Hike for hospice
From the left: DCH board chair Paul Renaud and his wife Michelle are shown in front of Dundas County Hospice building located on County Road 31 in Williamsburg. Courtesy photo – DCH

WINCHESTER – COVID-19 pandemic closures have required organizations to re-think fundraising activities too, such as the successful 2020 Virtual Hike for Hospice held by Dundas County Hospice (DCH).

For several years Hike for Hospice has been held on the first Sunday of May across Canada as a fundraising and awareness raising event for hospices and palliative care organizations.  

Lynn Gee, program assistant at DCH, explained that in Dundas County the Hike for Hospice (HFH) is usually held in selected communities in the county, and in 2020 it was scheduled to be held in Chesterville.  Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of the event for this year, with DCH looking at various alternatives for this important fundraiser. 

DCH decided to hold a virtual HFH as did several other palliative care organizations across the country. The event was scheduled for the month of May. Gee commented that some people are still currently hiking for hospice. Participants were able to customize their own hike to fit their schedule,  and were provided with information about the event; they were able to have funds provided to DCH online.

Gee commented how “the support we got was fabulous,” with just over $8,000 raised from the event which included over $1,300 from local businesses. She continued how participants were encouraged to provide photos of their hike, and places walked,  which were posted on their Facebook page and website.

When asked about providing such an important service to the community during the restrictions caused by the pandemic, Gee mentioned the organization is “doing [their] best to serve clients and their families” during this difficult time. More information on Dundas County Hospice can be found on their Facebook page or their website located at www.dundascountyhospice.ca.