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Community puts best foot forward to give local hospice 90K boost

This event and other fundraising initiatives are vital as only 49 percent of Hospice Huronia’s total expenses are covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care
2020-02-18 ajmp
Hospice Huronia executive director Debbie Kesheshian, right, said the whole community came together during virtual hike. Andrew Philips/MidlandToday

Area residents recently donned their virtual running shoes and hiking boots to help out Hospice Huronia.

After a year of operating Tomkins House during a pandemic, where most fundraising activities have been halted, the annual Hike for Hospice was the organization's best ever with North Simcoe communities showing strong support and raising more than $90,000.

"Residents from Elmvale to Coldwater, Tay and Tiny Townships and the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene rallied around this event” Hopsice Huronia executive director Debbie Kesheshian said.

"We had volunteers, businesses and whole neighbourhoods pitching in and fundraising for our Virtual Hike."

Kesheshian also credited supportive sponsors with ensuring that every penny raised will go towards care for those with a life-limiting illness and at end-of-life.

"What made this year so successful was all the family and friends of those who made Tomkins House their final home away from home," she said. "They wanted to pay it forward so the next families would have the same exceptional care they received from Hospice Huronia.”

Kesheshian said this event and other fundraising initiatives serve a vital need for the organization since only 49 percent of its total expenses are covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. That means that balance must come from fundraising activities along with individual and corporate donations.

Also of note is the fact that the Virtual Hike took place during the most recent lockdown and was, therefore, promoted as 'Do it your way, anytime in the month of May.' It was set up to allow participants to fundraise online and hike, bike, walk or stroll on their own schedule, by themselves or with people in their immediate "bubble."

The Penetanguishene-based facility continues to welcome residents who are at the end of their life journey and support them and their families in a home-like setting. These services and bereavement support services are free to all thanks in-part to the support from events like the Hike.

For more information of Hospice Huronia’s programs and services or to make a donation, click here visit or call (705) 549-1034.


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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