Our History

Friends of Hospice Ottawa was founded in 2004, but its roots go back to January 1996 when Sylvia House Hospice began accepting clients.  Sylvia House was developed by volunteers to meet the expanding need for hospice palliative care across the growing communities of Ottawa west.

In December 2003 when the Salvation Army Sylvia House Hospice ceased operation, several concerned citizens were determined that those being cared for under Sylvia House would not lose their palliative support. Friends of Hospice Ottawa soon formed and with no funds in the bank, they started from scratch to serve the clients from the former Sylvia House Hospice who still needed care.

Since 2004 Friends of Hospice Ottawa has grown into a registered non-profit organization run by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, six staff and over 125 volunteers. In the fall of 2008, partial operating support was received from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care through the Champlain LHIN for the first time.