This weekend is one Hospice Georgian Triangle staff and volunteers look forward to all year.
The 9th annual Hike or Bike for Hospice takes place this Sunday (May 26), and it’s one of the three signature fundraising events for Campbell House. This year, the fundraising goal is higher than ever.
“In a perfect world, we would raise $100,000,” said Janet Fairbridge, foundation director for Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation.
Two years ago, the event came close, raising $98,000.
This year, for the first time, the Wasaga Beach and Collingwood events have combined for one event in Collingwood
“Campbell House serves all those surrounding communities, so why shouldn’t we all celebrate together,” said Kelley Cookson, community events and engagement coordinator for Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation.
And, according to Fairbridge, a celebration is exactly what the Hike or Bike event is meant to be.
“It really is a celebratory day,” she said. “We celebrate how far we’ve come as an organization because of the community, and it’s a chance for the community to celebrate their accomplishments.”
It can also be a time to honour loved ones who spent the end of their lives in hospice care.
“It’s a way to remember,” said Fairbridge, adding it’s really special for staff and volunteers to see those families again.
Another impact of the Hike or Bike event is awareness for hospice care and a way to start a conversation that is often avoided.
“It spreads awareness of the need for palliative care in the community and what we offer,” said Cookson.
“Generally speaking, people are not comfortable talking about death and dying,” said Fairbridge. “We try to normalize it … take some of the fear away and show them they can lean on us for support through the process. We can shed light on what the process can look like. Our care is patient-centred but it’s also about wrapping that care around the family or the primary care unit.”
Registration for the event, which takes place at Collingwood Curling Club, starts at 9:30 a.m. and there will be coffee provided by Tim Hortons on site, as well as entertainment from a balloon artist and face painter. Pipers will help lead the hikers for the beginning of the 6-kilometre walk. There will be a five-kilometre family bike ride and a 20-kilometre ride for adults.
Lunch is provided by Boston Pizza and Sobeys, and Collingwood firefighters will be cooking the burgers. There will be prizes for top individual and team fundraisers. There is a minimum $20 donation to participate and you can register online in advance here.
