Over 700 people participated in the 22nd annual Hike or Bike for Stedman Community Hospice on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Nearly 600 walkers took part in either one-, three- or five-kilometre walk around the neighbourhood surrounding the hospice and St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre, while 123 cyclists set off earlier in the morning on routes of five, ten, and 20 kilometres.
Julie Powell, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation (the official fundraising organization for Stedman), told the crowd that with their support and the community’s generosity, they were able surpass this year’s goal of raising $180,000.
“For more than two decades, people in this community have walked, cycled and rallied for hospice care. Together, over the 21 years of this event, you have raised more than $3.6 million for Stedman Community Hospice,” she said. “That number represents far more than dollars raised. It represents comfort, dignity, compassionate care and a sea of passionate people who continue to show up for one another. That is the power of community. Today, every step taken, every kilometre cycled and every donation continues that legacy. …I can’t give you all a final total yet, but I would say we’ve probably raised over $200,000 today, so thank you.”
After Powell’s speech, Kerri VanSickle, Director of Stedman Community Hospice, said while the aim of the event was to raise much-needed funds for the facility, it was more than just a fundraiser.
“It’s a gathering of stories, of memories and of the quiet way that love continues even after loss. Each step we take carries someone with us, a parent, a partner, a child and a friend. Though they’re not here in the ways that we wish, they remain a part of who we are and how we move through the world,” she said. “Grief doesn’t follow a straight path, and it doesn’t look the same for any two people. There’s something powerful about walking and biking together, about sharing space with others who understand even without words. In that shared experience, there is comfort and there is strength. Hospice and palliative care remind us what matters most–dignity, comfort, compassion and presence. The support these services provide reach far beyond individuals. It holds families and entire communities through some of life’s most difficult moments, and your presence here today helps ensure that care continues for those who will need it.”
“Today is about remembrance, but also about connection,” continued VanSickle. “It’s about showing up for one another and building a community where no one has to carry loss alone. Thank you for being here and for being part of something that truly matters.”
Before heading off on their walks, participants spent the morning gathering with friends and family, viewing the memorial banners lining the start of the route and adding something special about their loved ones to the memory mural.
Youngsters also spent their time mingling with Disney-inspired characters, craning their necks to look up at Doug “the Great” Hunt, watching magic tricks and waiting in line for a balloon animal or face painting.
Soon after, with the Brantford Pipes and Drums leading the way, participants headed out on their walk. Many were seen sporting a smile and waving to the various cameras on-site.
Powell later told the Brant Beacon that proceeds from the event will go towards funding a variety of different patient care needs.
“The community actually helps fund about 50 per cent of the costs for Stedman Community Hospice, and the other 50 per cent comes from the provincial government, so an event like this is huge in helping to ensure that care continues at no cost for families.” she said. “These proceeds will not only help with the cost of running the building and food, but for frontline nurses both in Stedman and out in the community.”
When asked how it felt to see everyone coming together for the big event, Powell said it was amazing.
“We are very fortunate that the community is so supportive of the hospice,” she said. “I have to give a big thank you to everyone who took part today and who donated to this cause. We also had about 125 volunteers who helped us both yesterday and today, and they’re just incredible, we would not be able to do this without them.”
As of Tuesday, May 5, $180,310.31 has been raised online. This year’s event ambassadors, the Ferras-Mills family, also known as “Team Patti” sits at the top of the leader board with a whopping $17,108.12 raised.
Walking in honour of Patti Ferras-Mills, the team was last year’s top fundraiser. Patti was a mother of two and grandmother of three. She died of esophageal cancer on March 15, 2025.
According to the Hike or Bike for Hospice 2026 ambassador webpage, she was “an active, adventurous individual” who packed more into her 64 years of living than “most people do in their lifetime.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
