EN
In February 2022, the initiative of the Fundacja Hospicyjna was launched and the construction of the first Respite Care Center (Centrum Opieki Wytchnieniowej or COW) in Gdańsk began. Thanks to donors, including the JohnnyBros Foundation which had donated 6 000 000 PLN to this cause, the dream came true. After a record period of a year and a half, the building was erected and the first patients were able to arrive at the center at the beginning of September 2023.
Let’s start by explaining what respite care is. It is a type of assistance offered to families and caregivers in caring for people with disabilities - both children and adults. Its main task is to relieve the families and the caregivers of their daily duties, give them time to run errands or simply to rest for a while. The Respite Center facility provides assistance in the areas of nursing, rehabilitation and therapeutics.
Gdansk has gained a facility offering temporary assistance, depending on the needs of the caregivers. It is possible to use its services from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but there is also an option of a 24-hour stay - up to 14 days, and even up to 30 days, in the case of longer convalescence. The center can take care of 60 patients, including 20 places for those who need assistance during the day.
In addition to professional care, the patients can spend time in a friendly environment and participate in engaging activities. On the other hand, the caregivers have an option to receive psychological support, legal advice or learn about home caring. Additionally, they are able to join support groups and participate in therapy.
The Respite Care Center in the Tricity helps the seriously ill and their families. It is undoubtedly an invaluable support for all family carers in their daily struggles. The construction of the Center fits perfectly into the social campaign of the Fundacja Hospicyjna, "Notice, understand, support - #podarujurlop", which helps to raise awareness and increase understanding of the situation of many families in our province. There are more than several thousand people who are happy to take the opportunity of some rest. The Center also offers care at patients’ homes, which makes it easier for the caretakers to run their errands.
In February 2022, the initiative of the Fundacja Hospicyjna was launched and the construction of the first Respite Care Center in Gdańsk began. Thanks to the support and goodwill, the construction of the building was progressing fast and the JohnnyBros Foundation became the strategic donor of the project. The first patients were expected to use the facility in the middle of 2023. Despite the fact that the construction works were going according to the plan, there were many difficult moments.
High inflation and an increase in the prices of materials caused delays in finishing works, purchasing of medical equipment and furniture. The construction cost increased from 20 000 000 PLN to 30 000 000 PLN, so additional funds were necessary to finish the project. Unfortunately, as a non-governmental organization, the Fundacja Hospicyjna itself had to raise money. The ground-breaking ceremony was held, the symbolic cornerstone was laid with the traditional topping-out ceremony taking place at the beginning of 2023. In comparison to the original plans, the costs of the project increased by approximately 10 000 000 PLN. Numerous donors, including the JohnnyBros Foundation which donated 6 000 000 PLN, provided additional support.
The official opening of the Respite Care Center took place on September 27, but the first patients had arrived at the center already at the beginning of September.
“We are glad that the JohnnyBros Foundation could support this project. Respect is a very important issue in our organization. Respect for work, for knowledge, for technology, and the changing world, but above all, respect for other people. I am very glad that we can give our respect to people outside our organization," added the founder of the JohnnyBros Foundation, Julian Pawlukiewicz.
The completion of the construction of the Center was a huge success, but from the moment its operations began, new financial needs have been constantly arising. To support the facility's operations, the help of investors and donors is still needed.
COW in Gdańsk is intended for residents of the entire Pomeranian Voivodeship. To receive support, please complete the forms available on the website opiekawytchnieniowa.pl.
Completed and signed documents - application form, needs diagnosis, GDPR declaration, photocopy of the disability certificate (or current information about the disease in the absence of a certificate) - can be delivered to the headquarters of Fundacja Hospicyjna in Gdańsk in person or by post to the following address: Fundacja Hospicyjna - Respite Care Center, ul. M. Kopernika 17C, 80-208 with the note "OPIEKA WYTCHNIENIOWA" or send by e-mail to centrum@opiekawytchnieniowa.pl
We encourage everyone who wants to support the activities of the Respite Care Center in Gdańsk to provide financial support. Payments can be made to the JohnnyBros Foundation bank account: 21 2490 0005 0000 4530 2438 5795 (with the note: "Respite Care Center") or directly to Fundacja Hospicyjna account: 60 1540 1098 2001 5562 3339 0002.
