Airdrie and District Hospice Society (ADHS) is hosting its annual Hike for Hospice event May 11 at East Lake Regional Park, raising money to help support the society’s local care initiatives.
According to Executive Director Lise Blanchette, the society has been hosting the hike for the last five years.
“The event is to bring awareness and to raise funds for hospice care,” she said.
Hike for Hospice encourages community members to come out and walk or run to raise money for the society. All ages and experience are welcome to join the event, which, according to Blanchette, will be happening rain or shine. In addition to the walk, she said, the event will include a barbecue, live music and a silent auction, with all proceeds staying within the community.
Though the city does not have a hospice, ADHS help to fill the gap by providing several different programs for hospice care throughout the Airdrie area, Blanchette added.
According to the society’s mission statement, ADHS offers “specially-trained volunteers who can provide a few hours of respite, so caregivers can tend to their own needs, such as going shopping or attending an appointment.”
ADHS also helps to cover costs of “certain medications, aids to daily living and transportation to visit loved ones in hospice,” which may not be covered by Alberta Health Services.
Additionally, Blanchette said, the society offers grief support groups, along with various education sessions based on different topics – helping residents understand and work through things like wills, powers of attorney, personal directives, cooking after a loss, coping with grief over the holidays and the goals of care.
Currently, she added, the society is hosting a support group – a free six-week program for those over the age of 18 who are experiencing grief. People who are interested are encouraged to phone ADHS for more information or to register.
“We raise funds so that people in this district can stay in their community longer to receive care,” said Blanchette – something the organization looks to accomplish with the money raised from Hike for Hospice.
Registration for the event costs $25 for individuals, while a family or team registration is $50. According to Blanchette, there will be both one-kilometre and five-kilometre routes at the hike. All ages are invited to attend and people are even encouraged to bring their leashed pets.
To register early, you can visit airdriehospice.ca or call (403)-880-0424. Registration will also be available at the event starting at around 8:45 a.m.
