Despite the rain, hundreds showed up Sunday at Tudhope Park for Orillia's annual Hike for Hospice, an event organized by Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice.
The two organizations provide various services to those living with a life-threatening illness, those who have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or those at end of life themselves.
“What a great, rainy day to come out and support such a great cause, especially one that families use on a daily basis,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North.
The Hike for Hospice is a nationwide event with communities across Canada hiking to raise awareness about hospice palliative care.
“This year we have raised over $40,000 for local hospice palliative care and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you,” Whitney Vowels, Executive Director at North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network, told the crowd.
One of those participating in Sunday's fundraiser was Joanne Cutler, whose family recently required the assistance of Hospice Orillia.
“I am so grateful for the care and services of (Hospice Orillia) when my family required it,” said Cutler, while holding back tears.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better than the excellent care and compassion they gave our family when we needed it,” Cutler added.
Amanda Tevelde, communications, fundraising and community relations specialist at Hospice Orillia, said events like Sunday's are vital to the organizations.
“As partially funded organizations, we rely on the support of our community. We want our community to know 100 per cent of the funds raised through the Orillia Hike for Hospice stay local to serve those in the communities of Orillia and surrounding areas,” Tevelde explained.
“Every dollar helps to ensure both organizations can continue their work and that they will be here when needed.”
A Mariposa House Hospice official agreed.
“Signature events like the Hike for Hospice are more than just fundraisers, they are the opportunity for our community to come together and honour their loved ones and support the two local hospice programs, as all of us will or have experienced loss,” said Lynn Thomas, donor relations at Mariposa House Hospice.
“This event is also a great way for the two organizations to educate the community as to the importance of hospice palliative care.”Mariposa House Hospice provides 24-hour specialized, end-of-life palliative care while welcoming and supporting family and friends of those in care.
For more information about Mariposa House Hospice, visit their website.
