Sunshine Coast Hospice Society is weathering the economic challenges of COVID-19 by moving two important fundraising campaigns for the organization online: the Hike for Hospice, typically held in May at Mission Point Park, and a community auction.
This year, the charity’s online Hike for Hospice encourages individuals to run, hike, walk or wheel on their own, and raise funds online for end-of-life care, bereavement services and public education on the Sunshine Coast. Online registration for the event began June 8 and will conclude the week of July 18 to 26 with an online community auction.
The auction will feature goods and services from local businesses and artisans, as a way to both support Hospice and promote merchants and professionals in our community hit hard by the COVID recession.
“We are coming up with creative solutions to meet our operational needs for this fiscal year,” said Katie Clogg, the new philanthropy and communications manager at the Hospice.
“In addition to our campaigns, there’s a fabulous opportunity this June to double your impact,” Clogg said. “Every $1 donation on our website counts as an entry to win a $20,000 prize in Canada Helps’ Great Canadian Giving Challenge.”
The Hike has welcomed back new and existing sponsors, including gold-level sponsors, the Rotary Club of Gibsons, Coast Reporter, Claytons Heritage Market, Nammex Organic Mushroom Extracts, and Custom Flooring Solutions.
“During my time in office I am encouraging our club to see Hospice provision as a vital part of our community,” said Rotary Club of Gibsons president Chris Wolfe. “We are pleased to be able to contribute to the virtual hike and hope that this fundraiser will be a great success.”
Sunshine Coast Hospice serves over 150 people a year, who are either experiencing end-of-life illnesses, or grieving after the loss of a loved one. More than 70 volunteers provide 3,500 hours of support to individuals and small groups in these situations, as well as informative public education events. The hospice also furnishes and supports two hospice suites in Shorncliffe Intermediate Care Home. Each year, it raises its annual budget of about $260,000 from donors and granting agencies.
To support the Hike for Hospice campaigns, supporters can sign up, fundraise or donate at www.coasthospice.com
– Submitted
