Join the “Sea of Purple” with Hike for Hospice

COURTNEY McCLURE, The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: The Oak Ridges Hospice Hike for Hospice is on June 4th in Port Perry. Registration opens at 9 a.m., and the walk itself begins around 10 a.m.

This is the hospice’s sixth annual Hike. The Hike begins in Palmer Park, Port Perry. Participants have a choice to complete a 1 km or 5 km hike.

After the Hike concludes, there will be a barbecue with live music provided by Irwin Smith.

According to the hike coordinator, Lindsay Healey, the Hike is a great way to show your support for the local hospice and the families who have needed its services.

“It’s just a good day of fellowship and camaraderie,” explained Ms. Healey. She added, there are usually about 200 people in attendance.

Ms Healey shared, regarding last years event, “It was a sea of purple,” she said, “and it was just so cool! It looked so great!” Those participating received a purple t-shirt.

The Canadian Government provides the hospice with about 60 percent of its operating income. It’s up to hospice staff to raise the remaining funds needed. The Hike for Hospice remains Oak Ridges Hospice’s largest fundraiser.

“It’s a great opportunity to give back, in the community, to something, at some point, [which] we might all need,” stated Ms. Healey.

Although she understands people go to the hospice “to die,” she believes Oak Ridge’s Hospice is a “wonderful” facility with caring staff.

“You walk in [to the hospice], and there’s fresh cookies baking, and we take care of the families,” she explained. “It’s a very cool place.”

Registration is $25 per person, which includes a Hike for Hospice t-shirt and barbecue. Anyone 12 and under can participate for free.

According to Ms. Healey, participants registered before May 22nd will be guaranteed a t-shirt in their selected size.

For more details about registration and the Hike itself, please visit oakridgeshospice.com.