With spring seriously here, it’s time to get out and hike the local trails and byways. Here’s a hike that will do more than help your heart; the funds you raise will support the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce.

The hospice, in Owen Sound, provides compassionate, dignified, patient-centered care to people with a progressive life-limiting illness, allowing them to live well while dying. “A few short years ago residential hospice care was not an option,” says Executive Director Scott Lovell. “This Hike sends a powerful message about how important this service is to our region.”

In Ontario, residential hospices are funded by the provincial government for only a portion of their operation – making their contribution specific to the costs associated with the salaries for nursing and personal support work at the bedside. This means all other aspects of the hospice’s operation, such as medical equipment, patient meals and other comforts, are supported by the community.

Get your pledge forms at the website above, and plan on heading out this Sunday, May 3. The Meaford hike registration begins at 1 p.m. at the St. Vincent Roman Catholic Church, at the corner of Cook and Collingwood streets. For more information, visit the site or call Wes Sparling at 519-538-3196.