It turns out the 10th trip around Mud Creek is the proverbial charm.
The 10th annual Hike for Hospice saw more than $200,000 raised for the Chatham-Kent Hospice.
Not surprisingly, there was no rain. In the event’s 10 years, it has rained just once; last year.
This time around, the wind added some spice, but everything went off with nary a hitch, according to Brock McGregor, executive director of the C-K Hospice Foundation.
“We had to chase a few tents, but it all worked out,” he said. “We had a really good turnout.”
With a goal of $160,000, participants smashed past that mark. McGregor said organizers had an inkling it was going to be a success.
“Our goal was $160,000. We were about $5,000 short of that to start the day,” he said. “We just had a lot of people that handed in their pledge forms and finalized online the day of.”
With the hike geared towards all ages, McGregor said families – and firms – showed up en masse, with more than 400 registered for the event. Family and friends also tagged along in support.
“We had people of all ages and activities for the kids,” he said. “It was remarkable to see the number of families out and the number of workplaces who came out.”
McGregor said the support is humbling.
“Just to see the number of people who participate year after year. It’s remarkable to see both the consistency of support and the growth of support,” he said.
Teams, be they family or business oriented, were plentiful this year for the hike, McGregor said.
One highlight from this year’s hike was the planting of 10 trees, one for each year the hospice has been in operation. Individuals tied ribbons around the trees in commemoration of lost loved ones and friends.
More than 1,740 people have been through residential hospice care at the facility since it opened a decade ago, and in excess of 2,500 who have participated in the hospice’s grief support programs.
This year’s hike is one phase in the celebrations of ten years serving the people of Chatham-Kent, McGregor said. More events are planned, including hospice tours, which are set to begin in June.
“It’s a pretty warm, inviting, comfortable space,” McGregor said.
