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One of the Valley’s biggest fundraisers, Hospice Renfrew’s annual Hike for Hospice, hosted hundredswalking in memory of their loved ones last Sunday. It raised over $110,000 for end-of-life care. Pictured is budding Hike for Hospice emcee in the making, Jack Cybulski, assisting his dad, Jamie, a radio announcer with myFM.
Renfrew – Several hundred people gathered at Hospice Renfrew on Sunday in support of an essential community resource, raising over $110,000 for the end-of-life care facility.
Hospice Renfrew is a six-bed palliate care residence. Now in its 17th year of operation, its team of experts provides a home-like environment for families and bereavement services. But it wouldn’t be possible without one of the Valley’s biggest fundraisers uniting families from across the county in memory of their loved ones.
Visitors of all ages spent the afternoon remembering their loved ones at the annual Hike for Hospice. Leading the march were the Renfrew Highland Pipes and Drums, flanked by the family of Stephanie and Brittany Gombik as they honoured their late mother, Sandy.
The event was emceed by Hospice Renfrew Board Member Jamie Cybulski of myFM 96.1 Renfrew, accompanied by his son Jack. He led the post-hike ceremony, saying he’s pleased to see how the event has grown over the years.
“It’s just going to evolve, which is awesome,” he said. “What a day it was. Unbelievable weather, unbelievable support.”
Greetings were brought from Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault, Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon and Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney all who spoke highly of the wonderful comfort, care and compassion provided at the hospice.
He passed the mic to Hospice Renfrew’s Board Chair, Leader Publisher Gerald Tracey, who thanked the hundreds in the crowd for participating and told them what it meant to him. He said the numbers had risen substantially in more ways than one since last year’s event.
“The numbers today are awesome. I was down at the bridge watching you people come and I couldn’t believe it,” he remarked. “Your support in helping raise funds for Hospice Renfrew is important to the ongoing operation of the facility.”
He said the service is not fully funded by the province, adding the annual fundraiser is essential to meeting day-to-day budgetary needs.
“Because of your generosity and the efforts of you, your teams and the people that support your teams, we can continue the wonderful service that the staff and volunteers provide in this building.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Tracey thanked everybody who helped make the day so successful. Mr. Cybulski then introduced Nathan Scott, owner of Scott’s Shoe Store, who went on to award prizes to 5k winners before Mr. Cybulski announced the top fundraising teams.
Leader Raises Over $15,000
The winner of the coveted first prize for the top fundraising team was the Eganville Leader with a total of $15,255. Second place went to team Dunbar, who raised $8,350, while Sue’s Squad placed third with $4,161. Mr. Cybulski thanked everyone who contributed to the hike and told audience members to give themselves a big round of applause.
“The money goes to keeping the doors open, keeping the lights on and to continue the comfort, compassion and quality of care that we know and love from Hospice Renfrew. It’s all thanks to your fundraising dollars and this Hike for Hospice today,” he said.
He invited the family of Sandy Gombik to present the fundraiser’s grand total, which ended up setting a record. Each holding a number, the daughters and granddaughters of Ms. Gombik flipped them one-by-one to reveal a total of $110,650 in donations. This amount will grow over the next few days.
The Cobden Civitan Club was onsite serving their traditional Bacon-on-a-Bun and paramedics from St. John’s Ambulance were on hand for emergency assistance. This year’s event saw added support from business partners, like Keen Footwear and Superfeet Insoles as well as a new bouncy castle in the backyard area.
Al Utonki’s Appliance and TV Centre raffled off a 70-inch screen to lucky winner Sam Buxton, who confirmed he would not be using it to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs. Connie Griffin also took home two tickets for a Garth Brooks tribute show at the myFM Centre.
Donations will continue to be received throughout the next several days.
Diego Limq of Arnprior participated in his first ever Hike for Hospice.
Ronin Lobb, left, and Sawyer Levesque represented team Pink
for Cathy.
The afternoon kicked off with a warm up for a few hundred people in the Hospice Renfrew parking lot
before the hike. Peter Boldt led the exercises.
The Renfrew Highland Pipes and Drums band led the hikers ahead of the family of Stephanie and Brittany Gombik as they honoured their late mother, Sandy. Pictured is piper Clark Smith.
While some chose to don runner bibs and take on a 5k, the streets of downtown Renfrew were filled with hundreds walking the 2k route in memory of their loved ones.
