Hospice Georgian Triangle has a lot to celebrate this year.
Registration is now open for the 10th-annual Hike or Bike for Hospice event which is taking place May 31, and the local non-profit is also celebrating the recent news that Campbell House was approved by the provincial government for funding for four additional beds.
“It’s the 10th anniversary and we’ve got the 10 beds. We’ve gotta go big!” said Kelley Cookson, community events and engagement co-ordinator with the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, with a laugh.
While last year’s fundraising goal was $70,000 (the event brought in a little more than $100,000), this year’s goal is $140,000.
“This is the biggest goal we’ve had,” said Cookson. “We decided to really stretch it this year because... with the four additional beds, we have to raise more money now.”
Each bed at Campbell House receives $105,000 per bed, per year from the provincial government, which Janet Fairbridge, director of the Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, says covers about half of the operational cost. While she says there are cost efficiencies in having 10 versus six beds, she says the opening of the new beds means the organization still has to staff-up.
The four new beds will be primarily used for a new end-of-life respite model of palliative care delivery.
“We will be bringing in a food services person, additional social worker staff and registered practical nurses. They will be added to the complement that’s already here,” said Fairbridge. “It is a new model.”
“We’re super excited about getting these beds into operation,” she added.
In previous years, the fundraiser ran out of the Curling Club of Collingwood, but new this year, it’s being moved to the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena.
“We decided to make a change. It’s right on the main street so we’ll get a lot of main street exposure,” said Cookson. “The hike will start and end on Hurontario Street.”
The registration process and website for the fundraiser is also new.
“It has a lot of tools that people can use to help with their fundraising. I think it will help engage our participants more,” said Cookson.
To participate in the Hike or Bike this year, there is a $25 registration fee for all adults. There is no cost for children 0 to 12 years, children must be registered as participants. Lunch is included in the registration fee, so a tax receipt will be issued for $20. The foundation is encouraging participants to try to raise $200.
“They don’t have to raise $200, but if we had 700 people and they all raised $200, then it’s not going to take long before we reach our goal,” said Cookson. “We count a lot on these donations.”
Over the course of the year, Fairbridge says the hospice has to raise $1.4 million to operate.
“It’s a really fun day! We want to have the opportunity to bring the community together,” said Fairbridge. “It’s about the lifting up of the community as a whole. We have to look after each other. That’s what it’s all about.”
To register for the Hike or Bike for Hospice, click here.
