The Hike for Hospice Palliative Care which was created over 20 years ago is a unique national fundraising event across Canada that brings together organizations to raise funds and awareness in their community.
The Reston Palliative Care resumed their Hike for Hospice and barbeque lunch on Friday, May 26 following its absence during Covid. “Our Palliative Care group supports the Reston Health Centre and surrounding area,” says Keri Vinck, Coordinator for Seniors Helping Hands in Reston.
Vinck says the funds that were raised from the Hikes and Remembrance Service have been used to purchase items for client care mattresses and bedding and provide a family room. She adds that proceeds raised also support the Camp Bridges program. (At Camp Bridges, children grieving the death of someone significant in their lives can receive support.)
“We are a small group but have offered sitting with palliative clients in long-term care and community settings,” adds Vinck. “We try to lighten the load where needed.”
Vinck adds that this year’s Hike grossed $850 and they were happy to obtain support from Weston’s and Reston’s Fine Foods for food supplies for the barbeque.
Three grades from Reston School along with teachers and students hiked along with some of the volunteers to help raise awareness. “We have also had a couple ladies, Janis Lobreau and Auralee Leadbeater doing the barbequing for us for several years,” Vinck says.
She also adds that the ladies looking after the barbequing allows their members to join the Hike. Vinck says they are forever grateful to residents and their families who join them for lunch and the walkers who collected funds.
“We acknowledge past members whose time has been appreciated from their years of service including Donna Jago, Evelyn Hutcheson, Evelyn Fotheringham, Sylvia Halls and Pat Cochrane.
A new training program for palliative care sitters is being held in June. To date there are nine volunteers signed up to take a three-day training workshop provided by Prairie Mountain Health, allowing their service to families in the area to continue.
