Artist's rendering of Chapman House in Owen Sound, scheduled to open June 1st, 2017.

Five Communities Hike For Hospice In Grey Bruce

By Janice MacKay

May 5, 2017 - 4:34pm

The Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce is hosting Hike for Hospice in five communities to raise money and awareness for end of life care.

This is the fifth year for the local event which is part of a national day of action for palliative care initiatives.

Hikes are being held Sunday in Cargill, Hanover, Markdale, Meaford and Owen Sound. Registration starts at 1pm for companies, teams or individuals who want to get involved.

Executive Director Scott Lovell says after serving the community from a temporary location for four years, they are excited to now have a new freestanding hospice, Chapman House, in Owen Sound.

“For almost four full years now, we’ve served Grey and Bruce from our temporary location and we’ve been humbled by the support for our service,” says Executive Director Scott Lovell.

“The hike is one of our most important events because it allows us to say thank you to communities across the region, more strongly connect with people from across Grey-Bruce who are helping us move forward, and to remind ourselves of the impact our Team has on families and friends," he adds.

Ontario only funds a portion of the operating cost of residential hospices, specifically salaries for nursing and personal support workers.

Costs like medical equipment, meals, and buildings are covered by fundraising.

The hospice has served 109 patients over the past year, with 63% coming from outside of the city of Owen Sound.

Between April 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017, the hospice received 248 patient referrals.

“This is going to be an exciting year for our Hospice and we hope to see a great turnout on May 7,” says Scott. “Whether you’re hiking in memory of a loved one, in anticipation of our new build, or simply in support of exceptional care right here in our community, we would love to see you at any site! Everyone has their own reason to hike."

Events like the hike are important to the Residential Hospice because the funds raised allow us to continue to offer, at no cost to the patient or their family, exceptional care to loved ones who are in their final stages of life. All money raised locally stays in the community in which it is raised.

Pledge forms and links to Hike information are available online at www.greybrucehospice.com.

Hike Details