The Sudbury Hospice Foundation (SHF) kicked off its annual RBC Hike for Hospice in support of Maison McCulloch Hospice this morning at an event at the Hanmer branch of RBC.
This year's hike takes place May 7 at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Bell Park with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and the hike commencing at 1 p.m.
The annual hike is a major fundraiser for SHF, providing a major portion of the hospice's operating costs. The 2017 target is $165,000.
Greater Sudbury's deputy mayor and Ward 8 Coun. Al Sizer was on hand to proclaim the week of May 7 to 13 as National Hospice Palliative Care Week.
“I can remember, it wasn't too long ago, that we didn't have a hospice,” Sizer said. “Most of us here today have experienced firsthand someone who's had to struggle with watching a loved one face terminal illness. That's why the role Maison McCulloch Hospice plays in our community is so important.”
RBC got the ball rolling toward reaching the 2017 fundraising target with a donation of $15,000 to the hospice.
Scott Sonder, regional vice-president of RBC, presented the cheque to Maison McCulloch Hospice board chair Gerry Lougheed Jr.
“It is the difference made by organizations like Maison McCulloch Hospice that inspires us to return year after year so that we may honour the important work these individuals do in our community,” Sonder said.
Lougheed, in his typical rousing fashion, spoke passionately about the hospice and its impact in the community.
“We have the best hospice care in Ontario thanks to Léo (Therrien) and his team because, folks, guess what? The bricks and mortar don't look after people,” said Lougheed. “It's the hearts and souls and hands and heads of Léo and his team that make sure that the hospice is not some place where we go to die, but a place where we're going to celebrate life to the very end with respect and dignity.”
Maison McCulloch Hospice recently launched its Stand By Me capital campaign with the goal of raising funds to double the size of its facility.
Pledge forms for the RBC Hike for Hospice can be picked up at any Greater Sudbury RBC Branch, Cambrian Ford, KIA Sudbury and Maison McCulloch Hospice.
For more information, click here.
