Huntsville and area residents joined communities across Canada on May 5, 2019, in the 10th Annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser to raise money for hospice palliative care programs and services.<\/p>\n
Team members, family, and friends (furry ones too) gathered at River Mill Park to remember and celebrate loved ones with whom they shared their end-of-life journey.<\/p>\n
It was a sunny and peaceful day. Purple, the colour of the event, was donned by most of those in attendance there to support end-of-life care. The bagpipes were playing \u2018Amazing Grace\u2019 and led the hikers to their route.<\/p>\n
Hike for Hospice is one of the most significant fundraisers for the organization and continues to flourish each year, said Melissa Polischuk, Fund Development & Public Relations Coordinator for Hospice Huntsville. \u201cThe Hike has three main objectives: public awareness, fundraising, and recognition. Our generous supporters and volunteers help us in achieving them all,” she explained. It includes the Purple Tea Party and Silent Auction and the Purple Boot campaign.<\/p>\n
The goal for the 2019 Hike was $55,000 and the total raised through sponsorships, pledges from the hike, along with the earlier tea party and purple boot campaign, have exceeded that goal, with more donations still coming in, said Polischuk.<\/p>\n
“We continue to be amazed by the support we receive for Hospice Huntsville from our community, supporters, and volunteers on all of our fundraising initiatives,” said Polischuk. “Our 10th<\/sup> Annual Hike for Hospice Huntsville is no exception. It was a magnificent success; raising awareness for our end-of-life care programs\/services, and raising funds which will support our on-going operational needs.”<\/p>\n All proceeds raised go directly to support Hospice Huntsville with physical, emotional and social assistance to their residents as well as their relatives and friends. Algonquin Grace Residential Hospice offers five beds that provide 24-hour professional nursing care to support the client along with his or her family’s end-of-life experience. Hospice also provides non-medical support in a client\u2019s home or at the hospital.<\/p>\n “On behalf of our residents, clients and the families that we have the privilege of caring for and supporting, it is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank every person, business and volunteer that supported us on Hike Day,” added Polischuk.<\/p>\n Algonquin Grace has supported more than 90 residents over the last year and in total has had more than 600 residents since it opened its doors.<\/p>\n (From left) Cheryl Kinghan from Billingsley Funeral Home, Vina Parker, Residential Volunteer Coordinator for Hospice Huntsville, and volunteer Cate Elliott.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2019\/05\/Hospice_Ladies-e1557834124730.jpg\")