The inaugural Hike for Hospice in Saugeen Shores raised $5,355 with this year's goal being $8,000.

On Sunday, May 5, 2019 communities throughout Grey and Bruce counties will be participating in the National Hike for Hospice, an event held to raise awareness of hospice and of its need for financial support.

The Hike for Hospice brings together family and friends in remembrance and to honour those who have passed and also garners a sense of community support and regard for the importance of palliative care that is being delivered in our area.

Last year, nine communities throughout Grey-Bruce raised a total of $170,000 for the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce. Saugeen Shores raised a total of $5,355. The Saugeen Shores goal for 2019 is $8,000 through business sponsorship, individual and team hikers’ pledges and donations from individuals, service clubs and organizations.

The Saugeen Shores Hike for Hospice will take place on the Saugeen Rail Trail on May 5. The starting point is the Rotary Trail Head River Street Station. It is a 6 kilometre hike from River Street to Highway 21 (near Hi-Berry Farm) and back. Participants will also have an opportunity to set a personal distance and choose a pace.

Registration will get underway at 1 p.m. with opening remarks at 1:15 p.m. Trail maps will be provided.

More information and pledge forms can be found at greybrucehospice.com/hike-for-hospice or by phoning Brenda Vanderploeg at 519-797-5067 or Sandy Ribey at 519-368-5304.

Other Grey-Bruce Hike for Hospice events, also set for May 5, include Owen Sound, Meaford, Town of The Blue Mountains, Markdale, Durham, Hanover, Mildmay and Brockton.