Hosted by Duncan and Lesley Hawthorne

and featuring...

Handbags for Hospice brought our community together for a memorable evening of camaraderie, laughter, empowerment, and philanthropy. Held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the Kincardine Pavilion, this extraordinary night proved once again why it has become the largest annual fundraising event in support of Huron Shores Hospice.

Guests were treated to vibrant live and silent auctions featuring more than ninety designer handbags, luxurious experiences, captivating getaways, and our always-popular wine wall. The excitement in the room was contagious as paddles flew, bids climbed, and our community celebrated the true “Power of the Purse.”

We are thrilled to share that this year’s event raised an astounding $248,000 in support of hospice care in our community. This incredible achievement reflects the generosity, compassion, and dedication of our guests, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who continue to make Handbags for Hospice such a cherished tradition.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the night such an inspiring success and look forward to another remarkable evening of fun and philanthropy in the year ahead. Stay tuned and check back for exciting news about Handbags for Hospice 2026—we can’t wait to share what’s in store

Enter the Wine Wall Contest and Win 2 Tickets to Handbags for Hospice!

Donate a bottle of wine valued at $25 or more between July 1 and July 30 to be entered to win 2 tickets to this year’s gala.

Winner announced July 31

Your donation will help stock the popular Wine Wall — a fun game at the event that raises essential funds for local hospice care.

Drop-off Locations:

Port Elgin: Royal LePage Exchange Realty Co., 680 Goderich St.
Kincardine: Sleepers Bed Gallery, 828 Queen St.
Point Clark: Email will@huronshoreshospice.ca to arrange drop-off

Please include your name, address, and email with your receipt so we can issue a tax receipt and enter you in the draw.

Tickets have sold out!

Join the Waitlist

Partner With Us!

SPONSORSHIP! We invite you to partner with us in creating a world where end-of-life receives the same beauty, care, and respect as the beginning — by making moments matter for the guests and families we serve.

Sponsoring Handbags for Hospice is a meaningful way to show your support for compassionate end-of-life care while elevating your brand with a caring, engaged audience.

Our Corporate and Community Sponsorship Packages offer a variety of ways to get involved and make a lasting impact. Each level includes recognition opportunities designed to highlight your commitment to this essential service in our community.

To learn more, please review the sponsorship packages below:

Document

Corporate Sponsorship Package (downloadable)

Document

Community Sponsorship Package (downloadable)

PAST EVENTS

Handbags for Hospice

The 8th Annual Handbags for Hospice was another unforgettable evening, raising over $170,000 in support of Huron Shores Hospice. We’re filled with gratitude for the incredible community spirit and generosity that made this milestone possible.

Held at the Kincardine Pavilion, the sold-out gala welcomed 168 guests for a stylish and heartfelt celebration. Attendees enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and a chance to bid on more than 100 designer handbags, luxury items, getaways, and experiences in the live and silent auctions.

Returning as Master of Ceremonies, Phillip Craig set a warm and lively tone for the evening. Cathy Herbert, Executive Director of Huron Shores Hospice, opened the program with heartfelt remarks, thanking guests for their continued support and recognizing the volunteers and sponsors who make the work of the hospice possible.

Karen Smith, Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bruce Power, highlighted the importance of accessible end-of-life care and the difference it makes in strengthening communities.

The evening’s most moving moment came from guest speaker Lynda Janzen of Kincardine, who shared her family’s experience when her mother-in-law, Hilda, received care at the hospice in December 2022. Lynda spoke with honesty and grace about the compassion, dignity, and support they experienced during such a tender time.

With a buzzing wine wall, beautifully curated auctions, and a room full of purpose-driven guests, the evening was both elegant and deeply meaningful.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, and each guest who helped make this year’s event such a success. Your support helps ensure that compassionate, dignified end-of-life care continues to be available for families in our community — when it matters most.