This May marks Sea to Sky Hospice Society’s Hike for Hospice’s 20th anniversary, the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser and a beloved community tradition.
What began two decades ago as a single-day hike has grown into a month-long campaign where participants get active in whatever way suits them, all in support of end-of-life care, grief programs, and caregiver support across the Sea to Sky corridor.
“It’s the fundraising and also just the community coming together to show their support for the hospice,” said Chris Wrightson, the society’s Executive Director. “That’s what’s so beautiful to see.”
This year’s goal is $55,000, and as of this week the campaign has raised $24,500, with 220 donors contributing so far. The funds go directly toward running the society’s programs and supporting the more than 70 volunteers who deliver them alongside a staff of four. Donations fund training, program supplies and items for the hospice unit itself.
“It’s all those bits and pieces that come together to run the programs,” said Wrightson.
Almost all of the society’s funding comes from donations, fundraising, and grants, making the annual campaign essential to keeping services running.
“We rely really heavily on this,” Wrightson said. “We run a pretty tight ship.”
Participants are encouraged to take part however they like. Wrightson has pledged to walk 100 kilometres this month as her personal contribution. Volunteer coordinator Tatiana Lee has set her own ambitious target, hiking the Chief 10 times before the month is out. Local businesses, like Capra, are also taking part in the campaign.
The campaign comes to a close with a free community celebration on Friday, May 30 at Junction Park and the O’Siyam Pavilion in Squamish, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Elder Eugene Harry of the Squamish Nation will share some words, Sharon Slater and the Squamish Line Dancers will, as well as other musicians will perform. The Lions Club is running a barbecue, and there will be face painting for families. New this year is a labyrinth, a calm, reflective walking path organized by one of the society’s volunteers.
“They actually exist in quite a few places,” Wrightson explained. “People create them in the forest or more centrally in a community, and they become a place for people to go and spend time and reflect.” Wrightson said the labyrinth idea is often used in grief and loss support.
Wrightson said the celebration event is one of her favourite parts of the campaign.
“Seeing all the amazing volunteers, they’re incredible. They have so much passion and love for the hospice and the work.” Even last year, when the event was held in pouring rain, she recalled people dancing to the musicians and the volunteer community showing up in force.
Donations are still being accepted beyond May 30, and the society is also running an online raffle, where a single ticket costs $10 and three tickets for $25. Prizes include passes for Whistler Blackcomb and the Squamish Valley Golf Club. To donate or learn more, visit the society’s campaign page at canadahelps.org.
