Several years ago, Mount Pleasant Group (MPG) made a corporate commitment to support hospice and palliative care organizations – an approach that aligns closely with our shared values of helping families navigate life’s most difficult moments.
As part of this commitment, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centres has been a partner of Emily’s House, a hospice residence for children, for over a decade, supporting their work through fundraising efforts, and participation in initiatives such as the annual Hike for Hospice and an annual Candlelight Memorial. On the morning of March 18, Jennifer Kroezen, Director of Development at Emily’s House, joined Mount Pleasant staff at the annual pancake breakfast to share updates on the organization’s work and to thank the team for their ongoing support.
“It’s so great to work with people who care about people,” said Jennifer. “With Mount Pleasant Group and Emily’s House, there’s an alignment of values. We celebrate life, we extend compassion and dignity around death, and we remember loved ones well.”
Following the breakfast, Jennifer shared how the funds Emily’s House receives each year have helped expand its grief support programming, including a dedicated support group for teens grieving the loss of a sibling, providing a safe space to express and navigate their grief and learn new skills.
“We also have a range of frontline care staff and volunteers who come into the home to support not just the child, but the whole family,” Jennifer explained. “This allows us to assess needs, and help reduce the risks of negative, long‑term impacts. Early intervention supports healthier outcomes and overall well‑being.”
Having the support from partners like MPG allows families at Emily’s House to focus on being together, as the heaviest demands of medical care are lifted from parents’ shoulders. And while the environment can be a difficult one, Jennifer reminded us that there is also much to be hopeful for.
“The fact that people care and want to extend compassion gives me hope,” she said. “Right now, it’s March Break camp, and our staff and volunteers have transformed Emily’s House into a cruise ship with karaoke, crafts, inflatable sea creatures and activities designed to bring as much joy as possible to children and youth during this time they have together.”
MPG is honoured to play a part in supporting this important work.
