Philip Aziz was an art teacher living in Toronto who died of an AIDS related illness in 1991. Due to the stigma related to AIDS he lived alone and isolated with his illness.  In the final year of his life Philip found the spiritual, emotional and practical support along with acceptance, faith and love, amidst a caring church community in downtown Toronto.  He bequeathed his estate to “Church in the City” with the request that his gift be used to begin a Hospice that would offer the same type of unconditional love and support he received, to others living with the challenges of a life-limiting illness.  Philip Aziz Centre continues this legacy of love, support and compassion, through trained volunteers and staff who are committed to helping make a difficult life journey more meaningful and manageable for persons facing a life-limiting illness.

Since opening its doors in 1995, Philip Aziz Centre (PAC) through a team of professionals and trained volunteers, has delivered compassionate and skilled hospice care to hundreds of individuals and families in the comfort of their homes.

The love and practical assistance expressed through this small church continues to be the foundation of PAC’s mission. I believe that the greatest expression of our love for God and appreciation of life, is unconditionally loving our neighbour. We may differ in culture, ethnicity, values, beliefs, faith, giftings, social/economic status, gender, education and geography but we are similar in our universal desire to be loved, accepted, belong and know our lives have significance, purpose and value. To be loved and to share love is at the core of our humanity and the yearning of every heart." Reverend Rauni Salminen – Executive Director