Sunday’s Hike for Hospice raises $41,108

The community showed its continued support to Hospice Prince Edward and its residential hospice raising $41,108.14 at Sunday’s second annual Hike for Hospice. Combined with last year, the one-day event has raised more than $94,000.

“When we launched our community campaign we called it “Lighting the Way” because that’s what this community has done for hospice,” said Birgit Langwisch, chair of the board. “Last year at this time, we did have a project but we didn’t have a house; and six months later we had a house and six months later we’re going to open that house – sometime in June – but this is because of the support this community has given us.”

A few hundred participants walked, ran and biked through Picton on a sunny, warm Sunday afternoon in a bid to help provide friends, family and neighbours quality of life in the final stages of their life. Hospice Prince Edward provides palliative and bereavement support – free of charge – to families and individuals of all ages in Prince Edward County. Its current project is to create a residential hospice centre at 40 Downes Ave., Picton.

Hike committee chairs Anne Wait and Linda Middleton thanked the committee, the community and everybody who supported the cause and participated.

Councillor Bev Campbell read a proclamation from Mayor Peter Mertens declaring May 5-11 National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Prince Edward County.

In the spirit of fun and to extend thanks and appreciation, some awards were presented after the event.

The highest fundraising efforts for a team award, went to The Family Health Team whose members raised almost $6,000.
The top two individual fundraisers were Denise Richmond and Audrey Whitney, both raising more than $1,500 each.
Two participants of the” In Memory of Randy Claxton’s Team”, Geri and Lisa Claxton, won the prize for the “2 Randy Girls”
The Cookbook Club won the “Following in Their Leader’s Footstep” Award for their dedication in continuing along their leader Sue Kellar’s Path after she lead them to victory last year. She passed away in February.
“Each and every participant was also an award winner, as without them we could never have reached our fantastic results….one dollar at a time,” said Middleton.
Pledges are still welcome. Call Hospice Prince Edward at 613 476 2181 x 4253, visit the Sutton Real Estate office or Hospice online.

The family of Bob Willard led this year’s hike.

The community showed its support raising $41,108.14 -Evan Nash photo

Rousing entertainment from Jeanette Arsenault, Mark McGreevy, Fraser Hardman and Sam Hirst.

Happy Birthday wishes were sung to Marion Smith, celebrating her 91st!

Children’s activities were presented by Come Alive Outside.