This year’s Hike 4 Hospice raised more than $20,000 to support local hospice services.
The sixth annual event took place May 6 in numerous locations across the province, including in Newmarket.
The local Hike 4 Hospice for Doane House and the new Margaret Bahen Hospice took place at Fairy Lake Park.
Doane House provides outreach and community services, and the new 10-bed Margaret Bahen Hospice at Southlake Regional Health Centre offers residential hospice care, including clinical, emotional and spiritual support, pain and symptom management, and counselling.
Volunteers and staff from both hospices were joined at the event by supporters, local politicians, and families who have been touched by the need for palliative care.
It was an all-ages crowd, ranging from grandparents, to kids in strollers, and there was a festive atmosphere, with music and face painting.
“I am so impressed by the passion and commitment you have for hospice,” said Newmarket councillor Christina Bisanz, noting Doane House has continued to operate, despite the nearby construction. “I look at Doane House as an oasis in the midst of all the dirt and dust. I also think of Doane House as an oasis for families.”
This year, the hike followed a new route. Walkers left the park and headed to Margaret Bahen House at Southlake, for once enjoying sunny skies and mild temperatures.
“This is our sixth annual Hike 4 Hospice, and I think all of them have been in rain, snow and wind,” said Doane House director Juliet Irish.
May 6-12 is National Hospice Palliative Care Week.
Hospices have launched a Compassionate Communities campaign, encouraging residents, employers and municipalities to reach out and accommodate families dealing with loss and grief.
In Bradford West Gwillimbury, there will be a Hospice Palliative Care Week and Compassionate Communities flag raising May 8 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bradford courthouse on Holland Street East.
