Light Up the Runway raises $32,000 for Bethell Hospice

Light Up the Runway, hosted by the Brampton Flight Centre and in support of Bethell Hospice, successfully raised a record breaking $32,000, bringing much needed money to the foundation.

When one usually goes to an airport or anyplace that has planes, they usually go to fly, but this event saw people walking. The 5th annual event took place at the Brampton Flight Centre last Thursday evening (Aug. 2).

“Originally Brampton Place Centre approached us wanting to do something to support the Hospice,” explained Julie Hymers, the foundation's marketing and communication's manager.

Participants enjoyed a nice social outing, music provided by the Caledon Concert Band and food donated by the flight centre and manned by the Brampton Rotary Club. Around 200 people came by, including Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson, to enjoy the nice weather and help raise funds for the hospice.

Ms. Hymers said the event was a wonderful opportunity for those in the community and families of the foundation to come together. “It's a really heartfelt event every year.”

Participants walked down the 3,500-ft runway, which was lined on either end with 400 candles, with the view being described as amazing by Ms. Hymers. “It's this beautiful candle lit moment.”

She added that this year has been record breaking for this event and their Diamond in the Hills event in June, while their annual Hike for Bethell Hospice in May saw a very high amount of donations raised, with these events being “critical” to keeping the foundation open.

She explained that the money raised would go towards patient care and programs. “All of the funds raised by the foundation keep the doors at Bethell Hospice open.”

Bethell Hospice is the only residential hospice serving Caledon, Brampton and Dufferin County, and provides community programs throughout Caledon and Brampton.

The foundation must fundraise on its own 40 per cent, around $1-million, yearly. It is a 10-bed residence that provides care for people facing life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Donation will still be accepted until the end of the week. To help out the hospice, visit foundation.bethellhospice.org/light-runway-walk-2018.