Chatham-Kent Hospice is asking you to lace up your comfortable footwear again and Hike for Hospice.
The hike will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Mud Creek Trail in Chatham to raise "essential" funds in support of the residential facility that offers care to those facing the end of their lives and support for their loved ones.
CK Hospice said it requires $157,000 in donations each month to support its operating needs.
Officials noted they hope to raise $150,000 this year with all the funds staying in the municipality to provide compassionate end-of-life care at no cost to families in the community.
CK Hospice provides around-the-clock comfort, support, and specialized pain and symptom management in a home-like setting.
It has provided end-of-life hospice care to over 1,530 families and supported over 1,950 individuals with Grief and Bereavement support since opening in 2016.
Free registration is now open for the 9th annual event.
Participants can buy a commemorative t-shirt or personalized memorial sign featuring the name and picture of a loved one who has passed away. They can use the Hospice's online system or paper forms to collect and track pledges.
Fun activities get underway at noon on May 4 with live music, memorial activities, lawn games, kid's activities and more and the hikers will hit the trail at 2 p.m.
"We invite people of all abilities to sign up, collect pledges and come together for some family time. Participating in Hike for Hospice is a wonderful way for people to remember their loved ones who have passed and honour them by paying it forward to other families in Chatham-Kent," said CK Hospice Foundation Special Events Committee Chair Ginny Hawken.
Hikers are also welcome to hike the Mud Creek Trail at their convenience between Monday, April 28 and Saturday, May 3, according to CK Hospice, adding that memorial signs will be set up along the trail beginning April 28.
Click here for more information or to register and begin collecting pledges.