Hike for Hospice returns for 14th year

An annual fundraising event had people throughout Thunder Bay and the region heading out for a hike this weekend in support of Hospice Northwest.

The annual Hike for Hospice marked its 14th year, with a goal of raising funds for Hospice Northwest's programs and services.

"It's our one and only fundraising event of the year," said Donna Jeanpierre, executive director of Hospice Northwest.

"We do set a fundraising goal of around $50,000 to raise through registrations, through a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and of course, sponsorships for the people that are hiking."

"But it's also a really important way for us to get people together and kind of let people know the kind of services that we offer," she said. "And thanks to the donations, we're able to offer all of our services free of charge."

The main Hike for Hospice event took place Sunday at Boulevard Lake. Participants could choose a three or five kilometre hike around the lake. All participants also received a fresh flower to release into the water as a sign of remembrance, and a ribbon to tie to the Butterfly Remembrance Wall at the Adelaide Monarch Butterfly Garden on the east side of Boulevard.

However, those who wanted to participate but were unable to attend the Boulevard event were also able to participate virtually between Friday and Sunday.

"I've been coming out to this hike, I think, from since the very beginning," said Susan Raynak, a long-time volunteer with Hospice Northwest and member of the organization's board of directors.

"It's very dear to my heart," she said. "It's really important to help people when their loved one has a life-limiting illness, but also people that are grieving. Many of my clients have been people that are trying to deal with the loss of someone and it's just not easy."

Jeanpierre said about 100 hikers had signed up for the Boulevard event as of Sunday morning, but more were expected to sign up prior to the hike starting at 10:30 a.m.

"I think this is really important because Hospice Northwest does really important work both in Thunder Bay and in communities in the district," she said. "We all have a loved one that we've lost, or that's experiencing a life-limiting illness, and we just want people to know you're not alone."

While a final fundraising total wasn't available Sunday, Jeanpierre said the event had met its $50,000 goal.