Every year, approximately 259,000 Canadians will die.
By 2020, that number is expected to climb to more than 330,000. According to the Colchester-East Hants Hospice Society, almost 75 per cent of those who die each year would benefit from hospice palliative care, yet a recent study shows no more than 36 per cent of those who need that care will have access to it. That’s why the not-for-profit organization is working to ensure more people in the region receive the end-of-life care and support them and their families need.
Nick Sharpe is the Fund Development Co-ordinator for the Colchester-East Hants Hospice Society. He says one of the ways the charity can raise awareness is through its annual Hike for Hospice, scheduled this year for May 6 at Truro’s Victoria Park.
“This marks our 10th year for the Hike for Hospice. It’s a national event so society’s just like ours all across Canada will participate in this event,” said Sharpe.
"It’s being held during National Hospice Palliative Care Week. We’re calling on the community, be it community groups, families or individuals to come join us as we raise awareness. Death is something that affects all of us at some point in our lives and when it does, end of life care is going to be very important.”
One hundred per cent of the funds raised during the event goes back into the community through programs and services offered by Hospice. Sharpe says those programs can include one-on-one, family or group counselling for grief. Another option is  the Food for the Heart program, which provides palliative clients and their families with Sobeys gift certificates when faced with financial challenges.
Last year, the Truro event attracted approximately 50 participants. While pleased with that number, Sharpe is hoping that number will increase dramatically.
“I would love to see more than 100 people out this year,” he said. “From my experience, I really think it’s an awareness thing when it comes to the Hike for Hospice. Perhaps it’s become lost amongst all the other events being held, so we have to do a better job of promoting it and getting people involved.”
At the end of the day, Sharpe says the Hike for Hospice is a great way to support a local charity while remembering and honouring a loved one.
“We all know what it’s like to lose someone close to us,” said Sharpe. “We also all know what the emotions and feelings are like during a time of loss. By raising money through an event like this, you know it’s going to programs and services designed to help other people going through a similar situation.”
Getting involved in this year’s Hike for Hospice couldn’t be easier. Registration can be completed online by visiting www.cehhospice.org/hike or by visiting the office of the Colchester-East Hants Hospice Society at its Esplanade location. Sharpe can be reached at 893-3265.
If you weren’t able to raise funds for whatever reason this year, the Hospice Society still wants to see you at the walk, where a free barbecue will also be held.
“This is still about awareness and if people want to come out, join us for the event and learn more about our organization, it might prompt them to get involved next time,” he said. “The same goes for people who want to contribute but can’t participate for whatever reason. They can contact us or stop by and make a donation.”
Unlike previous years, the Hospice Society is partnering with Shaw Fitness and Conditioning Studio. They run a hiking club and have opted to start their season during the Hike for Hospice which means participants will have a choice of routes this year.
The regular walk will be approximately two kilometres in length, but the more adventurous type might be inclined to join the Trailblazers as they set out on a five kilometre hike. Sharpe quickly adds participants don’t have to feel any pressure to do either route and can set their own course based on their abilities.
A similar walk will take place in Elmsdale earlier in the day.