It would be very exciting, normally – the 10th annual Hike For Hospice occurring within months of the opening of Ed's House.
But for 2020, this event is going virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This means participants will be encouraged to complete the hike “whenever, wherever and however” in order to raise the necessary funds for hospice services while promoting physical distancing.
And participation consists of free registration on-line as an individual or team, then collecting pledges and biking, hiking, running or walking - finding creative ways to complete the hike for a distance of their choosing on or before Aug. 22.
That's the day Community Care Northumberland staff will be at Ed's House (the new Northumberland Hospice Care Centre at 1301 Ontario Street north of Cobourg between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to collect the cash and pledges. This will also give participants a chance to get a closer look at the exterior of the centre, ask questions about it, and collect a special Ed's House cookie courtesy of Roda's Kitchen.
The change won't be a problem for long-time participant Selena Forsyth.
“I've been a hospice volunteer for almost 15 years,” the Port Hope resident said in the press release.
“Listening to the remarkable stories of my clients and sharing precious moments on their end-of-life journey is, and always has been, an absolute joy and a privilege.
“The services offered by Community Care Northumberland's Hospice Palliative Care team are extraordinary,” she stated.
“From diagnosis to end of life, team members do everything possible to help their clients have a gentle journey, at the same time supporting loved ones, friends and caregivers. It's why I am more than happy to Hike For Hospice every year to help raise funds needed to support these valuable services.”
Now a Community Care Northumberland board member, Forsyth is also one of the annual hike's top fundraisers.
CCN Director of Hospice Services Jen Calver commented that the event is also an opportunity to bring people together to remember and honour loved ones.
“It is a non-competitive community event to support and raise awareness of hospice services where individuals and their loved ones receive consistent support and comfort care in their hospice journey,” Calver said.
Last year's Hike For Hospice raised a total of $15,754.88 to support a range of services for hospice clients, from early family engagement and beyond, including caregiver support, health-system navigation, education, and grief and bereavement support.
These services will continue to be offered through Ed's House when it opens in the fall, as well as residential hospice care.