OLDS — The annual Olds & District Hospice Society’s (ODHS) Hike For Hospice attracted strong participation and big bucks on Sunday, May 7, despite cool temperatures and threatening clouds.
Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on making a person’s end of life journey as comforting as possible.
The walk is held as part of National Hospice and Palliative Care Week to raise money and awareness for the society. This was the 12th year of the hike.
As the Albertan reported earlier, this year marked the first time ever that the walk was held outside Olds, in Didsbury.
This year’s walk raised about $28,550, including $1,550 in Didsbury.
“Our target was $25,000, so we consider it a success," ODHS executive director Mary Smith said.
She was surprised and pleased by the amount of money raised in Didsbury in just its first year of the walk.
““We were pretty happy with that," Smith said. “We were just hoping to create more awareness.
“We think it was a success. We hit our fundraising target. We had positive feedback and the weather cooperated in the end.”
It’s not a record amount of money raised during the event though.
Smith noted that last year the hike raised $40,000 which included one person donating $20,000.
“Other years since inception have been anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000,” she noted.
In Didsbury, about 20 people participated. In Olds, at least 103 people turned out, a similar number as in previous years.
Several dignitaries spoke before members of the Olds Broncos athletic teams led warmup exercises and the event began.
“I have to say in the last 30 years, I’ve been on numerous boards and organizations and this by far has the greatest impact on individuals,” ODHS president Harvey Walsh said.
“I’m quite honoured to be part of this, so thank you for showing up today.”
Smith noted that over the years, the society has grown, to the point where it now has 115 volunteers and this past year added the Nu2U thrift store and its volunteers to the organization.
They also moved their offices to the Olds United Church, a facility they say is more accessible for clients.
“All of the support from our volunteers has been truly overwhelming,” Smith said. “Seeing the impact it makes on individuals and families, I cannot thank everyone enough.”
On behalf of Olds town council and Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers, Mayor Judy Dahl said, “we acknowledge the dedicated doctors, the nurses and their support staff who step up and serve.
“To all the faithful volunteers, whose time, energy and skills are offered for no personal gain, we bless you all.”
