Hospice Society of Greater Halifax

Hike For Hospice

Every year on the first Sunday in May, rain or shine, Hospice and Palliative Care groups across Canada take to the streets to raise awareness about the cause—and money too. We’ve been participating annually since 2009 and have raised lots of money for the cause. It’s an easy 4km walk, suitable for almost everyone. We regularly welcome participants with strollers or wheelchairs—and the occasional four-footed companion. And of course there are refreshments for all waiting at Pryor House afterwards.

The details of the 2012 event, including posters, registration forms and pledge sheets, will be posted early in the new year.

Hike For Hospice 2011

On Sunday, May 1, the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax as well as Hospice and Palliative Care groups across Canada will get out and walk to show their support. Last year we held the most successful Hike for Hospice to date, from the new Spring Street house. The hike is an important opportunity to increase our visibility in the Bedford community. The route is a gentle 4 Km through downtown Bedford beginning at Hospice House at 9 Spring Street, Bedford.

Hike for Hospice is a major fundraiser for our society and in 2010 our total revenue came in just over $30,000. This is a testament to the hard work of fundraisers and the generosity of hospice friends new and old. Online donations alone exceeded $15,000 and we hope that that convenience will garner support from family and friends no matter where they live. The funds raised are being used to renovate our heritage house and continue the development of palliative care programs in Greater Halifax. The Hospice Society of Greater Halifax is a not-for-profit community-based organization working together with individuals and organizations in the Capital Health District to help people live fully and die well.

Even if you don't register and participate in the walk volunteers will have collection tins along the route. We anticipate 100 walkers of all ages with a few four legged friends so a word or honk of encouragement on the route is welcome too.

Congratulations to everyone for getting involved and lets make this our best fundraising event ever!

Registration starts at 1PM at 9 Spring Street, Bedford with the walk starting at 2PM.

Downloads Here - Pledge Form, Registration Form, Poster

Hike for Hospice 2010

On Sunday, May 2nd, the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax held the most successful Hike for Hospice to date, from the new Spring Street house. The hike was an important opportunity to increase our visibility in the Bedford community and residents showed up in force to welcome us. Ninety seven hikers of all ages, and a few canine friends, walked the 4 Km route through downtown Bedford, as passers-by honked horns and waved their support.

Hike for Hospice is a major fundraiser for our society and we are pleased to report that our total revenue came in just over $30 000, an increase of more than $10 000 over last year. This is a testament to the hard work of fundraisers and the generosity of hospice friends new and old. Online donations alone exceeded $15 000 and we hope to build on that aspect of our efforts, while continuing to solicit good old-fashioned door-to-door support! The funds raised are being used to renovate our heritage house, The Teachery, and continue the development of palliative care programs.

Congratulations to everyone for getting involved and truly making this our best fundraising event ever!. See you all next year!!

Hike For Hospice 2010 Slideshow - Show 1; Show 2; Show 3; Show 4; Show 5 - Thank you to Mike Cross, Lori Morton and several other hospice members for the hike photos.

Hike For Hospice 2009

On Sunday May 3, 2009, our group set out from Historic Properties to the sound of 'Scotland the Brave' - led by piper Allan MacKenzie - while Councillor Dawn Sloane helped carry the Hospice Halifax banner. Not even the fog and cool breeze could dampen our spirits, as we joined thousands across the country in this annual fundraising and public awareness event.

Local hospice palliative care organizations were well represented by: Dartmouth General Palliative Care Volunteers, IWK Pediatric Palliative Care Services, VG Palliative Care and Sunshine Room Volunteers, Bayshore Home Health, VON Greater Halifax, and ScotiaCare Homecare.

With a total of over 90 hike participants, including eight teams, we are happy to report our final total of $19,777.55! Over $8000 of that total was donated online which, once again, proved to be an efficient tool in collecting pledges from friends near or far.

Some notable public awareness was generated by this year's event. Nova Scotian Andrew Powter hiked in Scotland on May 3, raising money and awareness for our society, while Liz Cowley held a bake sale at work to raise hike pledges. Global Television videotaped hikers on the route and interviewed Betty Morton for a segment on the evening news on May 3. CTV's Jayson Baxter did a segment on Breakfast Television featuring the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax, interviewing Carolyn Fougere and Dr. Rob Horton on the morning after the hike, kicking off National Hospice Palliative Care Week.