Hospice Wellington steps up to the challenge

Board, staff and clients rank as top fundraisers nationally

Wellington - Alex Robb is a client of Hospice Wellington. She is also a participant and committee member organizer of the Annual Hike for Hospice (H4H). Getting involved is one way that Robb feels she can give back to an organization that has helped her along her journey.

“The Hike has given me a focus, something to do and keep me involved during my treatment,” she says. Robb is the fourth top individual H4H fundraiser in the country and a local committee volunteer. Her enthusiasm for the Hike is based in part on the unique fact that 100% of the money raised in the community stays in the community.

A unique national fundraising initiative, Hike for Hospice brings together organizations working together in hospice palliative care, to raise fund and awareness in their community. “Hike for Hospice is truly an amazing event,” says Brent Charette, Hospice Wellington Executive Director. “It brings together so many people and raises valuable funds for our organization.”

Hospice Wellington is hosting its Hike for Hospice event on Saturday May 2, 2009 at The Arboretum, University of Guelph. Funds raised help sustain Hospice Wellington services provided at no charge to Robb and others like her. Hospice Wellington’s goal for 2009 is to raise $50,000 and to have 200 participants.

“It’s an ambitious goal, but we are well on our way,” says Charette. “We are pleased to have local MPP Liz Sandals attend and we look forward to seeing our community supporters, sponsors, participants and volunteers come out and enjoy the event – rain or shine.”

Local sponsors, including Stantec, have once again demonstrated why Guelph is Canada’s most caring community. Robb’s achievement as a top fundraiser and Stantec’s generous donation prompted the Hospice Wellington staff to issue a good-natured challenge to the Hospice Board.

“The competition is heating up now that both staff and board teams are ranked in the top-ten team fundraisers nationally. We are very proud of everyone’s achievements,” says Charette. Recent standings show the Wellington Walkers (staff) in eighth place and the Wellington Board in ninth.

For more information and to register for Hike for Hospice visit www.chpc.net/events/hfhpc.html or contact Hospice Wellington at 519 836-3921.