Community steps up for Prince Edward Hike for Hospice

Unveiling the Hike for Hospice amount collected, from left: Birgit Langwisch, Nancy Parks, Anne Wait, Sandy Murray, Stacey Hatch, Joscelyn Matthewman, Linda Middleton and Wayne Carruthers.

Organizers had hoped to raise $15,000 for Hospice Prince Edward’s first Hike for Hospice, so applause and cheers were abundant when it was revealed that $51,234.52 had been collected. (Two more cheques arrived after the banner was created).

A few hundred participants walked, ran and biked through Picton on a sunny, Sunday afternoon in a bid to help provide friends, family and neighbours quality of life in the final stages of their life. Hospice Prince Edward provides palliative and bereavement support – free of charge – to families and individuals of all ages in Prince Edward County. Its current project is to create a four-bed residential hospice centre at Benson Hall, downtown Picton.

“Just 14 days ago, we posted on Facebook that we just surpassed the $10,000 mark and wondered if we would make it to our goal of $15,000,” HPE’s Wayne Carruthers told the crowd gathered at the Prince Edward Community Centre. “The largest gift we were given was $1,000, so it has all been 10s, 20s and 50-dollar bills that have been donated so generously.”

Hike committee chairman Anne Wait and member Linda Middleton thanked the committee, the community and everybody who participated.
“People participate because they believe in the cause and this is a wonderful, wonderful cause,” said Wait.

Hospice Board of Directors President Birgit Langwisch told the crowd she was walking in heart for her first grandchild who had passed away in his birthing last year.

“I have been helped by Hospice all this year and for many years before that and that is what we do for one another. We help each other… I know many of you walked for loved ones you lost. I know many of you are walking for others you are holding because they are ill. I know many of you are just walking in memory and we honour all of that. I feel everyone is here with us, so thank you.”

The Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association is the national overseer of the event which kicks off National Hospice Week May 6-12, but “All the money raised in the County stays in the County,” said Hospice Executive Director Nancy Parks.

“We thank the many, many people who made this happen,” Parks said. “Thank you very much everyone, from the committee, the volunteers, crew members, the County, Picton Rotary for the delicious barbecue lunch, Prince Edward Childcare Services for the face painting that the children loved; Scott Wentworth and the Come Alive Outside crew, Janet Elson and Cynthia McQuillan who provided massage; musicians Jeanette Arsenault and Fraser Hardman and Sandy Murray and Associates. Whenever we asked, everybody just stepped up to the plate.

“Words can’t express how wonderful this is and it certainly is an affirmation of support for our project. It shows us you are passionate about it and believe it.”

Prizes were presented to:
Bob Norton – Most Raised by an Individual
Joyce Willard – Highest number of New Friends to Hospice
Carol Rutter and Jane Taylor – Dynamic Duo who pounded the pavement the old fashioned way
Family Health Team – Team with Initiative
Wellington United Church – Faith and Encouragement
Picton Dental Clinic – Most Supportive Community Business
Award Winning Captain – Sue Kellar of Sweet & Savoury Tarts Team
Kathy Snider – Leadership in Encouragement
Mrs. Hardman – traveled the most miles to attend (England).