Get out your walking shoes and join in the Hike for Hospice Palliative Care event slated for May 5th at West Stettler Park.
Officials with Stettler Hospice Society are more excited than ever to host their first Hike for Hospice, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and the walk set to start at 11 a.m.
May 5th - 11th marks National Hospice Palliative Care Week.
There are a number of routes to choose from – 1km or a 3km hike or a scenic 5km hike/run, said Nancy Bauman, a volunteer coordinator with the Stettler Hospice Society.
“For those 18 and over, the cost is $15,” she said, adding that after April 26th the cost to register will be $20.
For those in the younger set (10-17), the cost to take part is $10. After April 26th, that cost rises to $15.
Those nine and under can take part for free.
Registrations are available at Camis (4710 - 50th St.)
Bauman also noted that individuals and teams are welcome, and teams can consist of a mix of runners and hikers. Folks can register online at http://chpca.convio.net/stettlerhospicesociety.
Participants here in Stettler will be joining thousands of people across the country as they come together in order to raise funds for hospice palliative care programs and services. There will also be a free barbecue, family entertainment and light refreshments provided after the hike.
The Stettler Hospice Society’s vision is to provide loving, compassionate care for the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of patients and their families during end of life by relieving suffering, providing comfort and helping to improve quality of living and dying.
“About a year ago, Felicity Bauman and myself were chatting, and I had mentioned that I would like to start a hospice and she immediately said that was something she wanted to do as well,” explained Nancy.
“After that, the two of us got together, did some brainstorming and had a tremendous amount of help. We had our first community meeting back in February and more than 70 people showed up to that meeting,” she recalled.
“After that, we formed a board,” she said, adding today there are also many volunteers who have stepped up to help out as the Society continues to move forward. “We also had our first annual/general meeting on March 21st.
Bauman said they are also hoping to have their first room furnished by September. This room would be located at Points West in Stettler.
Ultimately, it’s hoped that a facility will be set up in town, and to that end, Nancy said the Society’s fundraising goal for its first year was $250,000.
“In the future we hope to have hospice care beds for our community to to utilize as a comforting, peaceful and supportive setting for the patient and family.”
While the Hike is coordinated nationally, due to the generous financial support of GSK and Amgen, 100 per cent of the funds raised in the community remain here, noted a release.
Meanwhile, as mentioned, the funds raised this year by the Stettler Hospice Society will help with their initial goal of raising $250,000 and will be put towards capital costs, beds, lifts, room furnishings, etc.
To support or participate in Hike for Hospice Palliative Care, or for more information, contact Nancy Bauman at 403-741-6179 or check out www.stettlerhospice.org.