Thunder Bay – On Sunday, around a hundred people gathered at St. Ignatius High School to walk in support of hospice palliative care.
After registration and opening ceremonies, hikers met at Boulevard Lake - across from the school. They then began the five km walk around the lake.
“We’re raising funds today to support the really important services that we’re able to offer people in the city of Thunder Bay at no charge,” said Donna Jeanpierre, executive director of Hospice Northwest Services.
“We offer palliative end of life support, grief and bereavement support to adults and children.”
This year marked the 13th annual Hike for Hospice. Jeanpierre said they are excited to have continued support over the years, and gain new support each year.
Hospice Northwest’s Hike for Hospice had a goal of raising $50,000. As of Monday, Hospice Northwest had raised over $42,000.
“We want to raise awareness for the important work that we do,” Jeanpierre said.
“We have well-trained volunteers, we just want to make sure that the conversations are happening around the supports that we offer to people who are at end of life, or going through grief and loss."
Every walker was given a flower to cast on the water in memory of a loved one they have lost, if they would like.
They were also given a ribbon to write the name of a loved one they lost and are missing, and tie it to the butterfly memorial wall on Adelaide Street.
Amy and David Binch attended the Hike for Hospice in hopes to promote the organization.
“We tragically lost our one-year-old son Fletcher in July of 2023,” Amy said.
After the loss of their son, Amy and David knew they needed support, but were not sure where to get it.
Within days of Fletcher's passing, Hospice Northwest was able to connect the couple with various services, Amy said.
“They were very compassionate and understanding.”
The couple have attended quite a few workshops for themselves as well as for their four-year-old son.
Amy said that some of the services are specific to certain populations, such as grieving parent workshops. Her four-year-old son also attends programming for children, to help him understand what grief is and to help him find positive coping mechanisms. Amy’s husband, David, attends men-specific groups as well.
“We’re here today to express our gratitude and share our story to let others know that Hospice Northwest is a wonderful service that helps individuals struggling with grief," Amy said.
“I would recommend these services to anybody that’s grieving the loss of someone they love.”
“Hike for Hospice is their biggest fundraiser of the year, which helps them to be able to continue to offer those supports to people free of charge in our community,” she said.
“If you can donate, please donate.”
For more information, or to donate to hike for hospice, visit Hospice Northwest’s website.
