Casual yet impactful support took center stage today at the annual “Wash Your Foot and Come” fundraiser, hosted by the St. John Hospice at Casa Palmadita. Governor General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and Her Excellency Lady Williams, Patrons of St. John Hospice, attended as distinguished guests and ambassadors of compassionate service, underscoring their enduring advocacy of the island’s most vital institution for end of life care.
The event was marked by a strong presence from the hospice community and its proponents. In attendance were past and present members of the St. John Hospice Board—including Founder Ms. Agnes Meeker, Ms. Cathy Gilkes, Ms. Charlene Selkridge, and Mr. Colin Maynard. Board President Mr. Pedro Corbin was unfortunately and unavoidably absent.
H.E. Sir Rodney Williams addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the Board’s tireless dedication and highlighting the pride and importance both he and H.E. Lady Williams attach to hosting the St. John Hospice Annual General Meeting at Government House.
He stressed the significance of maintaining the operations of the island’s only hospice, emphasizing that the facility supports the physical and mental wellbeing of elderly residents in their latter years. Sir Rodney reiterated that end-of-life care is a reality for anyone, and he called on corporate sponsors and private citizens alike to strengthen financial support for the Hospice.
In his remarks, the Governor General also acknowledged the three shops managed by St. John Hospice as integral to generating operating revenue, while noting the rising costs associated with providing essential items for the elderly. This acknowledgment pointed to a clear need for heightened sponsorship to bridge funding gaps and sustain the institution’s important work.
The event also featured a notable philanthropic moment from Her Excellency Lady Williams. Demonstrating the act of giving, she presented a cash donation on behalf of the Halo Foundation to Ms. Charlene Selkridge, Head of the Fundraising Committee, describing the contribution as a starting point—“to get the ball rolling”—with a hopeful call for others to follow suit and support the Hospice’s mission.
About the event:
“Wash your foot and come “ is a yearly event that reinforces a commitment to elder care and its associated dignity, and the fundraising efforts drive the sustainability of essential services, caregiver support, and supplies for the elderly — all areas that require consistent financial backing in the face of rising costs. The event also highlights the critical need for continued sponsorship from both corporate entities and private individuals to ensure the Hospice’s capacity to serve as the island’s main facility of its kind.
About the organizations :
St. John Hospice remains dedicated to providing end-of-life and palliative care with empathy and kindness , serving the elderly and their families through a combination of assistance and community support, including three retail shops that contribute meaningfully to operating expenses.
The Halo Foundation, to which Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams are Patron and President respectively, is a charitable organization focused on community outreach and continues to pursue strategic partnerships and initiatives that empower the needy and vulnerable in our nation.
