Mother Nature co-operated, but more importantly, so did Chatham-Kent Hospice supporters.
As a result, the eighth annual Hike for Hospice not only beat its $140,000 goal, but smashed it into little pieces, raising $167,500 and counting.
Jodi Maroney, executive director of the C-K Hospice Foundation, said the support is “amazing.
“We knew on Friday (May 3) that we at least hit the $140,000 mark. But we had no idea how much until we were adding everything up,” she said. “It’s quite remarkable. The community is just amazing.”
A little over 500 people registered for the event May 5 that took place along Mud Creek Trail, but Maroney said that was not indicative of overall numbers.
“Sometimes, it was one person per family that registered, so we probably had between 500 and 600,” she said of Hike day turnout.
On top of that, people were able to walk the trail a week prior to the event.
“We had the trail set up with signs the week before. Some did hike on their own during the week, and some hiked in their own area,” she said. “We did have a great turnout on the day of the event.”
Maroney said the Hike pivoted a bit this year, adding pre-event activities for the whole family. Those included games and a pre-Hike picnic opportunity.
“We tried to have more of a full day for all ages,” she said.
“A special shout out goes to Martinrea’s Marchers for Miracles from Ridgetown, the winner of the Corporate Challenge. Along with the coveted Hike for Hospice trophy and bragging rights, they will also receive a free breakfast or lunch courtesy of Cora’s,” said Rhys Dulisch, Hike for Hospice Event Co-Chair. “Additionally, we want to thank our title sponsor Battery Boy and our family fun activity sponsor, Kent & Essex Mutual.”
The Hike raises funds to support end-of-life hospice care in Chatham-Kent. In the previous seven years, the annual event had raised more than $785,000. That includes the then record-setting $150,000 raised by more than 600 participants in 2023.
This year, the community raised the bar once again.
The Chatham-Kent Hospice is a 10-bed residential facility that offers care for residents facing end of life and support for their loved ones. The hospice provides comfort, support and specialized pain and symptom management in a home-like setting.
Since opening in April 2016, Chatham-Kent Hospice has served more than 1,350 families. In order to offer these services at no cost to residents or their families, Chatham-Kent Hospice relies on donations from the community.
