(Photos by Mark Girdauskas). The support and compassion offered all year long at Serenity House Hospice got a boost from caring community members this past Sunday (May 5) at the eighth annual Hike for Hospice event. Hikers could choose from 2.5, four and ten kilometre routes through Waterworks Park and found the lovely spring morning weather graciously accommodating.
Money raised will help Serenity House in meeting its commitment to supporting, educating and empowering individuals and their families who are living with a progressive life-threatening illness. Those services are provided through dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners.
Money raised will help Serenity House in meeting its commitment to supporting, educating and empowering individuals and their families who are living with a progressive life-threatening illness. Those services are provided through dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners.
On Monday, Serenity House Hospice Resource Centre manager, Cindy Webber, indicated that $9,000 of pledges had been collected at that point with more to follow expected. She said that the hike is Hospice’s main fund-raiser of the year, as well as an awareness-building event.
Are they looking for volunteers at Serenity House? “Definitely,” says Cindy, “right now we need people to do data inputting, and there is a big need for practitioners who offer much needed services like massage and reflexology therapy. Clients often have to wait more than a month.” Currently, Serenity House provides services to over 200 people in Elgin County, and the number is steadily increasing.
Mark Girdauskas was on hand Sunday to snap some photos of the enthusiastic hikers and event volunteers. Says Mark, “Ellen Brekelmans raised $3,200 and couldn’t have been happier for all the donations she received.”
Are they looking for volunteers at Serenity House? “Definitely,” says Cindy, “right now we need people to do data inputting, and there is a big need for practitioners who offer much needed services like massage and reflexology therapy. Clients often have to wait more than a month.” Currently, Serenity House provides services to over 200 people in Elgin County, and the number is steadily increasing.
Mark Girdauskas was on hand Sunday to snap some photos of the enthusiastic hikers and event volunteers. Says Mark, “Ellen Brekelmans raised $3,200 and couldn’t have been happier for all the donations she received.”
Photos above by Mark Girdauskas. For more of his photos from Hike for Hospice 2012, go to the Photos by MG Facebook page.
The idea for Serenity House came about after a group of friends sought to find a way to fill the need for quality hospice palliative care in Elgin County. They were incorporated in 2002 and in 2006 opened the doors to the resource centre. They have been offering programs, support and information ever since. Serenity House Hospice is located at 750 Talbot Street in the CASO Railway Station. Find out more about their many services, as well as volunteers needed and upcoming events at www.serenityhouse.ca, or by calling 519-637-3034.