23rd Annual Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park this Sunday

Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is ready to go at Millennium Park on Sunday.

Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

The walk launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.

According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.

Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’

“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.

Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.

“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.

“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.

“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”

Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.

Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.

The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.

Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sunday, can go online.

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Hospice Peterborough's Biggest Fundraiser Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park Sept. 28

Hospice Peterborough’s biggest fundraising event returns as the Hike for Hospice is scheduled at Millennium Park for Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participant Kyle McConnell and team Notorious T.A.S.H. walk in memory of Tash McConnell at Hike for Hospice 2024. Kyle plans to participate again this year. Photo by Anne Leavens, courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

Individuals or teams can raise money to support free palliative care, grief support, and other programs and services provided by Hospice Peterborough.

Participants will walk from Millennium Park to Beavermead Beach — with the option to turn around at Rogers Cove for a shorter route — while Hike for Hospice also serves as an opportunity to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away, uniting the community in grief, memory and reflection.

This year, Hospice Peterborough’s goal is to raise $100,000. Last year, they achieved a record-breaking success of $138,000.

Participant Kyle McConnell is hiking with friends and family in memory of his late wife Tash McConnell. Tash was a past employee and volunteer at Hospice Peterborough, where she spent her final moments in care.

“(It) seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said McConnell.

Those participating can register online.

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Registration Open For 23rd Annual Hike For Hospice

Registration is open for Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser, occurring at Millennium Park on Sept. 28.

Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

The walk’s registration launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.

According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.

Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’

“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.

Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.

“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.

“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.

“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”

Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.

Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.

The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.

Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sept. 28, can go online.

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The 21st Annual Hike for Hospice Fundraiser Is Open For Registration

It’s time to get your feet moving as registration for Hospice Peterborough’s 21st annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is now open and scheduled for Sept. 10 – 17, announced on Tuesday.

Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $100,000 with over 150 participants and sponsorships. File photo.

The fundraiser helps fund the Hospice to keep end-of-life and bereavement support free in Peterborough and the County while offering a space to remember and honour loved ones who have died.

Participants are welcome to walk, run, cycle or move in any way to raise funds for those seeking hospice palliative care or grief support. The hike also provides opportunities to connect virtually through activities that encourage participants to pause and remember those who have passed, reflected in the event’s motto: ‘Who are you hiking for?’

“It’s a beautiful event and different every year,” said Mary Blair, Hospice co-chair.

“What’s really impactful is how the event becomes an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died. It can be very moving,” said Heather Easton, co-chair.

Since moving to a virtual platform, Hike for Hospice has seen participants from between the east coast and west coast, participating in creative ways such as kayaking with their families or rowing a kilometre for every $10 raised.

“It’s a highlight of the year,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director. “We are so incredibly grateful to those who participate each year to ensure hospice care remains accessible to everyone. We truly could not do what we do without you.”

More information on the event, registration and fundraising can all be accessed at easypledge.ca/hospice-peterborough.

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Virtual Hike for Hospice Raises More Than $96,000 for Hospice Peterborough

Hospice Peterborough has raised over $96,000 during their 20th Hike for Hospice event from Sept. 10 to 16 announced on Thursday.

Shannon Kelly, Jamie McNinch and their two boys Joe and Alex. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The week-long event took place virtually with over 150 registrants.

This money will help the organization keep up with the 45 per cent increase in demand they’ve faced over the last five years.

Shannon Kelly was one of many who participated in Hike for Hospice for the first time this year after her husband, Jamie McNinch, passed from cancer in July 2022.

After he received a palliative diagnosis, their family was connected with Hospice Peterborough and a palliative doctor who helped them navigate support systems and provide resources. McNinch eventually opted for medical assistance to end his life.

She rowed one km for every $100 raised and ended up putting in 82 kilometres on her rowing machine in a single day after raising over $8,200.

As more donations came in, her total raised jumped to $8,585 and she claimed the top fundraiser spot.

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Registration Open For 2022 Hike For Hospice

Registration is now open for the 20th annual Hike for Hospice event, taking place from September 10 - 16.

File Photo.

After another difficult year with COVID-19 that put strain on every aspect of hospice care in the community including a skyrocketing demand for services, more complicated forms of grief, overstretched human resources and decreased fundraising - Hospice Peterborough asks for the community’s support to make its annual fundraiser Hike for Hospice a great success again this year.

“Hike is our only fundraising event that has continued throughout the pandemic, although it too has had interruptions, and we rely on it to continue helping any Peterborough city and county resident – for absolutely no fees – through their palliative, end-of-life and grief journeys,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice Peterborough executive director. “We thank all of our hard working committee members and our wonderful supporters who continue to invest in our accredited programs and services as well as the community’s wellbeing. We couldn’t do it without you.”

