It's spring for the Roberts family and that can mean only one thing, it's time to get ready for the annual Hike for Hospice to support the Crossroads Hospice Society and its programs.
Each year for the last six years, between 15 and 20 members of the Roberts family, and matriarch Pam Roberts, take part in the hike to raise money for hospice programs.
This year is no different, Roberts says, and even the grandchildren are looking forward to it.
The group calls itself the Roberts' Dragonflies and has been taking part in the hike for six years. "We have a team, we all wear our t-shirts and try and promote it...it makes it a fun day as well as being such a great cause," Roberts says.
In 2006, her husband, John, spent about six weeks in the hospice at Inlet Centre and the experience has remained with her over the years.
"I was just so impressed, he was so comfortable - he was safe," said Pam, recalling those difficult days made easier by the staff and volunteers at Crossroads. He eventually died of his illness [he had a brain tumor] but while he was there he seemed to enjoy himself as much as he was able. In fact, he wanted to move in. "He was in love with the cook," Roberts jokes.
She said people don't think about how important a hospice is until they need the service. In fact, she hadn't even heard of Crossroads Hospice until her husband moved in there.
But now she wants to do her part making people aware of its valuable service to the community and raise funds for the program.
"I just feel I wanted to do something to pay them back by trying to help in any way I can," Robert said.
The hike takes place Sunday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to noon and there are two 5 km route to choose from, one at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam and the other at Port Moody City Hall.
This the 10th annual hike fundraiser is in support of the terminally ill and their loved ones. In addition to the hike, there will be food by donation, individual and team prizes, entertainment and fitness and healing arts to experience. Registration is now open. Visit www.crossroadshospice.bc.ca/hike4hospice to download route, pledge forms and a schedule of events. More information is available at 604-945-0606 and info@crosroadshospice.bc,ca.
dstrandberg@tricitynews.com
