On Sunday, May 3rd, residents from the South Eastman region will participate in the 7th annual Hike for Hospice Palliative Care, hosted by South Eastman Health/Santé Sud-Est Inc. Palliative Care Team and The Health Corner, St. Pierre Jolys.
All participants from the South Eastman region will come to hike in the beautiful St. Malo Provincial Park. Wheelchairs, strollers, rollerblades and bikes are welcome. Canadian Olympian in Wheelchair Rugby, and Niverville native, Jared Funk will do the official launch of the hike at 3pm.Jared is sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada. Hikers will enjoy a “Pick a Chip” game throughout the course. A BBQ, Rainbow Auction and prizes will wrap up the day.
We are thankful for the provision of sponsorships from a number of local businesses and individuals, including Steinbach Credit Union.
“The three main goals of Hike for Hospice Palliative Care are fundraising, awareness and recognition,” explained Monique Vielfaure Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer of South Eastman Health/Santé Sud-Est Inc. “We raise much-needed funds for hospice palliative care in our community while raising awareness of the many issues related to hospice palliative care and recognizing the valuable work done by palliative care volunteers and professionals.”
Hike for Hospice Palliative Care is a national event, with thousands of participants across Canada. The Hike is coordinated nationally, with financial support from, Bayshore Home Health, The GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, allowing 100% of the funds raised in local communities to remain there. The purpose of the Hike is to raise funds for equipment that eases pain and provides comfort for people in the Palliative Care Program. Oxygen Concentrators, Low Air Loss therapeutic mattresses and covers, and wheel chair cushions are some of the items we hope to provide. The Hike will also raise awareness regarding hospice and palliative care and will promote the work that the volunteers accomplish.
According to Statistics Canada, more than 259,000 Canadians die each year, and that number is projected to increase by 33% by 2020. Currently, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association estimates that only 25% of those who need it will have access to hospice palliative care. South Eastman Health/Santé Sud-Est is working toward ensuring that more Canadians, especially residents of southeastern Manitoba, receive the end-of-life care they wish for.
Please register by April 24, 2009.
To support or participate in Hike for Hospice, or for more information, please contact Violet Vogt, Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator at 346-6143/email at vvogt@sehealth.mb.ca or visit our website at www.sehealth.mb.ca. To learn more about the Hike for Hospice Palliative Care, you may also visit www.hikeforhospice.com.
