The Hike for Hospice is back – live and in person.
After two years of hosting its largest annual fundraiser virtually, St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation on May 15 will return to the original format – gathering at the Stedman Community Hospice grounds and walking a one-kilometre route in the area.
“We’re thrilled to finally be able to gather in person to celebrate the great work of Stedman Community Hospice and the wonderful fundraising efforts of our participants,” said Julie Powell, president and CEO of the foundation, which raises funds for the St. Joseph’s Lifecare Center on Wayne Gretzky Parkway and the nearby hospice.
The pandemic scuttled the in-person hike in 2020 and 2021 but that didn’t stop people from getting involved. About 175 participants raised just over $165,000 last year, walking in their own neighbourhoods, at their cottages and in other locations.
The last in-person hike – held in 2019 – brought out 700 participants and raised about $244,000.
“We’d really like to raise $200,000 this year,” said Powell, who is hoping for at least 400 participants.
“So many of the event’s supporters have said they’re excited to return to an in-person event, to once again participate in the Celebration of Life ceremony, and just be in the company of family and friends.”
The Celebration of Life, held as part of the opening ceremony, honors not only those who have died at the hospice but those lost throughout the community, said Powell.
Siblings Catherine, Michelle and Andrew Maguire are this year’s hike ambassadors. Their mother, Deborah (Maguire) Armstrong, died at the hospice in June 2018.
Deborah also received care from the hospice’s outreach team for six weeks prior to moving into the hospice.
“I still lived at home at the time,” said Andrew. “My mom’s greatest fear was that I would come home and find her. That was a big part of her decision to end outreach care and go to the residential hospice.
He said that, at the hospice, under 24-hour care, his mother could enjoy more time with her family.
“Being at the hospice made a real difference for us,” said Andrew. “It was wonderful to not have to worry about parking expenses when you’re visiting two or three times a day. Also, the hospice always had a pot of soup on for families and sometimes I’d be arriving at the end of the day, hardly stopping to eat during the day. Those little things made it possible for you to spend your free time with her.”
In May 2018, Deborah was able to attend Michelle’s wedding, which was held on the expansive hospice grounds.
“My original wedding date was June 23 but I knew, if I didn’t change the date, my mom wouldn’t get to see me in the dress she bought for me. It would be the only opportunity for her to see one of three children walk down the aisle.”
The Maguire family will be among the participants in next month’s Hike for Hospice.
“Because of Stedman Community Hospice, our mom was able to die with dignity and we were able to focus on just being by her side,” said Catherine.
The hospice is partially funded by the provincial government but Powell said about $1.3 million must be raised in the community each year.
About 1,800 people have been patients at the hospice since 2004. Hospice outreach care was provided to 970 people in 2021.
Registration for the Hike for Hospice is $25 and includes a T-shirt and a boxed lunch. Registration can be done at www.stedmanhike.ca. The gate opens for the event on May 15 at 11 am, with official ceremonies and the hike at 1 pm
Early check-in is available on May 14 from 10 am to 1 pm at 99 Wayne Gretzky Pkwy.
Regular check-in will be held May 15 from 11 am to 1 pm
A shuttle service is available on hike day from Lynden Park Mall beginning at 11 am Those who park at the mall are eligible to win a $250 gift certificate. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers.