The annual RBC Hike for Hospice held on Sunday, May 4, raised more than $43,000 for operational costs of the new 10-bed residential hospice, set to open this summer on the shores of Bethel Lake.
More than 200 participants helped raise the money, which is more than double last year's amount.
The Sudbury Hospice credits the success of this year's hike thanks to a partnership with RBC Royal Bank and its five-year commitment as title sponsor of the annual event in Sudbury. Besides committing $25,000 over the next five years, RBC branches in the Sudbury region raised an additional $3,400, while RBC Dominion Securities collected $5,910 for the hike. The RBC Foundation for Volunteerism also contributed $2,500, making RBC's total contribution for 2008, $16,810. 
Community partners that contributed to the success of the RBC Hike for Hospice, include Big Daddy 103.9, McQueen's Furniture, Quiznos, Stringer's Electronics, Highlights for Hope, Sarah Craig and Jim Matt, Bayshore, and numerous other local businesses and merchants.
In addition to raising funds for the Sudbury Hospice and awareness of hospice palliative care in the community, the RBC Hike for Hospice gave participants the opportunity to honour or remember loved ones. This was true for many families who lost someone close to them at Maison La Paix in the past year and who joined the hike to show their support.   
The Sudbury Hospice recognized, in particular, the Cousineau family, who made a $3,000 cheque presentation on behalf of Marie Cousineau, who passed away at Maison La Paix five days before the hike. 
"We wanted to show our appreciation to the staff and volunteers who took such good care of my mother," said Marie Cousineau's son, Jean. "It was like being at home, surrounded by family."
Next year's RBC Hike for Hospice will be held on May 3, 2009.
