Hospice Wellington’s 20th Hike for Hospice raises over $70,000

June 5, 2024 @ 3:47 pmNews

From left, Daniella Alvarez, Damian Cipollini and Mackenzie Coulter hiked with about 25 members of their extended family on behalf of Alvarez’s great-great-aunt Blanca Orozco. Marta Restrepo, Orozco’s daughter, said Hospice Wellington showed Orozco love and dignity in her final days. “They took care of all of us,“ she said, and the family participated in the hike on June 2 as “a small way to give back” to Hospice. Photos by Robin George
Team Moose raised $3,712 for Hospice Wellington’s 20th annual Hike for Hospice at Riverside Park in Guelph on June 2. Mamie Fitton, holding the sign, said Hospice Wellington was a blessing for her brother Moose as well as his family. She wore rainbow earrings to the hike in Moose’s honour, as he loved rainbows.
Tammy Townsend’s Divas Unicorn team won the award for most spirited, and Townsend also won the award for top fundraiser, raising $6,548 personally. Her son Joey Robinson called out “that’s my Mom!” when Townsend accepted the award for top fundraiser. The Divas team raised $7,590 in Townsend’s honour, as she is receiving palliative care. Here, she walks with Robinson.
Scarlett, left and Mason Townsend played with bubbles before the Hike for Hospice on June 2. They hiked on behalf of their great-aunt, who is currently in care at Hospice Wellington.
Gracie came in first place at the Hike for Hospice dog show for her creative costume, great behaviour, and positive attitude.
Hikers warm up with group stretches before the 20th annual Hike for Hospice in support of Hospice Wellington at Riverside Park in Guelph on June 2.
A group of enthusiastic kids stood right in front of the stage during the group warmup before the hike.
Hikers getting loose and limber before they head off down the trail.
Hikers of all ages hiked along trails through Guelph’s Riverside Park. The full hike was almost five kilometres, but hikers were welcomed to turn back early for a shorter walk.
Hospice volunteers helped hikers safely cross Woodlawn Road to follow the Riverside trail north.
Hikers headed down a slope to follow the trail which led into a forested area during the 20th annual Hike for Hospice on June 2.
Maya dressed up as a butterfly for the Hike for Hospice on June 2.
Hikers heard Hospice Wellington’s music therapist Catherine Manning, right and psycho spiritual coordinator Garth Wittich, playing music for hikers as they finished their woodland hike.
Hospice music therapist Catherine Manning, right, and psycho spiritual coordinator Garth Wittich performed after the Hike for Hospice dog show and awards announcements, encouraging participant to sing along to a Beatles cover.

GUELPH – About 450 hikers participated in the 20th annual Hike for Hospice in support of Hospice Wellington on June 2.

Hikers of all ages walked along trails through Guelph’s Riverside Park.

The full hike was almost five kilometres, but hikers were invited to turn back early for a shorter walk.

After the hike participants enjoyed a barbecue and dog show, where people dressed their dogs in costumes and dogs were awarded prizes based on their costume, attitude and behaviour.

Awards were also presented for the most spirited team, and teams and individuals that collected the most donations.

Donations raised through Hike for Hospice totalled at least $73,521, not including registration fees and sponsorships.

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