Hospice Peterborough’s annual Hike for Hospice has raised more than $148,000, setting a new record for the non-profit charitable organization’s largest annual fundraising event.
Close to 440 people took part in the September 27 hike at Millennium Park, walking from the Silver Bean Cafe to Beavermead Beach, with a shorter route turning around at Rogers Cove.
The fundraiser supports Hospice Peterborough’s palliative care and bereavement programs, which are provided free of charge to residents of all ages in the city and county of Peterborough.
Last year, the event raised a then-record $138,000 with more than 360 participants. This year’s total has already surpassed that mark, with fundraising continuing until the end of October.
Participants gathered in Millennium Park before setting out along the waterfront route, with activities including face painting and memorial crafts for children.
Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hos led participants in a sponsor song, which the organization described as a new Hike for Hospice tradition.
Notorious T.A.S.H. was again the top fundraising team, bringing in $12,960, with Hospice Peterborough’s staff team Heart and Sole coming in a close second at $12,025.
Notorious T.A.S.H. team captain Kyle McConnell was the top individual fundraiser for the third year in a row, raising $4,530. Once again, he was hiking in memory of his late wife Tash, a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and Peterborough Regional Health Centre and passed away in hospice in 2024 from cancer at the age of 39.
Hospice Peterborough said the money raised through Hike for Hospice goes directly toward all aspects of its services and programs, helping ensure palliative care and grief support remain available at no cost.
Since 1988, the organization has provided support to people living with life-threatening illness, their caregivers, and people experiencing grief and bereavement.
Its programs and services include home support, peer support groups, caregiver support, grief groups, family support, and residential hospice care.
Donations to Hike for Hospice can continue to be made at easypledge.ca/hospice-peterborough/ until the end of October.
