It was wet, rainy and windy, Saturday morning, but that didn’t stop a crowd of hikers from gathering at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine for the eighth annual Hike for Hospice.
The weather may have been dicey, but the support was solid, as the event raised $79,339.77 for Huron Shores Hospice, far exceeding the fund-raising goal of $60,000.
The top individual fund-raiser was Shelly Parker who brought in $7,800. She has been the top fund-raiser for multiple years, raising more than $33,000 through the Hike for Hospice. The winner of the Team Challenge was the Nuclear Powered Design Team which raised $16,013. This group has won the team challenge since 2021, bringing in a total of $66,000.39.
Cathy Herbert, executive director at Huron Shores Hospice, welcomed everyone to the event and thanked all the participants, sponsors, volunteers and particularly, the title sponsor, Bruce Power.
She noted that the hospice opened its first suite in May, 2018, at Tiverton Park Manor.
“In the span of six years, we have had the privilege of providing compassionate hospice care to 146 guests and their families,” she said. “The guests at the hospice received personalized attention, creating an environment of warmth and compassion during their final moments.
“At hospice, we emphasize the importance of making moments matter. By providing exceptional end-of-life care in a home-like environment, we care for both our guests and their families. We provide an environment where family can spend time comfortably together, focusing on being present as a family member. Special moments in our hospice include favourite music, pet visits, massages, and delicious food, while reminiscing on times past and celebrating life's milestones, whether it be a wedding, birthday, or anniversary.”
Herbert said the hospice has since expanded into a second suite and introduced various programs, such as Grief Recovery Method sessions, End-of-Life Doula services, Developing Care Maps workshops, and End-of-Life planning workshops.
“None of this would have been possible without the dedication of more than 125 volunteers, our committed staff of three, and the steadfast support of our donors,” she said. “Additionally, our partnership with Tiverton Park Manor and the invaluable contribution of our medical director, Dr. Damian Gunaratne, have fortified our mission.
“This year, I am thrilled to share that we have secured government funding for one year to enhance our grief and bereavement program, which has been made possible with the help from, and ongoing collaboration with, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.”
She also thanked the many people donating their time and efforts for the Hike for Hospice, including MC Roland Archer of Shoreline Classics FM, Phillip Craig of the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) Explore with some great activities for the children, the Kincardine Lions Club for barbecuing lunch after the hike, pipers Jennifer Farrell and Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band for leading the crowd at the start of the hike, and Her Strength Studio for leading the warm-up.
Mike Rencheck, president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, looked at the rainy sky and said, “It’s a great day for a hike!
“Thanks to everyone for supporting this event and this great cause. It wouldn’t happen without all of you.”
Janine Eby and Adrienne Pollock talked about their experience when their family used the services of the hospice.
“It was such a relief to have the hospice there when we needed it,” said Eby. “And the staff and volunteers were there for us as well. It’s sad when your family member needs the hospice, but it’s the best place for them to be.”
“The Huron Shores Hospice is there for everybody,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “Our family has been on the receiving end, and it’s amazing.”
Pipers Jennifer Farrell (left) and Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band lead the participants in the Hike for Hospice, to Durham Street from the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, Saturday morning
May 12, 2024
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