By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
In what Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation calls “unprecedented community support,” the community came together at last month’s Hike, Bike and Bark for Hospice event to raise $77,390 in support of essential hospice services.
More than 220 participants and almost 50 dogs came to Cobourg’s Victoria Park to celebrate, remember and support with their choice of a 2K, 5K or 20K hike or bike. Adding to the festive feel were music from DJ George Martin, a fun kids’ activity area and delicious hot dogs grilled up by the Lions Club of Cobourg.
New this year was the official events page, which allowed teams to track donations, monitor their progress and download social media graphics to promote the event.
When all was said and done, Matthew Elder – inspired by the care his brother Travis had received at Ed’s House – was recognized as the Top Individual Fundraiser, bringing in $6,185. Other members of the family organized the Elder Avengers, who proved to be the Top Team Fundraiser with the $9,060 they raised.
The family also contributed to the event itself, with Matthew’s mother Tammy delivering a heartfelt speech about the profound impact hospice services have had on their family.
Community Care Northumberland Chief Executive Officer Trish Baird extended their thanks for everyone “who participated, volunteered and donated. Your contributions help us provide essential services to those in need during some of life’s most difficult moments.”
Community Care’s hospice work is supported by the Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation, including the Palliative Care Community Team and the Volunteer Hospice Visiting Program. And these services work alongside the 24/7 end-of-life care at Ed’s House – which recently underwent a significant expansion from six beds to 10.
And thanks to the generosity of the community, these services are offered at no charge to clients and their families.
“To see the number of people that came together the way they did is heartwarming and reassuring of the belief Northumberland has in our care teams at Hospice Services,” Community Care Director of Donor Relations and Communications Joel Scott said.
For more information, visit https://edshouse.northumberlandhospice.ca/
