National Hospice Palliative Care week is taking place May 6-12 and the Castlegar Hospice Society has several things planned to highlight the work and needs of hospice groups.
The theme for this year’s hospice week is “Towards a more compassionate Canada, Eh?” and the goal is to encourage Canadians to consider ways community involvement can support the dying and bereavement process.
Hike for Hospice
Castlegar’s Hike for Hospice will take place at Kinsmen Park on Sunday, May 6. Registration and check-in is from 10:30-11 a.m. The hike begins at 11 a.m. The Selkirk Lions Club will be serving refreshments from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration and sponsorship forms are available at castlegarhospice.org. All funds raised in Castlegar stay in the community.
Lehbauer says everyone is welcome to join in the hike, even if they haven’t raised any funds.
“If you want to walk and show support, just come on out.”
Free documentary viewing
On Monday, May 7 Castlegar Hospice will be showing the documentary The Nurse with the Purple Hair at the Castlegar Health Centre education room at 1 p.m.The film is about living, dying, and joy. When horror filmmaker Sean Cunningham meets hospice nurse Michelle Lasota, the results are unpredictable and exciting. In the documentary the director of Friday 13th crafts a touching and uplifting story honoring hospice care workers. Call the hospice office at 250-304-1266 to register – there is no cost.
Drop-in
On Tuesday, May 8 people are invited to stop by the Castlegar Hospice office to meet hospice staff, explore programs that are offered and get help with their advanced care plans. The office is located in the Castlegar Health Centre.
Chamber of Commerce lunch
On Wednesday, May 9 Castlegar Hospice will be partnering with the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce for a lunch-and-learn event where Chamber members can learn how best to work with their employees after they have suffered a loss.
Couture for a Cause
The grand finale of the week will take place on Thursday, May 10, with the Fashion Carnival presented by SWISH and the Castlegar Hospice Society. The event will take place between 5 and 9 p.m. at the Castlegar Community Complex.
“This year the event is going to be much more interactive,” said Lehbauer.
Guests can participate in midway-style games such as Match the Kardashian, Ba-Da-Bling Toss, Wheel of Fashion and Fishing for Compliments. There will be a load of give-aways.
Shoppers Drug Mart will be on hand doing makeup and recent Selkirk College hairdressing graduates will be doing hair.
The event will also include vendors, fashion demonstrations, a wine bar and appetizers.
Tickets are $25 at SWISH or at the hospice office. Delivery for group ticket purchases is available call 250-304-1266 for more information.