OLDS — Town council declared May 1-7 Hospice Palliative Care Week in the community.
“This particular week is recognized nationwide, and it is an opportunity to offer education and awareness to the importance of walking with others in the journey of end-of-life,” a memo from administrative staff to council said.
Each year, a highlight of the week is the annual Hike For Hospice. This year's event got underway today at about 9:45 a.m. from Holy Trinity Catholic School, as it has in previous years.
“In the past, the Hike for Hospice has been a wonderfully successful event to recognize the journey people have shared with their loved ones,” the town memo said.
Olds & District Hospice Society executive director Mary Smith said this year is especially exciting because it was planned as an in-person event. Last year’s hike was held virtually, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I think it’ll really nice for everyone to gather,” Smith said during an interview. "It’s in person – Whoo hoo!”
As part of the event, Mr. Mike’s Restaurant planned a barbecue at the school after the hike.
“They’re going to donate all the proceeds from the burgers back to the hospice society,” Smith said. They did that last year too, but via their restaurant, due to pandemic restrictions.
Tim Hortons provided coffee and water before the hike. Fruits and snacks were also made available for hikers.
Those who preferred to conduct a virtual Hike For Hospice were still be able to do that, Smith noted. They can register via the Olds & District Hospice Society’s website and gather pledges via social media.
People could sign up online for free and begin gathering their pledges. However, Smith said those who didn’t sign up and fundraise before that event would face a $25 fee that day.
Also, those who signed up online were eligible for seven door prizes. Those prizes included golf passes and gift certificates from several local businesses.
Plans called for door prizes to be awarded during a Facebook Live feed at the office seven days prior to the hike.
This year’s fundraising goal is $30,000.
“Our expectation last year was $25,000 and we raised a little over 30 (thousand),” Smith said.
"We know that COVID’s been a really long haul. People are having a hard time with their mental health and engagement right now, so we’re trying to be modest on our fundraising goal.”
Town of Olds Mayor Judy Dahl, along with Metis Nation Region 3 elder Doreen Bergum and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper, were among the speakers.
Several Olds College Broncos led the warm-up exercises. Smith said Dr. Jody Carrington, who has led warm-up exercises before in-person hikes in the past will be doing so online because she wasn't be able to attend in person this year.
