Delores Brisbois, Bonnie Svieson and Christine Yost participate in a previous year’s hike on the canal walkway in Osoyoos. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Calling all hikers, runners, cyclists, skaters, dog walkers, stroller pushers, and everyone else with big hearts and strong legs – Desert Valley Hospice Society’s annual Hike for Hospice is just around the corner and looking for participants.
On Sunday, May 6, the organization will partake in National Hike for Hospice Day by holding fundraising events in both Oliver and Osoyoos.
Founded in 2006, the Desert Valley Hospice Society is a largely volunteer organization that helps patients and families with advance care planning, one-to-one and group support, vigils, palliative massage, transportation, and bereavement support, among other services. They provide comfort in homes, hospitals and residential care facilities.
The Hike for Hospice is one of two major fundraisers the organization holds annually.
Despite its title, the event isn’t as intimidating as it sounds; it’s more of a choose-your-own-pace walk than a hike.
“We have a one, five and 10 kilometre event,” said Donna Kelso, chair of the Society’s chair of the events and communications committee. “Participants can run, walk or bike it, whatever works for them.”
People are welcome to form teams, designate captains, come up with funny costumes and laugh all the way down the trail.
Participants are also encouraged to challenge their friends and family to make pledges to Desert Valley Hospice for each kilometer they travel.
All donations will stay in the communities to support the Society’s programs for people with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
“It’s a fun event,” Kelso said. “Everyone is talking about getting in shape and it works for that, and it’s a fundraiser too.”
In Osoyoos, participants will gather at the Canal Walking Trail near Osoyoos Secondary School. In Oliver, they will congregate at Lions Park and the Oliver Hike and Bike Path.
Registration for the event begins at 12 p.m. in both locations, with hikers hitting the trails at 12:30. People with pledges in hand register for free, while it’s $10 for supporters who stride, ride, or glide without pledges. Kids 12 and under participate for free.
Hike supporters can also make donations if they opt not to lace up and go the athletic route.
Food is free for hikers and pledge-bearers. Hot dogs and fixings are donated by Buy Low Foods and Big Al’s Bakery. Other supporters include the Osoyoos Rotary, Oliver Kiwanis, the Oliver Air Cadets, Osoyoos Credit Union, Oliver and Osoyoos Interior Savings, the Old Stockers, and Darlorn Porta-Potties.
To register, make or collect pledges, or make a donation, visit www.desertvalleyhospice.org. Pledge forms are also available at various locations around town or at the Desert Valley Hospice Society Supportive Care Centre, 22 Jonagold Place in Osoyoos.
For more information or help with registering, contact Donna Gordan, 250-495-1590, or [email protected].
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Osoyoos Times
