More than 300 people participated in Orillia's annual Hike for Hospice Sunday at Tudhope Park. The event is jointly organized by Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice.
“The rain held off and the weather (was) great for today’s event,” said Whitney Vowels, executive director of Hospice Orillia.
The even enhances the sense of community, increases awareness of hospice palliative care, and raises much-needed funds for Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice, noted Vowels.
One special participant at Sunday's event was local Trillium Manor resident Neill Latter. The 94-year-old has been training for the event for the past few months.
“I’ve walked three kilometres every night after dinner, so today’s route is easy for me,” joked Latter.
He added that he "appreciates everything (Mariposa House Hospice and Hospice Orillia) do for the local community and the care of the people who need hospice care.”
With both Mariposa House Hospice and Hospice Orillia seeing hundreds of clients come through their doors each year who require high-quality end-of-life palliative care, the costs are extensive, and a big part of this cost can only be covered by fundraising.
“Less than 50 per cent of our funding comes from the government, so we have to fundraise a lot and that comes from you!” noted Ted Markle, executive director of Mariposa House Hospice, during his opening remarks to the crowd.
Events like Hike for Hospice are "huge" for both organizations and that translates into partnerships with various individuals and groups in the community, he explained.
“Partners are there for you in time of need, and that’s what Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice are all about,” Markle added.
On hand today to greet the participants and share his experience was Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac.
“I’ve had friends who have stayed at Mariposa House Hospice, and I was blown away with the amount of compassion the nurses showed,” explained McIsaac.
On top of the hike, there were also activities for kids, a mobile dog park, a music booth, and the most popular spot: a barbecue station sponsored by Harvey’s Orillia, which gave out free Harvey’s hamburgers to participants.
So far, this year’s event has raised more than $67,000, according to the Hike for Hospice Facebook Page. The original goal was $55,000. To donate or for more information, click here.
