Hospice Society hosts annual Hype for Hospice

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland and Area Hospice Society hosted their annual Hype for Hospice, May 4, in Kinsmen Park, continuing to raise money for the newly planned Wheatland Lodge.

This year’s event consisted of three events, being the hike around the park, a firetruck pull, and a wine raffle. 

Joni McNeely, Wheatland and Area Hospice Society chair, explained this year’s event was the eighth that the society has thrown in order to supplement their fundraising efforts.

“Every year, we hope for more and more. Unfortunately, there are weather issues. We were glad it was not raining, but the wind was a bit of a deterrent. It was so good to see familiar faces, people who are committed to the hospice cause, and some new faces,” she said. “We have raised the total amount for the build, for the walls and floors and ceilings of the hospice, and that is $6.8 million. So, our fundraising efforts now are moving on to furniture and fixtures which we are estimating to be about $1.5 million.”

In addition to their fundraising efforts, McNeely explained another purpose of the event is to raise awareness for the project, bring new people out to show their support, and find new organizational partners.

The addition of the fire truck pull and the wine raffle, she added, implemented more dimensions to the event and aimed to attract even more people to come out and participate. 

Strathmore and Wheatland County fire departments, as well as Badlands Search and Rescue, and the Strathmore High School Spartans rugby team came out to pull the truck in a friendly competition. 

Jessica Sevick, who represented Team Canada at the Paris summer Olympics was also in attendance, flying in at McNeely’s request to be a part of the event.

“Normally we raise over $20,000 with the combination of the wine raffle and the hike pledges, and then donations, as well as the fire truck pull,” explained McNeely. 

Total funds raised were not tallied by the occurrence of the event, though McNeely estimated the $20,000 target would be breached once donations are tallied. 

The Wheatland Lodge is currently awaiting approval for a grant from the provincial government in order to advance the project to a Class A budget. The ongoing goal is to see shovels in the ground for the facility’s construction by the end of this summer. 

Within the next few weeks, seeding will begin on Farming for Hospice, and the Hospice Society will celebrate 10 years of operation this year with a gala to be hosted in November. both of which will also continue the fundraising efforts for the new lodge. 

More information about the project and how to support fundraising efforts is available online through the Hospice Society website.