Hospice Toronto began in 1988 with a simple yet powerful act of compassion. At the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, a small group of community members came together to support their friend Margaret Fraser, who wished to spend her final days at home. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Margaret was able to remain in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the people and memories she loved. This experience, later documented by June Callwood in 12 Weeks in Spring, inspired the creation of Trinity Home Hospice—Toronto’s first volunteer-based home hospice program.
As the organization grew, it evolved to better reflect the diverse community it served. Following a strategic planning and consultation process, Trinity Home Hospice became Hospice Toronto, a name that represents our city-wide commitment to compassionate end-of-life care.
Over the years, Hospice Toronto has grown from a grassroots volunteer initiative into an essential partner in Toronto’s palliative care network. By 2026, the organization has expanded its services to nearly three times their original scope, offering enhanced emotional support, programs for children and families, bereavement care, and strong partnerships with community organizations.
While our programs have grown, our mission remains the same: to provide compassionate care and support so that individuals facing life-limiting illness can live their final days with dignity, comfort, and connection at home.