More than 140 area residents participated in the 10th annual Hike for Hospice, which was held in Olds on May 6.The hike ended up raising more than $25,000 for the Olds and District Hospice Society.“I am in a stunned mode. Congratulations to the community. It's absolutely phenomenal,” saidKathy Kemmere, president of the Olds and District Hospice Society.“The other thing is, there are only six communities in Alberta that are hiking and we are the smallest. I just take my hat off to the communities of Olds, Didsbury, Sundre, and the people that showed up.”Participants had the choice between running, walking or wheeling a one-kilometre course or a five-kilometre course. Participants started at the Sportsplex and used the town's trail system, before coming back to the Sportsplex for the finish line.“It's been unreal. It's wonderful to see the support of the families that are walking on this beautiful sunny day,” said Kemmere.“It was a little chilly with the wind but it was absolutely amazing to see people, kids and dogs out and just participating.”Local elected officials also participated in the event, with Town of Olds mayor Judy Dahl doing the hike alongside husband Randy Dahl, while Mountain View County Div. 7 Coun. Al Kemmere was on hand to support his wife.Kathy Kemmere said the event had accomplished the society's goal, which was to raise awareness for hospice palliative care.“I definitely think the awareness is so much better than it (used to be),” she said.Moreover, inside the Sportsplex, a wall serving as an informal memorial was covered with the names and pictures of deceased relatives of participants and volunteers.“It's awesome to have this avenue to walk for them and remember them too,” said Kemmere.The hike was organized by the Olds and District Hospice Society and the Olds Palliative Care Committee to kick off Palliative Care Week, which ran from May 6 to May 12 in Olds.
