On Sunday May 5, volunteers and community supporters from Castlegar will participate in the 11th Annual Hike for Hospice Palliative Care, hosted by the Castlegar Hospice Society and being held at Kinsmen Park. Registration is at 10 a.m. with the hike and a barbecue following at 11 a.m.
The hike has three main goals: fundraising, awareness of hospice palliative services and recognition of hospice staff and volunteers, explained Executive Director Suzanne Lehbauer. “Hospice hikers help us in achieving them all. Not only do they raise funds needed for hospice palliative care programs and services that benefit all of our community and region, but they also help raise awareness of those programs and services.
Lehbauer continued, "Castlegar Hospice Society is honoured to continue in their role as a mentor to many agencies in our region. We work very hard to establish best practises and maintain our high standards of excellence."
This annual event helps to shine a spotlight on the valuable work done by hospice palliative care volunteers and professionals across the country.
Hike for Hospice is a national event with thousands of participants across Canada. The hike coordinated nationally with financial support from founding sponsor The GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and compassion level sponsor Bayshore Home Health, allowing 100 per cent of the funds raised in local communities to remain there. Last year over $1 million was raised nationally for hospice palliative care programs and services in 99 different locations. Funds raised in this year's hike by Castlegar Hospice Society will be used to continue to provide essential hospice and bereavement support and services as well as work towards Castlegar Hospice establishing a regional hospice facility.
To support or participate in Hike for Hospice Palliative Care, or for more information, please contact Suzanne Lehbauer at 250-304-1266 or visit the website at www.castlegarhospice.org.