Successful fifth annual Hike for Hospice

The Olds and District Hospice Society's fifth annual Hike for Hospice was a great success, according to ODHS vice-president Kathy Kemmere.

Kemmere says close to 180 people participated, well above the usual 120 participants.

As of mid-week, they had nearly hit their $30,000 fundraising goal, far beyond the usual $18,000 to $20,000 the hike has garnered.

Kemmere is not entirely sure why the numbers were up so far this year but she thinks part of the reason is it was the fifth anniversary of the walk.

“We were hoping for more donations and it happened,” she says.

She thinks another factor is that the society's two hospice suites have now been open for about a year so people are more familiar with what they're all about.

Also, “the ministerial (association) promised more if we changed the day to a Saturday,” she says.

She also notes it was a nice sunny day, which likely helped attract people.

This year the route was changed as well. It started and ended at Holy Trinity Catholic School, winding its way through the surrounding residential area, running along walking paths for much of the way.

There were door prizes and a silent auction.

Also, those who had participated in the walk for all five years were rewarded. Roses and a certificate of participation were handed out. A picture was also taken.

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