More than $65,000 was raised to support the care and comfort of people suffering from terminal illnesses at the 18th annual Run Hike for Hospice.
The event, which was held earlier this month in support of the Red Deer Hospice Society, featured more than participants and volunteers walking or running through the city's trails. The track began and ended at Bower Ponds.
"It was a beautiful and meaningful day. You could feel the community spirit," said Fonda Devereaux, community partnership manager at the hospice.
"All the funds raised will go directly to resident and comfort care. That might mean music therapy, meals, essentially equipment, bereavement or family supports — it's everything that makes our house feel more like a home."
The Red Deer Hospice's website describes the facility as "a home for the terminally ill and provides a quiet and caring environment for individuals who are at the end of life’s journey, a home away from home." It is located in the city's Anders on the Lake neighbourhood and includes 16 private resident rooms, each equipped with a hospital bed, a half bathroom and a living room style seating area with a pull-out couch for family members or loved ones who wish to spend the night.
This year's edition of the Run Hike for Hospice raised a bit more than the 2024 event, Devereaux noted.
"We're kind of growing the event slowly," she said.
"The Run Hike for Hospice isn't about speed or competition. It's more about gathering together to honour loved ones. The added bonus is that we're hiking or running with a purpose, which is raising funds."
The Run Hike for Hospice serves as an emotional day for many families, she added.
"It's so touching to see families walking hand in hand, filling out their memory placards to say who they're running or hiking for," said Devereaux.
"The quiet moments where they're reflecting at the memory table, it kind of reminds us that hospice isn't just a place of care — it's where final memories are made and connection continues. We're here to support residents and their loved ones long after their journey with hospice."
The event wouldn’t have been possible without support from sponsors and community partners who donate funds, material, time and talent each year, Devereaux noted.
For more information on the hospice, visit www.reddeerhospice.com.
