The Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation is getting ready to host one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.
Hike for Hospice, presented by Battery Boy, is set for noon on Sunday, May 3 at Mud Creek Trail in Chatham.
"There will be music, a memorial activity, some lawn games, and kids' activities," said Brock McGregor, Executive Director of the Hospice Foundation. "By 2 o'clock, we start the actual hiking. You walk around the path in memory of a loved one."
Participants can also hike April 27 to May 2 as memorial signs will line the trail the week before the hike. The deadline to purchase memorial signs is Wednesday, April 8, and the deadline to order a t-shirt is Tuesday, April 14.
All the money raised stays in Chatham-Kent and goes towards hospice services.
"Over the past 10 years, the community's been remarkable in supporting the Chatham-Kent Hospice," said McGregor. "That's why we can offer end-of-life care at no cost to people in the community, and that includes things like grief and bereavement care as well."
McGregor added that fundraisers like Hike for Hospice are important because government funding only covers so much.
"About 55 to 58 per cent of the funds that are needed to provide hospice services come right from the community. So about 45 per cent from government funding, and all the rest is raised right here in Chatham-Kent and goes to support our fellow community members," said McGregor.
The 2025 Hike for Hospice raised almost $175,000, breaking the previous record of more than $167,500.
Residents are encouraged to register in advance online and collect pledges. There is also a corporate challenge this year for local businesses to get involved. To register, visit www.hikeforhospiceck.com.
