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Huron Hospice volunteers hike Menesetung Trail
Sunny skies and warmer temperatures provided the perfect setting for a hike down the Menesetung Trail Sunday
by Gerard Creces
Friday May 09, 2008
Sunny skies and warmer temperatures provided the perfect setting for a hike down the Menesetung Trail Sunday, as the Huron Hospice Volunteer Service (HHVS) held its annual Hike for Hospice event in Goderich.
“We’re raising funds to provide the services hospice provides,” said HHVS executive director Shirley Dinsmore.
She said palliative care and bereavement services are crucial elements of what HHVS does in four Huron communities - including Clinton, Seaforth, Wingham and Goderich.
“Everyone has the right to quality palliative care,” she said. “And the right to die where they choose.”
A crowd of enthusiastic walkers and hikers met at the old CPR rail station at Goderich’s Main Beach to warm up before heading out.
Personal trainer, Karen Blanchard led the group in stretching exercises before the hike, and upon their return each walker went home with a prize: a shirt and sense of accomplishment.
Dinsmore said the reason for walking was personal for many hikers, coming out to give back to hospice after losing a loved one. Their belief in the cause, she said, is greatly appreciated.
“People are walking in memory and in honour of loved ones,” she said. “And we can tell them that every nickel, every penny stays right here in this area.”
The CPR station was the day’s temporary headquarters, and along its walls were posters and placards bearing the names of loved ones who had benefitted from hospice one way or another.
Dinsmore commended the all-volunteer staff for the day, adding the dozen-plus staff was made up of board members and front-line volunteers.
While the fundraising total was unavailable as of press time, she said their goal is to raise the bar every year.
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