toast?”

Toast....I know it’s a comfort food for me. It’s something so simple yet so good at just the same time.

Food provides so much more than nutrition…nostalgia, mood boost, physical warmth, and comfort. We all have that food that just does it for us.

As a volunteer, I see how the hospice team are always looking at ways to make the house feel more like home. When I think of the daughter wanting a piece of toast, I think about the benefit of adding a self-serve station in the dining area so that visitors can help themselves, anytime of day or night, just as they would do at home. No leaving the building, no relying on staff, volunteers or friends to get something for you when they have time. One less worry, at a time filled with worries.

When I was at the hospice with Arnie, I didn’t want to leave his side. I stayed over and my friends brought me breakfast. I’m forever grateful to them but I’ll admit, an addition like this would have meant a great deal to me.

When the health of your loved one is out of your control, there’s something to be said for having control over when and what you want to eat.

Rotary Hospice is about making every moment matter. And food – thoughtfully offered and easily accessible - is one more way to make that happen.

I have no doubt that tonight we will come together and each do what we can to support Rotary Hospice in ensuring every resident and their loved ones have all that they need to make every moment matter and every goodbye surrounded by love.

Thank you.