Bringing comfort home: SASHA expands palliative care support to Redwater

By Shelley Winger

For many families, facing a life-limiting illness is overwhelming. It can mean endless

appointments, difficult decisions, and the heavy emotional toll of balancing caregiving with

everyday responsibilities. While healthcare professionals provide critical medical care, there is

another side to the journey that often goes unseen—the need for companionship, emotional

support, and reassurance that no one is walking the road alone. That is where the St. Albert

Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA) steps in.

Founded as a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization, SASHA has spent years serving St.

Albert with free, compassionate programs for people living with serious illness, their caregivers,

and those grieving a loss. Over time, the association has grown into a trusted name in community

palliative support, offering everything from one-on-one visits to group programs designed to

reduce isolation and provide comfort. While most programming has taken place in St. Albert in

recent years, SASHA recognizes that rural residents face even greater gaps in palliative care.

With added staff hours, the association is expanding outreach and connections in Redwater and

other rural parts of Sturgeon County.

SASHA’s work is guided by a simple but powerful philosophy: walk alongside people through

every stage of the journey. From the early days after a diagnosis, when uncertainty weighs

heavily, to the middle stages when caregivers need more hands-on support, and finally to end-of-

life, SASHA volunteers provide the kind of presence that eases the burden and reminds families

that they are not alone.

“Our volunteers don’t replace medical professionals—they complement them,” explains the

association. “They are there to listen, to sit with people, to hold a hand, to share a story. Those

small acts of kindness mean more than most people realize.”

At the Foyer Lacombe Hospice in St. Albert, SASHA provides volunteers, music programs,

equipment, and furniture to create a welcoming, home-like environment. Families who have

walked through the hospice often say it was these human touches that brought them peace during

a deeply difficult time.

Living in rural Alberta brings its own set of challenges for those facing illness. Distances to

services are greater, professional supports are fewer, and caregivers often feel they must shoulder

everything on their own. SASHA has recognized this gap and is taking steps to bridge it. A key

part of this effort is their partnership with Caregivers Alberta, an organization dedicated to

supporting those who provide unpaid care to loved ones. Together, the two groups are building a

stronger network of resources and connections. “SASHA works in close partnership with

Caregivers Alberta, combining their strengths to create a robust network of support. Our

partnership is a fantastic complementary one, as Caregivers Alberta offers services and support

that SASHA does not, and vice versa,” says SASHA Executive Director Heidi Evans. This

collaboration means families in Redwater and surrounding areas will have greater access to both

practical resources and emotional supports, ensuring no caregiver feels abandoned.

In 2024, SASHA reintroduced Caregiver Peer Support Groups and launched Grief Walks, both

designed to help people cope with the stress of caregiving and the pain of loss. These programs

were met with heartfelt appreciation, with participants saying they provided a rare chance to

connect with others who truly understood their struggles. Other free programs include

companionship visits in the home, offering conversation and presence; respite for caregivers,

giving them much-needed breaks; Connect Cafés, which provide casual gatherings for

community and conversation; and educational sessions where caregivers and families can learn

practical tips and find encouragement. Every one of these initiatives is made possible through

trained volunteers who bring warmth, empathy, and stability to families in need.

Volunteers are the backbone of SASHA. Each one receives Canadian Hospice Palliative

Volunteer Training and ongoing education to ensure they are well-prepared for the emotional

challenges of the role. But beyond training, what matters most is their willingness to simply

show up and be present. “Something as simple as a weekly volunteer visit can truly change

someone’s life and create a ripple effect that impacts the entire family,” Evans says. Families

often echo this, sharing how a volunteer’s presence gave them peace of mind, time to rest, or just

someone to talk to during long days of caregiving.

Heidi shared one story that has stayed with her: a caregiver who felt overwhelmed and isolated

while caring for her spouse at home. After being connected with a Compassionate Care

volunteer, she found not only practical rest time, but also the reassurance that someone cared for

both her and her loved one. “Those visits brought her peace and strength,” Evans said. “They

reminded her she wasn’t alone on this journey.”

SASHA’s vision is to bring these kinds of supports more consistently into Redwater and across

Sturgeon County. The organization believes that hospice and palliative care is about far more

than the final days of life—it is about ensuring dignity, companionship, and quality of life for as

long as possible. “We want to offer comfort and support, whether that’s with a weekly volunteer

visit, sharing resources over a cup of coffee, or simply giving a hug when it’s needed most,” says

Evans. “The impact is profound. We have had the privilege of bringing joy and light into

people’s lives, sometimes for several months to over a year, through consistent companionship,

respite, and trusted relationships. I have seen firsthand how we can truly make life better when it

matters most.”

All SASHA programs are free of charge and open to anyone in need. Program details can be

found on their website at www.sasha-cares.com. Families and caregivers can also call 587-921-

1345 or email info@sasha-cares.com to speak with staff directly. For additional caregiver-

specific resources, visit www.caregiversalberta.ca.

SASHA is also inviting new volunteers to join their team. With training, ongoing education, and

continued support, volunteers become the heart of the association’s work. For those looking to

give back in a meaningful way, it is an opportunity to bring comfort, dignity, and companionship

into the lives of others.

As SASHA expands into Redwater, one thing remains constant: their belief that every person’s

journey matters. Through compassion, community, and connection, they continue to bring

comfort home.