FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VICTORIA – May 1, 2019 – Sunday, May 5th marks the beginning of National Hospice Palliative Care Week with dozens of cities across Canada hosting hikes to raise critical funds and awareness for hospice palliative care. This Sunday, Victoria Hospice will welcome hundreds of people to Fisherman’s Wharf for the 8th annual Hike for Hospice.
The festivities kick off at 9am with a high-energy performance by local Celtic band Cookeilidh and the hike starts at 10am. Hikers of all ages and abilities will trek an accessible, scenic 3.5km loop from the inner harbour to the ocean and back again. Everyone is welcome! Even four-legged friends have a chance to win the “Best Dressed Dog” Award.
Of all the individuals and teams at Hike for Hospice each year, there is one that is hard to miss – Team Eassie. They wear bright yellow t-shirts in honour of their beloved family member, and friend, Bill Eassie. Bill was cared for by Victoria Hospice in his final days. “We wanted to look like a team, to represent our commitment to stay a close family despite the loss of one so dear to us,” says Bill’s daughter, Heather.
Heather’s father was able to stay at home during his final days because of Victoria Hospice’s care. “The Hospice team was so very understanding, so well educated, and so reassuring to all of us during our dad’s final weeks and days,” she says. “The resources that were offered to us both before and after our Dad’s passing, such as grief counselling, were so helpful and appreciated.”
Victoria Hospice is a registered charity that depends on community support for almost half of its operating costs. “The support provided by Victoria Hospice made all the difference for my family,” says Heather. “That’s why we were surprised to learn that Hospice is not fully funded by the health care system. It makes us feel good to come together as a family, to remember my Dad, and to take part in something that will ensure other families can experience the same loving care we did.”
So far Hike for Hospice has raised a little over half of its $40,000 goal. Registration is available right up until the hike starts with donations accepted until the end of the month. One hundred per cent of proceeds from Hike for Hospice go to Victoria Hospice. Donations help Victoria Hospice provide the best care, support and pain and symptom management for patients nearing end-of-life, whether at home, in the community or at our Inpatient unit. Care is also extended to patients’ families and loved ones through our bereavement support and grief counselling programs. Lastly, Victoria Hospice engages in education, training and research to develop evidence-based clinical practice and advance the field of palliative care across Canada and around the world.
For more information about the event please contact us or visit the Hike for Hospice website.
For general media inquiries, contact:
Jen Cooper
Manager, Communications & Marketing
Victoria Hospice
Tel: 250-519-1729
Email: jennifer.cooper@victoriahospice.org
For enquiries about Hospice Fundraising Events, contact:
Wendy Innes
Corporate & Community Relations
Tel: 250-519-1747
Mobile: 250-213-9863
Email: Wendy.Innes@VictoriaHospice.org
For enquiries about sponsorship and donations, contact:
Tom Arnold
Director of Fund Development
Tel: 250-519-1749
Email: Tom.Arnold@VictoriaHospice.org