Sometimes people like to go on hikes to be with friends, now you can hike to help those in need. That’s what the Hike for Hospice is all about.
The hike, planned for Sunday, May 4 in Oliver Lions Park, is a fundraiser for hospice palliative care (through Desert Valley Hospice Society).
The event also raises awareness of the many challenges faced by palliative care patients. In addition, the hike promotes the phenomenal work that all volunteers and professionals in the field perform daily.
All of the money raised goes directly to providing hospice palliative support for patients.
Hike for Hospice spokesman Nancy Heather said an average of 100 people participate in the event every year. Last year they raised $12,500.
“We are hoping to increase the number of participants this year and there is a bus service being offered from Osoyoos to the hike,” Heather said.
The free shuttle will leave Sun Bowl Arena at 11 am. Call 250-689-DVHS for reserved seating.
Event registration begins at noon, with the hike starting at 1 pm.
There are currently two palliative care beds at South Okanagan General Hospital and 35 people trained to provide the palliative care for those beds.
“We are ever mindful that, according to our population, we are short of hospice beds in our communities (Oliver and Osoyoos),” Heather said.
She noted the cost of providing hospice beds is very high, and the two existing beds are not fully utilized. Heather said Interior Health is re-evaluating its strategy for providing palliative care in rural communities such as Oliver and Osoyoos.
Desert Valley Hospice Society is committed to support whichever model Interior Health deems most effective to meet the need, Heather said. “We do know that, based upon our demographics, we will require as many as 10 beds by 2022. Our society will continue to advocate for more beds and strengthen our community programs to meet the needs of those who wish to spend their last days at home,” Heather said.
Needs are also being met through a new “Tuck-In” program, where volunteers contact their clients at the end of the week to ensure they have everything they need for the weekend.
Heather said they have also been training their volunteers in bereavement support to provide additional assistance to family members during their time of loss.
For more information about Desert Valley Hospice visit www. desertvalleyhospice.org
Callum Mathieson
Oliver Chronicle
