BY KELLIE HITCHMAN
Hospice Director of Development

Summer typically means many special events for Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, with. community members coming out to golf, ride a motorcycle or swim in support of the important care Hospice provides.

Like everything in life right now, this summer will be different. Our signature event, Swim a Mile for Hospice, is a highlight for many.

It is a profound experience and anyone who participates in it or stands on the beach that morning can feel it.

With that in mind and the uncertainty surrounding many aspects of organizing the event, we have made the decision to temporarily depart from Swim a Mile for Hospice. Make no mistake, we will swim again when it is safe to do so.

This year we are instead hosting My Mile for Hospice.

We are asking community members of all ages to “go the extra mile for Hospice” by participating in any activity of their choice.

It doesn’t have to be a full mile, or it can be longer.

My Mile for Hospice is an opportunity to take on a personal challenge, like training for and completing your first 5K, hiking your first high peak, exploring a new trail or going on a family bike ride, all while collecting much needed funds to support hospice care in our community.

Not into athletics? Perhaps you are a talented performer.

Consider putting on a performance of your favorite play, a concert of songs you’ve mastered or performing a dance you choreographed.

Admission to your show could be a donation to Hospice.

Participants will register at www.mymileforhospice.org, let us know what their activity is and complete it anytime, anywhere they choose during the month of August.

By registering online, a personal fundraising page is created for each participant and they can then share the link to ask for donations.

This new format makes everyone with an interest in supporting Hospice eligible to participate.

Whatever you are challenged by, passionate about or interested in, can be used as tool to support a very important community organization.

We hope you’ll join us and “Go the Extra Mile for Hospice” this summer!

In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to address the many acts of generosity toward Hospice throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community members have sewn masks and donated other personal protective equipment to help keep our staff safe as they continued to provide the same compassionate, loving care to our patients and families.

Events have been canceled and attendees have donated anyway.

Our staff have received notes of thanks and encouragement.

Without the generous support from the community in both good times and times of challenge, Hospice would not be Hospice.

For your continued, generous support, we thank you.