Hike for Hospice Raises Over $100,000

Monday, 4 October 2021 at 12:59

VON Oxford had 191 hikers take part this year, with 33 teams at the 19th annual Hike for Hospice.

WOODSTOCK - The Hike for Hospice in Woodstock raised over $100,000 this year.

All proceeds from the virtual event will go towards VON Sakura House. They had 191 hikers take part this year, with 33 teams at the 19th annual Hike for Hospice. In total, they raised a remarkable $104,247 this year. This is the second time the event has gone virtual because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heart FM's Dan Henry emceed the event on September 18th for the virtual opening ceremony. The Ceremony featured VON Oxford Board President John Goodbun, 2021 Hike for Hospice Committee representative Cathy Murray, and a special memorial tribute for loved ones who have died at Sakura House, which was hosted by VON Oxford Hospice & Bereavement Coordinators Anne Marie Wallace Phillips and Nancy Clark. A key part of the event was to remember loved ones who have died.

Hikers were encouraged to add the names of loved ones to the Hike for Hospice Memorial Tree and, a new event activity this year was the option of colouring memorial butterflies to remember loved ones. President Goodbun says the community went above and beyond this year to support Sakura House.

"Our hikers, families, sponsors, volunteers and staff and our entire community have exceeded our expectations this year, helping raise $104,247 for our hospice patients and their families. Even during a pandemic, they have rallied in support of our hospice, understanding that patients and families deserve professional and compassionate hospice care at the end-of-life. Our community is the driving force behind this meaningful event after 19 years. We are beyond thankful for all of the generous support."

The top fundraising team this wear was Cocomo Jo, led by Team Captain Justin Read, who is also being recognized as the top 2021 fundraiser. Together, their team raised an incredible $7,623 in memory of their loved one Jolene Read.