Annual fundraiser for hospice supports operations and provides the opportunity for families to reunite to remember loved ones.

The Hike for Hospice fundraiser helps to ease the pain of passing but is increasingly becoming a time and place for reunion.

“The run is more than just fundraising; it’s also a day to commemorate and remember loved ones, and to visit as a family,” Carefor Hospice Cornwall fundraising manager Rhonda Simpson said on Sunday.

The Hike for Hospice attracted about 80 participants, including Connie McGillis, who was happy to socialize afterwards with former clients, staff members, and volunteers.

McGillis, like many of the participants, wore a personalized shirt that bore the name of a hospice patient — in her case, Della Lauber.

“She was my best friend and second mother,” McGillis said.

This year’s event also marked the first time organizers set up a table for participants to personalize small rocks with the names of hospice patients. They were placed within the hospice’s new memorial garden that was donated by Habitat for Humanity Cornwall and the Counties.

Fundraisers collected an estimated $30,000 for hospice, although the final figure is still to be determined.

Simpson said she expected registration would continue to rebound after the hike was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carefor PR/fundraising manager Trevor Eggleton said there is a possibility of further growth as Carefor considers the idea of moving the hike into a more public venue, away from the hospice property, which is near the far end of Cornwall’s Second Street West.

Simpson said she was just as grateful for the corporate support, citing title sponsors: Dignity Memorial — Lahaie and Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Homes, and M. John Sullivan.

Cornwall Kinsmen Club members once again served up a barbecue and treats for participants and volunteers.

Dignitaries supported the hike, including Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale, Stormont—Dundas—Glengarry MP Eric Duncan, Stormont— Dundas—South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn, hospice physician Dr. Raji Menon, and Carefor director of community and hospice Jason Samson.

“It’s great to see the growth of this event for hospice; we’re very fortunate to have this facility in our community,” said Towndale, after completing his hike.

The mayor said hospice’s community support has been so consistent, it is one of the few charitable organizations which do not request direct financial assistance from the municipality.

Fundraising also support hospice’s other services, including bereavement support.

For more information on Carefor Hospice Cornwall, visit carefor.ca/services/palliative-care.