Volunteers are the heart and soul of community. Every year hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours to making wonderful things happen. Hike for Hospice is a great example.
The Hike is an annual fundraising event occurring on the first Sunday in May across Canada supporting the important work that hospice societies do in communities coast to coast. Like many other community projects, the Hike, on May 5 at noon at Mission Point Park in Davis Bay, relies on the generosity of local individuals, businesses and organizations who are so willing to step up to lend a hand. A simple request for assistance is met with a resounding YES!
Folks from the Credit Union help with registration, Lions Club members prepare and serve food, Coast Fiddlers, the BUGS uke group, clowns and face painters entertain, and teams of volunteers are involved with planning, promotion, set up and clean up.
Many of these people show up year after year to help out. One of the mainstays of the Sunshine Coast Hike for Hospice has been Judy Dunphy, manager at Sechelt Insurance. Judy has been a volunteer with the SC Hospice Society for six years. Although she works full time, Judy has made the time to do vigils with people in their final days and hours, has served as a board member, and has been one of the main reasons the Hike for Hospice has been such a success. Her fundraising efforts over the years have ensured that the Hospice Society is able to continue the important work of supporting terminally ill people and their loved ones.
Recently, Judy said this about her involvement with Hospice: “I have a soft spot for all the work and support the organization gives to the community. I can see myself needing Hospice services at some point and hope that there will be a wonderful organization like this wherever I am at that time.
“Death affects everyone on the planet, whether you are the one dying or are a close family or friend. No one is excused from this event. To be able to lean on an organization for support in a time like that is pretty special. I have tremendous admiration for all volunteers who put themselves out in various ways to make it happen.”
You too can be part of the celebration of Hospice in our community. Come to Mission Point Park on Sunday, May 5. Registration opens at 11 a.m.; festivities begin at noon. You can also donate online at www.coasthospice.com.
– Submitted by Donna Shugar
