M&T Bank has announced a $100,000 commitment to Niagara Hospice’s “Wings of Serenity” fundraising campaign to build a hospice residence and in-patient unit in Niagara County. Niagara Hospice House will be Niagara County’s only residential hospice, providing hospice services to patients and their families who are not able to receive home hospice care. The new facility will be 24,000 square feet located on Sunset Drive in the Town of Lockport.

"We are very pleased to have been given the opportunity to participate in a project like this one, which will provide so much physical, emotional and spiritual care to people in need in our community," said Shelley C. Drake, chairman and president of the M&T Charitable Foundation.

One wing of Niagara Hospice House will hold eight suites specifically designed for patients who need residential hospice care. The other wing will have ten suites designed for patients needing short-term medical monitoring and symptom management. Each suite will be designed with patient and family in mind and include a sitting area, sofa sleeper, and shower. Each family will also have access to community gathering rooms, fireplaces, a chapel, and the Hospice memorial gardens.

“It is both encouraging and rewarding to know that M & T Bank recognizes this project as a true benefit to Niagara County residents and their families,” said Anthony Battaglia, director of development for Niagara Hospice.

Niagara Hospice House will allow patients who don’t have appropriate living arrangements a place to go to receive hospice care. Additionally, hospice patients who lack the family and friend support network necessary for quality home hospice care can utilize the new residence.

“Although Hospice will always be primarily a home based program, Niagara Hospice House will provide new options for people who have compromised living arrangements or insufficient caregiver support,” said John Lomeo, president & CEO of The Hospice and Palliative Care Group. “This gift will help immensely as we work toward our $3,000,000 goal.”

In its mission to add value to the communities in which it operates, M & T Bank contributes to nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for its customers, its employees and its community. “M&T Bank believes that strengthening community institutions leads to increased economic opportunity for individuals and a healthier overall business climate,” stated Paul Collins, M & T Bank Vice President.

Charitable contributions are made through The M&T Charitable Foundation, which was established in 1995 as the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank. The Foundation contributes to various cultural, civic, health care, human service, education, and youth organizations. In addition to making monetary contributions, M&T Bank encourages its employees to become involved in community organizations.

Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about Niagara Hospice House and the “Wings of Serenity” fundraising campaign are invited to call Anthony Battaglia, Director of Development at 716/439-4417 or via e-mail at abattaglia@niagarahospice.com.