This page was exported from Caledon Citizen [ https://caledoncitizen.com ] Export date:Thu May 7 15:40:01 2026 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: Another record-breaking year for Hike for Bethell Hospice as it raises more than $285,000 --------------------------------------------------- By Riley Murphy Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Bethell Hospice's 16th annual Hike for Hospice brought the community together this past Sunday in record-breaking fashion, raising more than $285,000 to support palliative care services in the community. Each year, Bethell Hospice must raise over $2 million to provide services and palliative programs to residents, families, and community clients, all at no cost. They host Hike for Hospice annually not only to raise funds but also to bring the community together. For their 16th annual event, they raised the bar yet again, setting record-breaking numbers in both attendees and donations. To aid their donations this year, Bethell Hospice received donations from 15 local Caledon schools, each of which held its own Hike for Hospice the previous Friday. With more than 6,000 students participating, the schools are on track to raise over $15,000 for the hospice. “Our goal for the hike was $255,000, and we know from donations that have come in this morning, and matching gifts from Scotiabank that we will go over $285,000,” says Adrian Horwood, Co-Chair of the Bethell Hospice Foundation. “That's a record.” Margaret Paan, Executive Director of Bethell Hospice, took the time to recognize the 69 teams and individual fundraisers who gathered for the Hike that day. “Please know that you make the work we do possible. We are so blessed and grateful for the support. It keeps growing,” says Paan. “We are here when you need us. We want to be here for you in the future, and we are glad to be part of your story. So, thank you very much for being here.” Bethell Hospice welcomed Calistran Jesudasan, also known as Cali, the top individual fundraiser who raised more than $14,000, to read aloud the poem “Walking Memories for the Future,” written by a past volunteer specifically for the hike. MPP for Dufferin-Caledon Sylvia Jones attended the hike and spoke about the mission Bethell Hospice accomplishes each year. “The work that you are doing today for the Hike for Bethell really is making an impact on people's lives,” said Jones. She added that not only the work, but also the volunteering and commitment of the Board, make the lives of individuals and their families “much better at a very critical time.” Attendees support the Hike each year for their own reasons, whether it be a friend or family member who spent time at Bethell Hospice, or those just looking to make a difference. Ken and Nancy Yates have been attending Hike for Hospice for six years and participate in every fundraising opportunity for Bethell Hospice, including the annual tree lighting. “My mom died in 1992 of kidney disease in Toronto General, and they put her in a private room, but there was nothing like Bethell House,” explains Nancy Yates. “When I heard that Bethell House needed so much support, I thought this is a good idea to be able to have that type of thing.” Teams were also assembled in memory. Team Move for Michelle took part in the Hike in honour of their friend and family member, Michelle, who spent time at Bethell Hospice. Team member Rick Marsh said this was their second year participating, and they had over 25 team members come together that day. “We're here for my daughter, Michelle, and it's a great celebration,” says Marsh. “We're glad to be here and have a memory, and we look forward to having a great day today.” Bethell Hospice's matching sponsor for the Hike was Scotiabank, and Mollie Cavan, with Scotiabank, attended with the team that day as part of the Scotiabank Community Team Program. “If we get a certain number of volunteers and we raise money on the day, we can match it,” explained Cavan. “We have 30 people coming today to do a match of $15,000 to the charity.” Scotiabank has been participating in the Hike for many years now, and Cavan says they support Bethell in their various other fundraisers as well, including the annual Golf 4 Bethell Hospice Tournament, Diamond in the Hills, and more. “For me, it's really important. I did end-of-life care for my mother with my family, and it's just important to be part of the community, 100%,” says Cavan. “We have the means to do it, it's a great program that we use.” With the annual group picture taken and presenting sponsor Caledon Build officially cutting the ribbon, the hike was open, and hundreds began their walk for a greater cause. --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2026-05-07 10:42:48 Post date GMT: 2026-05-07 14:42:48 Post modified date: 2026-05-07 10:42:49 Post modified date GMT: 2026-05-07 14:42:49 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com