Nearly 650 people participated in the 21st annual Hike or Bike for Stedman Community Hospice on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Despite the brisk weather, 525 walkers took part in the one-kilometre walk around the neighbourhood surrounding the hospice and St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre, while 125 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 thanks to their support and the community’s generosity, they were able surpass this year’s goal of raising $175,000.
“While I don’t have an exact total… Our goal was to raise $175,000 in pledges, and we have now surpassed that,” she said. “We’ll have a more exact amount next week, but I would say, between the pledges, registration fees and sponsorship, we have raised well over $200,000 supporting Stedman, so thank you all, so much.”
Following Powell’s speech, Kerri VanSickle, Director of Stedman Community Hospice, reminded participants that while the aim of the event was to raise much-needed funds for the facility, it was also about coming together as a community and honouring those they’ve lost.
“Today’s hike is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a walk of memories and connection; each of us carry with us the names and the faces of those who we have lost. Loved ones who continue to live on through the stories that we tell, the love that we share and the legacy we carry forward. We walk as one heart and many souls today,” she said. “Grief is a journey with no clear path, but when we walk together, the burden feels a little lighter and the way forward a little clearer. As we move forward on today’s path, let us take a moment to acknowledge the purpose that brings us here; to support the hospice and palliative care in our community, which helps us to ensure that no one faces a final journey alone. The services are rooted in compassion, comfort and dignity, and thanks to your support, we will continue to make sure that that is available for those who need it the most.”
VanSickle also encouraged those in attendance to visit this year’s new purple memorial wall and contribute a cherished memory of their loved ones.
“This living piece of community art is a tribute built from your memories; photos and words that tell stories of those who have died,” she said. “If you haven’t already, we invite you to contribute a favourite memory… something joyful, meaningful or even funny. …It will leave a vibrant and emotional tribute to those who are no longer with us, but whose presence is deeply felt.”
After the walk, this year’s fundraiser ambassadors, Sonja Barker, her son Aaron, her daughter Heather and the rest of the family, shared a bit about their team with the Brant Beacon
“I’m walking for my husband Bert… he lost his battle with cancer in December of 2023,” said Sonja.
She explained that after ten weeks at Juravinski Hospital and with nothing left that could be done, Bert shared that he wanted to go home.
“We had him at home for two weeks with the help of family and nursing care, and one day he shared that he knew it was time to come to hospice and so he spent a month here at Stedman,” said Sonja. “They were absolutely wonderful, I can’t say enough good things about them; not only did they look after Bert, but they looked after the family too. He was never alone; my son Aaron stayed every night with him, and that last week, he and my daughter were both able to stay with their dad and so that meant a lot.”
Heather later said that the fact that people generously give back to the community hospice, is just a testament to the difference it has made in so many peoples lives.
“You know it’s a special place, but until you experience it yourself, you don’t really recognize just how remarkable the care and dignity is for the patient, but also for the family. We were cared for just much as my dad was,” she said. “I just want to acknowledge the volunteers and staff. Even today, the amount of them who remember my dad and remember us, is just incredible and so this is a way to come back and say thank you to all of them too. I don’t know how they do it, but I’m very grateful that they do. I know my dad would be just thrilled to see all of us continue to do this because he instilled that spirit of service in all of us.”
The two women shared that their team, which raised over $11,000, was fittingly named, “Bert’s Big Red Machine” in honour of his favourite baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds.
“It was his favourite team since he was nine-years-old, and I’m actually wearing one of his original team hoodies from the 70’s!,” said Heather with a smile.”
Each year, the broader community contributes about $1.7 million to help support Stedman’s various programs and services, and since the Hike or Bike for Hospice first began over two decades ago, the event alone has raised $3.2 million.
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.
