After adjusting to a virtual event for several years, Hospice Peterborough’s 22nd annual Hike for Hospice will be an in-person event on Sept. 22 at Millennium Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
As Hospice Peterborough’s largest annual fundraiser, Hike for Hospice sees individuals and teams who have either had a loved one die at a hospice and wish to honour their memory, have received support from Hospice programs or simply care deeply about palliative and bereavement support and want to ensure these services remain free for those who need them according to said Heather Easton, Hospice committee co-chair.
“I’m very excited it’s going to be in-person this year,” she said. “It’ll be quite meaningful to hear everyone share their hospice stories as we walk.”
“While we’ve had great success with virtual walks over the past few years, there really is something special about being able to experience Hike for Hospice with others, together,” said Shelley Barrie, Hospice committee co-chair. “I was lucky to be involved in Hike when it was an in-person event for many years, and it’s nice to finally be able to gather again for such an important cause.”
The event will include opening remarks, a reflective activity led by Red Keating, Hospice Peterborough Supportive Care Counsellor and Co-Host of the podcast ‘What Now? On the Threshold of Life, Death and Grief,’ healthy snacks and treats and a walk to Rogers Cove in East City.
Hike for Hospice participants are encouraged to participate in the way that is most comfortable for them. They can walk to Rogers Cove, turn around and loop back to Millennium Park or continue to Beavermead Beach. Participants can also participate virtually and plan their own Hikes, as they have done in recent years.
Past Hike for Hospice participant Tracey Johnston has held a “virtual Hike” with her family for the last few years in honour of her father Tom Johnston, who received care in his final days at Hospice Peterborough in 2022. Each year since Tom’s death, Tracey’s family gathers at the Kenner Collegiate racing track to walk laps and remember Tom, often displaying photos of him and sharing memories.
“An in-person Hike for Hospice will be a wonderful opportunity to build community, especially with some of the newer families who may be walking this path for the first time. I want to let them know they’re not alone,” Said Johnston. “It’s also so important these programs stay accessible to all through fundraising.”
Those interested in participating in Hike for Hospice must register via Hospice Peterborough’s EasyPledge website, where they can collect pledges until the day of the Hike in September. The EasyPledge site includes resources on how to fundraise, impactful Hospice Peterborough stats, inspiring Hike stories like Tracey Johnston’s (pictured), sponsorship information and more.