This year's Hike, Bike and Bark for Hospice was another success and another show of support for this vital service
Photo courtesy of Karen Truter Photography.
By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Cobourg
The Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Hike, Bike and Bark for Hospice event in Cobourg's Victoria Park raised an incredible $70,796 to support essential hospice services.
More than 220 participants and 60 dogs did the walking, running, biking and barking on 2K, 5K and 10K routes to honour loved ones and make a difference. With music from DJ George Martin, a kids' zone full of games and activities provided by the Northumberland Child Development Centre, and hot dogs grilled up by the Lions Club of Cobourg, enthusiasm and energy were high.
The fundraising had begun even before the event, with participants going on to the official fundraising page, creating personal and team profiles, tracking donations and sharing event graphics. When the numbers were all in, this year's top fundraisers were announced – Selena Forsyth was Top Individual Fundraiser (raising $10,650) and the HG for Hospice Team was Top Team Fundraiser (bringing in $7,325).
Another highlight was a nail-trim-and-dog-wash fundraiser at Paulmac's Pets in Cobourg, which brought in an additional $1,505 for Ed's House. Special thanks go out to Ashley Crews and Ryan Huffman Real Estate Team for organizing the event, as well as to the Northumberland Breakers Volleyball Club and Paulmac staff who helped with the washing to make this fundraiser such a success.
One of the most touching moments of the day came when Marilyn and Amber Smith share a heartfelt tribute to husband and gather Graham, marking the one-year anniversary of his passing and honouring the exceptional care he received at Ed's House – and the profound, lasting impact hospice services have had on their family.
“We are blown away by the support from our community,” Community Care Northumberland Chief Executive Officer Trish Baird said, following the last Hike, Bike and Bark she will attend before she retires in December after 36 years.
“Every step, pedal and donation helps us provide compassionate care to families during life's most challenging moments. This event shows just how much our community cares.”
Every dollar raised helps the care teams at Ed's House provide such essential services as volunteer hospice support, in-home visiting hospice, education, grief and bereavement counselling, and specialized end-of-life care in the 10-suite hospice residence in Hamilton Township. And thanks to the generosity of community supporters, all are offered at no charge to residents and their families.
“The outpouring of support for Ed's House is truly heartwarming,” Community Care Director of Donor Relations and Communications Joel Scott commented.
“Seeing our community come together in this way reflects the deep trust and belief people have in our hospice care teams.”
In addition to the exciting activities, each participant registering was eligible for a wonderful variety of prizes, including a $1,600 Moose Fatbike 1 from Century Cycle and raffle packages from all Creatures Great and Small, NAPA Auto Parts and RiverLines Health and Well-Being Studio.
Thanks also goes to many generous sponsors, including North Star sponsor Lynn Hardy (past Ed's House Foundation board chair) and lead sponsors Stadke Plumbing and Heating, Eagle.ca, Milly's Market in Port Hope, Jan Rosamund/Robyn Mumford, Re/Max Rouge Realty Ltd., Nestle Purina PetCare, Schmidt Law Legal (Scott McCracken), Bin-It, Shoppers Drug Mart in Port Hope and the Steblaj Family.
