Hospice and palliative care are important for this community. That was evident by the number of participants that came out to Kinsmen Park for the annual Hike for Hospice.
The Wheatland & Area Hospice Society held their fifth annual Hike for Hospice on Sunday. The event was well attended by walkers, joggers, and local dignitaries.
Mayor Fule spoke on behalf of the town and council. He thanked all of the volunteers and participants and recognized Wheatland County councillors Shannon Laprise and Glenn Koester who were both in attendance.
“I would love to see the start of the new senior's lodge and the hospice building that would be attached to it,” he said.
He said that each of the participants being present at the hike may feel like they are only doing a small part, but it makes a difference in the long run for the construction of the hospice facility.
“I’d like to acknowledge the strong heroic hikers here raising funds in memory of their loved ones and what could have been and what should have been,” said Dr. Joni McNeely, president of the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society.
McNeely explained that 95 per cent of palliative care in our community is done by regular people husbands and wives, sons and daughters, families and friends.
“Let's all agree, palliative care, it shouldn’t have to happen to you for it to matter to you,” she said.
She asked people to contact the hospice society for resources. “For now we are a hospice without walls. She said they are ¾ of the way towards their hospice building with $2.1 million raised so far.
Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Leela Sharon Aheer spoke about her personal story of hospice with her grandmother.
“I was surrounded by this amazing group of people,” she said of the people and staff that shared the experiences with her. She thanked all of the volunteers and participants of the Hike for Hospice. “This is a place of love and compassion where we join together at a very difficult moment to love each other so that we can carry those memories forward of those we have lost,” she said.
Some of the events throughout the day included food and refreshments, a photo booth, a blessing, face painting, and a new tradition the signing of a banner that organizers hope can be placed in the new hospice facility. There was also a DJ, a warm up session and a number of raffles for participants.
Donations can still be accepted at canadahelps.org.
Wed, May 1, 11:30 AM
