NEWS RELEASE
Friends of Hospice 6th Annual Hike for Hospice

May 3, 2010

Nepean, Ontario: Friends of Hospice Ottawa held its 6th annual Hike for Hospice Sunday in beautiful Andrew Haydon Park. Despite dire weather warnings, our hike took place under mostly sunny skies and was a great success with many local dignitaries in attendance, as well as our numerous supporters.

Beth Ada, Chair of the Board of Friends of Hospice Ottawa, welcomed the large crowd of over 250 to this important event, a testament to the impact of our work and our longevity in serving the community.

Doctor Rabbi Reuven Bulka, Chair of our Hospice Ottawa West campaign, opened our ceremonies and spoke inspiring and encouraging words on the important work of Friends of Hospice Ottawa and our plan to expand community based hospice palliative care across the Ottawa West region we serve: Ashton, Bells Corners, Carp, Dunrobin, Fitzroy Harbour, Kanata, Kars, Kinburn, Manotick, Munster, Nepean, North Gower, Richmond, Stittsville, Woodlawn and surrounding rural areas

Our Hike was also graced by the presence of the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Conservative MPP for Nepean-Carleton, who addressed the hundreds of hikers and supporters who came out for our event. City Councillor Marianne Wilkinson, Kanata North – Ward 4, also attended and spoke passionately about hospice palliative care in our community and the need for everyone to lend their support.

Ottawa politician, Jim Watson, also dropped by to wish us luck and lend his support to our mission.

Prior to beginning our Hike, Glenroy Gilbert, 1996 Summer Olympic Gold Medalist in the 4 x 100 relay and gold medalist in the World Championships, Pan American and Commonwealth Games, led us in a warm up for the Hike.

The ultimate goal of Friends of Hospice Ottawa is to acquire a property we are in negotiations on, to expand our community support programs and eventually, with Ministerial approval and funding, build a residential hospice to serve our community.

Having launched our Hospice Ottawa West (HOW) Capital Campaign to acquire a centrally located property which will permit greater access to those who need our support while living and coping with a life-threatening illness, and ultimately, those who are no longer able to receive or give care in their own homes, we are grateful to our sponsors who made this day very special to us and all who attended.

Among these are the Rotary Club of Ottawa Kanata Sunrise, our title sponsor, Kelly Funeral Homes, Tubman Funeral Homes and Chapels, Roger’s Community Cruiser, Mann & Partners, LLP, Bereavement Support and Education, The EMC, Giant Tiger, Francine Garland Face Painting, Serene Moments, Rideau Bus Lines, Algonquin College and The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

By the beginning of the day, Friends of Hospice Ottawa had raised over $30,000 in pledges, a tremendous achievement. Supporters of our work may still contribute by contacting Ruth Cameron, Director of Event Planning and Financial Management at (613) 838-5744, or online at: www.friendsofhospiceottawa.ca   

Our sincere thanks go out to all of these organizations, and to our many volunteers who gave so generously of their valuable time and energy in making our Hike for Hospice 2010 such a success. Your tireless support and efforts enable us to continue to deliver our programs and services to Ottawa West, and we and the community are grateful.

CONTACT:
Kathryn Logsdail-Downer, Ed.D,
Executive Director   Tel: (613) 866-5744