Community Palliative Care & Wellness in Niagara-on-the-Lake is excited to announce this year’s signature fundraising event, which will be changing things up a bit from previous years: The Hummel Family Healing Hike for Palliative Care.
Since 2021, the Hummel Family Healing Cycle Ride has brought riders together in support of the organization, with participants getting together in teams to cycle in Niagara-on-the-Lake and raise money for the palliative care organization.
Now, as the organization continues to evolve, it wanted this year’s event to be even more inclusive and reflective of its companionship motto.
“We wanted to open the ride up to anyone and everyone,” says executive director Bonnie Bagnulo. “It would give us an opportunity to be able to talk to everyone and walk alongside them.”
A hike allows for meaningful conversations, welcomes people of all ages and abilities and encourages families to participate together, she says.
The hike is set for Sunday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting at Veterans Memorial Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The goal for this year’s hike is to raise $25,000. Donations will be matched by the Hummel family, the official sponsors of the annual fundraising event since 2021.
Every registration and donation helps the organization support its neighbours by contributing to the costs of the following: comfort and mobility equipment for lending, transportation delivery costs for larger lending items, regular program fees, essential supportive teaching items, cognitive boxes and rental storage for large equipment.
After setting off from Veterans Memorial Park, the Hummel Family Healing Hike for Palliative Care will take place on Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage Trail.
Formerly known as the Upper Canada Heritage Trail, this scenic pathway follows the historic 19th-century Erie and Ontario Railway corridor through Niagara-on-the-Lake—once considered the heart of Upper Canada. It preserves an important piece of the region’s transportation history.
Much like this trail, Community Palliative Care & Wellness has a rich history of its own. Formerly known as the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care Service, it has proudly served its community since 1986.
The organization is getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary this fall, with plans to host the 40th Anniversary Ruby Milestone Celebration — Bagnulo advises everyone to keep an eye out for more details about this celebration in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, on Sept. 6, participants in the Hummel Family Healing Hike for Palliative Care will have the opportunity to reconnect with past and present board members, visiting volunteers, ad hoc committee members, supports and friends who have all helped shape Community Palliative Care & Wellness’ journey.
To register and donate, visit cpcw.ca.
