THUNDER BAY – End of life is never an easy time for anyone.
Those going through it themselves have to prepare themselves for the inevitable. Those left behind must deal with grief, bereavement and a deep sense of loss.
Hospice Northwest is there to help.
On Sunday, about 200 people took part in the 12th annual Hike for Hospice, the organization’s only fundraiser of the year, the goal to collect $65,000 to help cover the costs of running the program, which employs about 130 volunteers throughout Thunder Bay.
Cherie Kok, the executive director at Hospice Northwest, said their hospice without walls provides a valuable service, visiting clients and their families at end of life.
“The money goes toward our grief and bereavement services. We help clients that might be experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one. It’s a tough go when you lose somebody you love. It’s final,” Kok said.
“Our services really help people with workshops and one-to-one services and grief programs that they wouldn’t get anywhere else.”
Seeing so many people come out for the walk around Boulevard Lake is heartwarming, Kok added.
“We’re all going to die. That’s one thing we all have in common. How we die matters and that’s how we feel at Hospice Northwest. That’s why it’s so lovely to see so many people out. We’re back together after three years. We had to do virtual for a couple of years. Last year we had to be (entirely) outside, so it’s wonderful to be back together again and see everybody here.”
For more information about Hospice Norrthwest and Hike for Hospice, visit https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/give/hike-for-hospice/.
