Hike for Hospice raises almost $70,000, as new suite opens at Huron Shores Hospice

The 10th annual Hike for Hospice has raised almost $70,000 for Huron Shores Hospice which has opened a temporary space for its third suite at Tiverton Park Manor.

A total of 68 hikers gathered at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, Saturday morning, braving the cold, rainy weather, and raising $65,986.50, with more donations rolling in.

Cathy Herbert, executive director of the hospice, welcomed everyone and thanked every hiker, volunteer, sponsor and supporter of this event.

She said that nine years ago, a small group of individuals had a dream to provide a one-bed hospice in this community. That dream became a reality in 2018 with the opening of the suite at Tiverton Park Manor, followed by a second suite a few years later, and now, a temporary third suite was opened May 1 while the permanent space is being renovated. A grand opening will be held soon.

“Since 2018, we have served 205 individuals and their families at the hospice, providing compassionate end-of-life care," said Herbert. "The families spend time together in a place that feels like home, creating moments that matter. There is laughter alongside tears at the hospice. We are able to do all this, thanks to our generous community and its support for Huron Shores Hospice.”

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson congratulated the organization on its 10th annual Hike for Hospice, and presented a certificate of recognition. "Thank you all for supporting something that is so incredibly important."

She noted that there were many local heroes in the crowd, including Jackie Scott who was a stem-cell donor for her sister, Colleen.

Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig also thanked everyone for supporting the hike and Huron Shores Hospice. "Congratulations on the tremendous work you do. This service is well-appreciated and needed."

Huron-Kinloss councillor Ed McGugan brought greetings from the township and thanked the crowd for supporting this great cause.

Dr. Damian Gunaratne, medical director of the hospice, said he is proud of this community for providing end-of-life care for those in need.

Debbie Bolan of Kincardine spoke about her family's experience with Huron Shores Hospice when her mother, Gail Bolan, was there in 2021.

"My mother raised three daughters on her own, with strength, determination, stubbornness and love," she said, adding that her mother moved to Kincardine to be closer to her family, and then her health declined and the life she loved became difficult.

She chose MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) so she could leave this world the way she wanted, said Bolan. She was welcomed at Huron Shores Hospice where everyone was wonderful to her. She said goodbye to her family, and March 15, 2021, at 9:24 a.m. she died.

"Huron Shores Hospice made a difficult path easier," said Bolan. "It's Mother's Day; all of you should call your moms, hug them and hold them."

The participants got ready to hike, thanks to a warm-up by local fitness groups, and then pipers Jennifer Farrell and Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band led the hikers from the Davidson Centre to Durham Street and they were off.

Following the hike, participants and volunteers enjoyed a barbecue, provided by the Kincardine Lions Club.

Top individual fund-raisers for the hike were:
 

• Jay Hitchcock, $13,961
• Shelly Parker, $7,773.50
• Michelle Ummels, $3,372

The top team fund-raiser, was Bruce Power Operational Services and Digital Technology, $15,273.



Pipers Jennifer Farrell (left) and Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band lead the participants in the Hike for Hospice, Saturday morning in Kincardine