Hikers' efforts push 2026 Hike for Bethell Hospice well beyond initial goal, and you can still pitch in!

Photo above: Hikers underway on the Caledon Trailway on May 3 for the 2026 Hike for Bethell Hospice. Photo credit: Jason Foley

One of the most emotional experiences most of us will ever face is the loss of a loved one. It is a whole bundle of emotions to be more accurate – worry, sadness, uncertainty, grief, concern for their comfort and dignity.

Hikers gathering at Bethell Hike opening ceremony. Photo credit: Patti Foley

Nestled in the heart of the Caledon village of Inglewood lies Bethell Hospice. It is a hospice that has proven itself a respected and much-loved leader in person-centred palliative care. Comfort and dignity for those facing life-limiting illness, and compassion for them and their families, is their mission and purpose.

At Bethell, attentive, considerate, well-trained staff and volunteers ensure that mission and purpose are fulfilled, in abundance, with pride, and at no cost. That’s correct. All services and programs are provided at no cost. There are no fees to stay at the hospice, or to participate in any of their community programs such as grief counselling and in-home volunteer visiting.

Top community fundraiser was Cali Jesudasan, who read a touching poem during the opening ceremony. Photo credit: Patti Foley

Although such an essential part of our health care system Bethell Hospice only receives partial funding from the provincial government. The hospice must also raise over $2 million each year to ensure that all programs and services are available at no cost to residents, community clients or their families.

The Hike for Bethell Hospice is one of the ways the organization addresses the sizeable funding gap. This year an incredible 625 hikers registered on 69 teams for the hike. In addition, students at 15 Caledon schools stepped up to support the effort and those schools have collectively raised over $15,000.

The number one fundraising spot this year’s hike went to Bonnie and Doug Klaassen who brought in a remarkable $23,494. Top community fundraiser was Cali Jesudasan, who read a touching poem during the opening ceremony, at $14,227. The top team was the Boardwalkers who enthusiastically raised a combined $58,286.

In total the inspiring community effort blew past the $255,000 goal to raise $300,000 and still counting! It is not too late to make a donation – large or small – to help support the work of this worthy Caledon-based organization that brings comfort and care when it’s needed most. Visit the website to donate.