The 2008 Hike for Hospice, which took place on Sunday, May 4, along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, was a beehive of activity as organizers saw the number of participants dramatically increase from around 50 in 2007 to over 250 at this year’s event.

Organizer Betty Matos attributed the dramatic increase in participation to a number of factors including increased awareness, understanding, and support for Hospice, excellent support by the media and community partners, challenges put out in the community by businesses and service clubs, the weather, and the time of day the hike was held.

Participants were treated to face painting by Clarabella, massages by Whole Body Healing, and pizza from Topper’s Pizza. The funds are still coming in, surpassing all expectations of the hike committee.

With a goal set at $20,000 for this year’s hike (an increase of over $12,000 from last year’s total raised), organizers were thrilled to realize that over $25,000 had come in and more still arriving from participants and donors.

“2008 is definitely Hospice Simcoe’s year, with a new residential hospice being built, and a steady growth in support for our many activities that support those in our community living with a life-threatening illness and their loved ones,” stated Betty Matos, Director of Development.

“We rely so very heavily on the support of our community and this outpouring of support drives us forward to continue to meet the needs of those we serve.”