The weeklong event will include opening ceremonies, to premiere on YouTube, with special themes each day, and wrapping up with the virtual closing ceremonies. This will be the third consecutive year that Hike has been held virtually in order to err on the side of caution for the community

Last year’s Hike for Hospice brought in $66,000 and included 16 local teams made up of 133 registered participants

100 per cent of proceeds raised stay in Peterborough. Funds support 25 programs and services including a bereaved parents support group, day hospice, palliative navigation, groups for children and teens and a 10-bed end-of-life residence. Hospice also offers community education events, including workshops and seminars, about issues such as end-of-life care, bereavement or supporting children in grief.

Registration for this year’s Hike for Hospice can be found here.

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Local Family Hikes for Hospice to Honour Late Mother

After Lenore Shiels was admitted to end-of-life care at Hospice Peterborough, her children say they had no idea that what they had thought would be a very difficult time would end up creating so many beautiful memories.

Photo courtesy of the Shiels family.

From having the ability to be with her family, to candlelit baths and homemade quiche, to singing songs, laughing and sharing stories, the 92-year-old Peterborough woman was at peace, in comfort and surrounded by love and expert professional care.

After her death, the family was profoundly touched that staff had gotten to know the mother-of-five so well that they placed in her hands a single yellow rose – her favourite flower and one that was symbolic of her deceased son.

“I honestly cannot think of a single thing that would have made her time there any more special,” says her daughter Sheila Crook. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful hospice in Peterborough.”

In a nod to Mrs. Shiels’ favourite slot machine, the family created the ‘Lenore’s Blazing 7s’ team and is supporting this year’s 19th annual Hike for Hospice fundraising event from September 11-17, 2021.

The event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and supports 26 programs and services. It is a way to connect families, friends, neighbours and co-workers to support and recognize this community’s palliative and bereavement struggles.

Last year’s Hike brought in $56,538 to keep the programs and services running throughout COVID-19 and at no cost to the recipients. One hundred per cent of the proceeds stay in the community.

“We are so thankful to Lenore Shiels’ family, and all of our supporters, for continuing to generously support us throughout yet another unique and challenging year due to the pandemic,” says executive director Hajni Hős. “Our programs and services are all offered free of charge and we depend on the generosity of the community, and events like Hike for Hospice, to help us continue to do so.”

Registration is open for this year’s Hike. Those wanting to donate can find a form here.

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Hike For Hospice Going Virtual This Year With Hike Your Way Event

In a pandemic year, Hospice Peterborough is encouraging people to gather a team to support end of life care, life-threatening illness and bereavement in the community through a virtual version of their Hike for Hospice called “Hike Your Way”.

Hike Your Way will be a week long, self-led event taking place from September 13-19th. Participants are encouraged to walk, bike, or hike while supporting the work of Hospice Peterborough. Networking, stories, photos, and fun will be shared through the Hike for Hospice Peterborough Facebook page.

You can register yourself or with a team by clicking here. Those who register by September 1st will be entered into a draw for a $100 Montana’s gift certificate.

Last year, Hospice Peterborough supported more than 750 adults and 165 children and youth through end-of-life, grief, and bereavement. Thanks to the generosity of the community, and through such events as Hike for Hospice, all programs and services are offered free of charge to the people that need them.

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PtboPics: A Peterborough Weekend Wrap-Up In Pictures

Reggie's Chip Truck opened for the season on Saturday - Photo: Evan Holt Greenwing FIshing Derby at the Liftlocks   Hike for Hospice took place on Sunday Silver Bean Café now open for the season

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Stuff to Do in Peterborough This Weekend

Friday

Juke Box Mania 2011, Trentwinds International Centre, 6 p.m.

Saturday

Canadian Canoe Museum hosts "How to Weave a Woodland Pack Basket", 9 a.m. -5 p.m. 

Ducks Unlimited presents Peterborough Chapter's 24th Annual "World's Largest Greenwing Gathering", 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trent Severn Waterway underneath the Peterborough Liftlocks

Trent University presents Spring Thaw Open House, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

8th Annual Green Expo, Evinrude Centre, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., $7/Adults, $5/Seniors, Free/Children Under 12

Peterborough Speedway kicks off their 2011 season, gates open at noon, first race at 6 p.m. 

Peterborough Symphony Orchestra presents East Meets West, Showplace Performance Centre, 8 p.m. 

Sunday

2011 Walk for Kids Help Phone, Jacksons Park, Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Hike for Hospice, Millenium Park, Registration begins at 10 a.m. 

Silver Bean Café NOW OPEN for the season

To submit info for "Stuff to do in the Patch This Weekend", email evan@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada.