CORNWALL, Ontario – It was sunny and a comfortable 20 degrees for the roughly 100 participants in the 2019 Hike for Hospice.
The annual fundraiser is in its 19th year this year and typically brings in around $50,000 for Carefor Hospice Cornwall.
Annually, Hospice Cornwall has to raise around $686,000 to maintain its operations.
“One hundred per cent of the money stays in the community and goes towards the operations of the hospice,” said Sandy Collette, Carefor Fundraising Coordinator. “We only receive 50 per cent of our funding from the government and we have to raise the remainder, about $686,000.”
Currently, Hospice Cornwall is at capacity caring for around 10 patients and has a waiting list of about 20.
Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry MPP Jim McDonell was at the kickoff of the walk and commented on the important service Hospice Cornwall provides for the community.
“This event is always well attended which is really nice to see,” McDonell said. “It really caters to the needs of a family and it makes the best of a hard time.”
Money raised by the fundraiser will go towards the Hospice’s operations, including their support programs like their bereavement program and their support program for caregivers who need a break.
There are hikers who come out every year to support Hospice Cornwall. One prolific hiker is Ray O’Colin, who typically raises $6,000 to $8,000 a year. Since 2013, O’Colin has raised $46,632 for hospice through his participation in Hike for Hospice.
