Staff
On Sunday, May 1, the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce will be hosting hikes in six communities across Grey and Bruce as a part of a national day of action to raise funds and awareness for palliative care initiatives.
This is the fourth year that local funds raised through the Hike for Hospice will support the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce.
“We are incredibly proud of our connection to communities across our region and for their support of our service over the past three years,” said Executive Director Scott Lovell. “And that connection is in part inspired by the fact that we continue to operate as a truly regional hospice, with over half our patients still coming to us from outside the city of Owen Sound.”
Hikes are being held in Chepstow, Hanover, Markdale, Meaford, Kincardine, and Owen Sound. Registration at all sites begins at 1 p.m., with coordinators in each community encouraging companies, teams and individual hikers to get involved.
“This is a great opportunity for our Team to celebrate our role in the community and for families, friends, and co-workers to come together in support of a very special type of care,” said Scott. “And this year we all have a reason to hike.”
In Ontario, residential hospices are funded by the provincial government for only a portion of their operation – making their contribution specific to the costs associated with the salaries for nursing and personal support work at the bedside. This means all other aspects of a hospice’s operation, such as medical equipment, patient meals and other comforts are supported by the community.
Events like the Hike are important to the Residential Hospice because the funds raised allow it to continue to offer, at no cost to the patient or their family, exceptional care to loved ones who are in their final stages of life. All money raised locally stays in the community in which it is raised.
“This is going to be an exciting year for our Hospice and we hope to see a great turnout on May 1st,” said Scott. “Whether you’re hiking in memory of a loved one, in anticipation of our new build, or simply in support of exceptional care right here in our community, we would love to see you at any site!”
Pledge forms and links to Hike information are available online at www.greybrucehospice.com.
Hike Details
Markdale: Grey Gables (206 Toronto Street South – back entrance)
Kincardine: Davidson Centre (601 Durham Street)
Owen Sound: Harrison Park Community Hall
Chepstow: Recreation Centre (17 Community Drive)
Hanover: Hanover Park Pavilion (742 7th Ave – down by river)
Meaford: St. Vincent Roman Catholic Church (corner of Cook & Collingwood)
