Hundreds of people will make the trek around Mud Creek Trail in Chatham this week for the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation's 9th annual Hike For Hospice.
"It takes place on Sunday, May 4, and that's the group hike," said Special Events Coordinator Katherine Stinson. "We also have the path lined with the signs from April 28 to April 30, so people can always participate whenever they want during that week, or they can hike remotely."
Stinson added that there is no registration fee, but you can sign up in advance at www.hikeforhospiceck.com, and collect pledges.
"We have almost 400 hikers registered already, and you can register right up until hike. You can even show up that day and hand in your registration as well," said Stinson.
Before the group hike at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, pre-hike family-friendly activities, sponsored by Kent and Essex Mutual Insurance, will start at noon behind John McGregor Secondary School.
"There's live music, and that's by Bren Dube. We have memorial activities, there's lawn games, there's kids activities, we have face painting and a colouring table. TekSavvy is there with some rock painting. There's food options, and we're encouraging people to also bring out a picnic and just enjoy the afternoon," said Stinson.
The goal this year for Hike for Hospice is to raise $150,000. Last year the event brought is over $167,000.
All the money raised stays in Chatham-Kent and goes toward providing end-of-life care, including residential hospice care, care coordination, and grief and bereavement support to local families at no cost to them.
The Chatham-Kent Hospice said it requires $157,000 in donations each month to support its operating needs.