THUNDER BAY - Hundreds walked around Boulevard Lake Sunday to raise funds for palliative care.
Thunder Bay residents joined thousands of Canadians across the country for the annual Hike for Hospice, a walk in support of palliative care programs and services.
Hospice Northwest executive director Joan Williams explained the hike has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for the organization.
“It’s our main fundraiser of the year,” Williams said. “Hospice Northwest is a hospice without walls. We provide hospice services through trained volunteers who provide companionship and support to people at the end of life.”
Since 1987, Hospice Northwest has provided support to over 1,500 people in the Thunder Bay district.
Williams said organizers hope to reach their $50,000 goal at this year’s hike.
“The event is getting a little bit more successful, this year, we seemed to have reached a few new people that we haven’t reached in the past so the event really feels like its growing.”
During the walk, a flower release remembrance ceremony was held at the Black Bay Bridge over the Current River to remember a loved one who has passed away.
“It’s really great to see that people have embraced that remembrance ceremony and that it’s a meaningful thing to do,” Williams said.