Hospice Georgian Triangle is set to hold the thirteenth annual Hike & Bike for Hospice on May 28 to raise funds for hospice palliative and end-of-life care. Acknowledging economic challenges, this year’s goal is an ambitious $150,000, said Sandra Sullivan, executive director of Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation.
“The funds raised will directly support patients and their families for compassionate end-of-life care at Campbell House and in the community, including grief and bereavement support, respite care and pain and symptom management.”
Registrants can participate in a 6 km hike or bike or a 20 km bike starting at the Collingwood Curling Club.
Last May 29, more than 350 participants and 110 volunteers gathered at the 2022 Hike & Bike for Hospice Georgian Triangle, held for the first time in two years.
The event, hosted by Hospice Georgian Triangle and Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation, raised over $190,000 to fund the most urgent needs of hospice supporting those living with a life-limiting illness and their families, as well as grief and bereavement support.
"We are grateful for the community's support, our sponsors, volunteers and participants who make these events possible," said Sullivan. "The funds raised will help ensure that we can continue to provide the highest quality dignified care to those in need."
Sponsorships are still available for the event, with recognition provided through logos displayed at the event and on promotional materials, media releases and even the event t-shirt.
Registration for the event opened on April 3 and remains open until the day of the event.
The event is expected to draw over 250 households, with the event being shared with the entire donor community and promoted through social media and traditional media.
"It's a really feel-good day," said Sullivan. "Last year, one of the patients organized a team of more than 100, raising an impressive $39,657. Their team was an amazing force and did a ton of fundraising and showed up to support their dear friend. It was incredible to see how much love went out to her as she went through this journey."
"We encourage people to consider bringing a few other people to the hike and bike with them.," said Sullivan. "People can go on the hike and bike and then return to the celebration."
The event includes a complimentary lunch, viewing vintage cars from the Wasaga Beach Cruisers, music from Peak FM, and a raffle with many prizes to take home.
"We rely heavily on the generosity of our community to keep our hospice running, and we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the annual hike and bike."
Hospice Georgian Triangle provides its services at no cost, and more than 50 per cent of its funding comes from the community's generosity.
"We could not do what we do without the incredible support of our community," said Sullivan. "Thank you for helping us provide compassionate hospice palliative care to those in need."
Register today online or call 705-444-2555 ext. 7527.
Can’t attend? Make a donation online here.