THUNDER BAY – Over 150 hikers from the region showed up Sunday to attend the 11th annual Hike for Hospice event in support of hospice palliative care in the community.
“The trail is to go all the way around Boulevard Lake, but there is our Butterfly Memorial on Adelaide Street and that’s a big part of the hike,” said Cherie Kok, Hospice Northwest’s executive director.
“Hikers will stop there and tie a ribbon onto the butterfly garden with the name of a loved one on it.”
The theme for this year’s Hike for Hospice was Coming Together to Remember and featured an in-person outdoor gathering from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Current River Park with food trucks, vendors, and a 50/50 draw.
“There’s a component to the hike that’s that is a memorial component. So, a lot of hikers here today have lost a loved one sometime during the year,” said Kok.
“So yes, they’re here for us and supporting us but we’re also hopefully here for them and they take a moment to put a flower on the water’s edge to remember and honour their loved ones sometime during the hike which is a lovely way to remember your loved ones.”
For those that weren’t able to gather together in person, Hospice Northwest also offered the opportunity to Hike virtually between May 27 and 29 with participants encouraged to walk in their neighbourhoods, at their camps, or at any destination of their choice, whenever and wherever they are most comfortable.
A special Hike for Hospice launch video was made available for all Hikers to watch on Friday morning on the Hospice Northwest website, prior to setting off on their walks.
The goal for the 2022 Hike for Hospice was $55,000 and organizers were thrilled to be able to reach it.
