The Quesnel and District Hospice Palliative Care Association’s annual Hike for Hospice is taking on an added importance for the group in 2021.
Usually the group focuses their fundraising efforts on a gala dinner earlier in the year, and lets the Hike for Hospice raise awareness, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual hike will have to take on both roles.
“We have great board members who help with the online aspect, but a lot of our supporters are often seniors, and many of them are not online,” the association’s president, Melissa Gonzalez said. “It can be challenging to reach the demographic that tends to be our supporters.”
Gonzalez added the association also sometimes receives donations after someone passes away, or in lieu of flowers when someone dies, but cancelling the gala has stung.
“[The gala] is our main fundraiser, because it’s a dinner and auction, and we usually do very well with that,” she said. “This year, not being allowed to do that has put a damper on it … Without the gala, it makes it difficult.”
The association is hoping to raise $10,000 through the Hike for Hospice.
“We use it to purchase equipment for palliative patients, whether that’s in Dunrovin, Hospice or even in the hospital.” Gonzalez said. “We’d like to purchase a beriatric chair. It’s for people with little or no mobility.”
Gonzalez added supporting local groups like the palliative care association ensures donations are used where residents can see their effects.
“When you’re supporting local associations … the funds are generally used in your own community,” she said. “Your family members, your friends, people you know directly are benefiting from it.”
Those interested in hiking or pledging are asked to register online at www.qdhpca.org/hike-for-hospice.
READ MORE: Smile Cookies will support Quesnel and District Hospice Palliative Care Association
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