Support palliative care: Hike for Hospice aims big in 2016

On May 1, supporters of Sudbury's Maison Vale Hospice are expected to come out in droves once again for the annual RBC Hike for Hospice.

The 2016 hike, which is the hospice's biggest fundraiser every year, has the ambitious goal of matching last year's fundraising total of $150,000.

“I think it's very difficult to find someone who hasn't been touched, or knows someone who hasn't been touched by the hospice and the people there,” said Kevin McCormick, chair of the Maison Vale Hospice board.

If the hike meets expectations, it will have raised $1 million for the hospice since RBC became the title sponsor in 2008.

To help kick off this year's event, the bank made an initial donation of $15,000 during a launch event for the hike Tuesday.

For the first time, Maison Vale Hospice will collaborate with the Kidney Foundation of Canada and accept used clothing donations the day of the hike. Proceeds from the clothes will be split between both organizations.

Churchill Public School will also continue its involvement with the RBC Hike for Hospice with its own fundraiser.

Since 2011, the school has raised more than $50,000 for Maison Vale Hospice.

This year's hike will start at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre in Bell Park. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the hike will start at 1 p.m.

Participants can pick up pledge forms at Maison Vale Hospice or any RBC branch in Greater Sudbury.

It's also possible to sign up, and collect pledges online.