To kick off National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation  is bringing back the popular community fundraiser Hike for Hospice. Held in solidarity with the broader campaign co-ordinated by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association – a national association which provides leadership in hospice palliative and end-of-life care in Canada – the event takes place each year on the first Sunday in May. By bringing together organizations working together in hospice palliative care from across the country Hike for Hospice helps raise much needed funds for each of the participating agencies. HHHSF executive director Lisa Tompkins acknowledged that this would be the first Hike for Hospice in the Haliburton area since SIRCH organized the last event in 2014.

“Hospice palliative and bereavement support are now all programs of the HHHS Community Support Services” said Tompkins.

“This year’s event will have a similar format to previous hikes with both a short one-kilometre hike around the high school track; and a four- to five-kilometre hike from the school along the lakefront and around Head Lake Park.”

According to Tompkins funds raised through the local campaign will stay in the community to provide specific support for future educational and equipment needs for the hospice and palliative programs. She said the annual event is more than just a fundraising initiative for the organization; it is also an excellent opportunity for them to raise awareness about the importance of the type of care they provide. Throughout the day there will be information displays set up to educate participants about the services offered by HHHS.

“The Hike for Hospice event provides ongoing awareness for hospice/palliative work both in-hospital and in the community” she explained.

“It reinforces Haliburton Highlands Health Services’ ongoing commitment to the hospice and palliative programs as well as bereavement support programs. The event itself provides a medium for family friends and staff/volunteers to celebrate the lives of palliative patients.”

Hike for Hospice is a family and pet-friendly event that will take place rain or shine. Registration begins at noon on Sunday May 6 at the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School and hikers will start hiking at 1 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. there will be presentations followed by a Memory Walk. There will be live entertainment refreshments and prizes awarded for the most funds raised by an individual and as a team. For more information regarding HHHS’s Hike for Hospice fundraiser to donate or to register as a participant/team visit www.hhhs.ca/foundation; or call 705-457-1580.