NEWS RELEASE
HOSPICE ORILLIA
MARIPOSA HOUSE HOSPICE
*************************
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many things about how we live each day, and it has affected us all – individuals and families, businesses and charitable organizations.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the philanthropic nature within the community of Orillia and surrounding areas. This was made clear over this past weekend during the 2021 Hike for Hospice.
In Orillia, Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice provide a variety of services that support people through these very challenging and very meaningful life experiences. Each year in May, these two organizations host the local Hike for Hospice to acknowledge and celebrate the work done by their staff and volunteers to ensure that everyone in our community who needs hospice palliative care support – no matter where they are - receives it.
“We were thrilled to partner with Mariposa House Hospice again this year on the 2021 Hike for Hospice," stated Whitney Vowels, Executive Director, North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network & Hospice Orillia.
"The Hike increases awareness about hospice palliative care, enhances our sense of community and raises much-needed funds. 100% of the proceeds stay in the Orillia area by directly supporting the services offered by Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice," said Vowels. "Together we will continue to work towards ensuring that everyone in our community receives the end-of-life care they wish for.”
Annalise Stenekes, Executive Director, Mariposa House Hospice, agreed.
“Mariposa House Hospice is proud to collaborate with Hospice Orillia on this event each year. Our beautiful 5-bed residential hospice facility that offers end-of-life palliative care in a comfortable, homelike setting during the final days and weeks of life," said Stenees.
"Both organizations serve the communities of Orillia, Severn, Oro Medonte, Ramara, and Chippewas of Rama First Nation and we rely on support from these communities to thrive, which is one reason why the Hike for Hospice is so important," she added.
The annual Hike for Hospice event is integral for both organizations to ensure we can provide services across the continuum of hospice palliative care, from diagnosis through end-of-life, including bereavement support for surviving loved ones.
The 2021 Hike for Hospice Orillia, ON took place on May 1 and 2 with a goal of raising $15,000. To date, our supporters have raised over $30,000 and had 60+ participants!
“We have received many photos of the various of Choose Your Own Adventure Hikes that took place over the weekend,” said Amanda Tevelde, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator with Hospice Orillia.
“To see the passion each of these hikers has and the lengths they went to to ensure that those around knew just why they were hiking is a beautiful thing; we received photos of signs being painted on bedsheets, shirts with photos of loved ones and homemade signs," she explained.
“To be able to share with our community the amount they have raised, especially this week with it being National Hospice Palliative Care Week, makes me so proud to be from Orillia,” Tevelde continues.
“Everyone who has made a contribution to the 2021 Hike for Hospice in Orillia should give themselves a big pat on the back. We will all require end of life care and grief/bereavement support at some point; these donations are helping to ensure that this care is available at a local level.” For those who would like to make a donation towards the Hike for Hospice, Orillia, you can do so here.
For more information on the supports available to the community please visit Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice online.
*************************
