Annual Hike for Hospice in Sudbury
The annual Hike for Hospice event took place throughout the afternoon at Bell Park in Sudbury on Sunday.
Sunday’s rain didn’t stop dozens of people from gathering in memory of their loved ones who have passed away at the hospice (cut comma) while raising some much-needed funds for the Maison McCulloch Hospice.
"For me, it was my step-father (who) passed this past year. The people at the hospice, they were very kind, very helpful, thoughtful and I’m just trying to do my part by helping out," one of the participants told CTV News.
"I’m walking for my grandfather on my mom’s side, Henry. I really do miss him. I was really sad this morning. Thankfully, I have my friends and my family here," Cooper Didone, another participant, said.
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger lost his father earlier this year to bone cancer, who spent the last two weeks of his life at the hospice.
Bigger said he will be forever thankful for the staff at the hospice.
"In the final days, he went to HSN and a week later, he was in the hospice. The staff at the hospice just bend over backwards to make that experience as good as an experience as possible and also the level of care for the patients is exceptional," Bigger said.
All funds raised at the event go toward operational expenses and organizers said the need is even greater due to the expansion at the facility.
"Only our nursing and PSW staff is funded by the ministry. We have to raise money for absolutely everything else, such as housekeeping and cleaning supplies, everything. So, this event is one of our biggest earners," Julie Aube, executive director at the Maison McCulloch Hospice, said.
"None of our services come at a cost. It’s free. And in order to keep it free and accessible to everyone, we rely heavily on community donations."
The goal for this year’s event was $150.000 and Sudbury Credit Union, the main sponsor of the event, kicked off the event with a $25,000 donation.
"Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather, but we’re hoping that people will still be making pledges for our hospice. Sudbury is very fortunate to have such a great foundation in our hospice in Sudbury where people can live out their final days," said Mimi Regimbal, CEO of Sudbury Credit Union.
The hospice needs to raise a total of $1.45 million to keep its doors open this year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Breast cancer screening should start at age 40, Canadian Cancer Society says
The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Canadian-Israeli man shot dead in Egypt; claim links killing to Gaza
A Canadian man 'of Jewish Israeli descent' has been shot dead in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in a suspected criminal case, a security source said, while a previously unknown militant group said it carried out the attack in reaction to the war in Gaza.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.