Create your own hike in support of Hospice Huntsville

Each year, Hospice Huntsville relies on donations from the community to keep their doors open.

“It’s absolutely critical that we raise funds for Hospice. We need the doors of [our residential hospice] Algonquin Grace to stay open and keep our grief support programs and services free of charge for the community,” said Melissa Polischuk, Fund Development & Public Relations Coordinator for Hospice Huntsville.

The organization must raise 60 per cent of its operating budget each year—at least $685,000, noted Polischuk.

“Our fundraising events have either been postponed or cancelled due to COVID,” she added. “This also includes third-party events that our friends in the community organize in order to support us. Financially we have been impacted significantly by the pandemic.”

The annual Hike For Hospice—a nation-wide event which normally takes place on the first Sunday in May and coincides with National Palliative Care Week.—was among the events cancelled in the spring, but Hospice has devised another plan: a Create-Your-Own-Hike virtual event running from October 4-18 so that supporters can still raise funds. Participants can hike as an individual, as a family, or as a virtual team.

“This is something brand new for us,” said Polischuk. “People can choose their own trail, a stroll in their neighbourhood, or even on a treadmill.”

Some teams have already signed up and have started to plan out their routes.

The fundraising goal for the inaugural Create-Your-Own-Hike is $60,000.

If you’re unable to donate online you can bring cash or a cheque to Algonquin Grace; all donations will receive a tax receipt. Also keep your eyes peeled for Hospice’s ‘Purple Boots’ in businesses around town that you can place cash donations in.

“We are always so thankful for the community’s support. Every donation really does count,” said Polischuk.

To create your own team or donate to Hospice Huntsville, click here.

Don’t miss out on Doppler!

Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!