What began in 1985 as a grassroots initiative led by local volunteers has grown into compassionate end-of-life care in the Fraser Valley. This spring, the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society marks 40 years of service, honouring a legacy that has supported tens of thousands of families through grief and loss.
“Forty years of walking alongside people during life’s most difficult moments – that’s something truly worth honouring,” says Andrea Critchley, AHGSS executive director “We exist because our community believes in compassionate care and the work we do, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
The building of Holmberg House hospice in 2016 was a community effort, driven by the vision and dedication of countless community leaders and supporters. Their commitment and passion made it possible to create a space where compassionate care and support are offered to those in need.
The Holmberg family was instrumental in seeing Holmberg House into completion, and remain long-time supporters. The beautiful 10-bed hospice residence on Marshall Road offers many tailored grief support services, volunteer and teen training, memorial events, as well as provides resources and education, all at no-cost to the community.
Today, Holmberg House thrives thanks to volunteers, donors and loyal, a passionate team of staff members, along with a dedicated board of directors.
“In late 2023, we changed our name to the Abbotsford Hospice & Grief Support Society to better encompass what we do. Grief doesn’t start or end at hospice, and our programs reach people at many stages of their journey,” Critchley says.
To mark its milestone anniversary, AHGSS is hosting a series of events throughout 2025 and into 2026. The lineup includes a Memorial Butterfly Release on June 21, the Holmberg Memorial Golf Classic on July 25, and Horsepower for Hospice – a classic car show – on Aug. 17. The celebration culminates with the Moments of Hope Gala: Night in Red on April 4, 2026.
“These events are a chance for the community to connect, remember and give back,” Critchley says. “Everyone who donates or shares their story becomes part of this incredible legacy.”
Since its start, AHGSS has prioritized inclusivity and accessibility, including launching new grief support groups in multiple languages. The society also aims to meet people where they are – emotionally, culturally and financially.
“Grief is universal, but how we experience it is deeply personal,” Critchley says. “We’re here to honour every story and support every journey.”
To learn more, donate, or share your own AHGSS memory or story from the past 40 years, visit abbotsfordhospice.org.