EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on Milton Today July 17.
The value of palliative care resonates deeply with Debbie Duclos. Both personally and professionally.
She spent many years in the field during the early part of her nursing career, and has seen several family members and friends benefit from this “unique and dedicated” care over the years.
Then there’s her own breast cancer journey nearly a decade ago. The nine-month fight was ultimately won, but sparked plenty of reflection and consideration on the vital importance end stage of life hospice care for an illness of any type, including cancer care.
“Our community needs this highly specialized, compassionate and holistic care,” said Duclos.
To that end, the longtime Miltonian is once again supporting the Townsend Smith Foundation’s efforts to bring a hospice to north Halton in the best way she can.
In dill-icious fashion.
For the second straight year, the seasoned pickler – who learned the craft from her grandmother when she was nine or 10 – will donate a portion of the sales of her annual summer preserves to the local organization.
She raised $700 for TSF last year and is hoping to exceed that this time around, with the goal to fill 1,200 jars.
“One of the things I feel very passionately about is paying back in any way that I can,” said Duclos, who’s served as a member of the foundation’s awareness committee for the past five years.
With a friend’s rave reviews serving as the catalyst to monetizing her love of pickling a few years back, she now sells her crunchy creations for $12 per 1 litre jar – $12.50 for the spicy variety.
While the pickling principles came from grandma, Duclos has tinkered considerably with the recipe to create what she calls a bigger and bolder flavour.
That seems to be a popular sentiment, given the amount of repeat business she’s now enjoying.
“I’ve got a lot of orders people put in last year, and plenty of big orders. Some people buy enough for the whole year.”
That keeps Duclos awfully busy preserving throughout the summer, which is just as she likes it.
“I find it fun and relaxing,” she said. “It’s my down time before I got to sleep. This is a hobby that’s grown into much more than a hobby.”
Those wishing to try Duclos’ pickles and support the TSF can place orders at [email protected].