All of us at the Comox Valley Hospice Society are grateful for the generous acts of kindness that are being gifted to us by nine courageous community members; Dave Ward (Zoomers) and Ellissa Prendergast, Liz Gilbank, Kelsey Staples, Leah Hull, Yana Suna, Casey Schoenfelder, Jamie Reid and Tyler Bellows (Soul Cyclers). These amazing individuals have joined forces as the to participate in the Cycle of Life Event on July 28 and 29 in support of our Hospice Society.
It’s so inspiring to see these people make such an incredible commitment to riding their bikes nearly 200kms through Saanich, Cowichan Valley, and the Gulf Islands—all while managing their day to day lives. We will be sharing stories from each of the riders beginning with Dave Ward, a hospice volunteer for 14 years, who has seen first hand the benefits that hospice provides to people who are dying and their loved ones and caregivers.
“As I find myself getting a bit older and greyer, it’s rare to find a family or close friend who has not been touched by terminal illness or a serious health challenge,” Ward said. “In my time as a Comox Valley Hospice Society volunteer, I have had the opportunity to interact with the home and community care nurses and other hospice volunteers in the Valley, and their efforts and care making a huge difference to people who are dying and their loved ones. We are all the heart of hospice, and your donations allow us to offer supportive care to the people we love, friends and neighbours.”
The Tour is organized by Victoria Hospice, but funds raised by riders in the Comox Valley area will stay local, going to the Comox Valley Hospice Society. Participants help raise funds as a part of their registration. A huge incentive for the riders is to raise enough money to help us increase our counselling services to meet the needs our community’s children and adults who are grieving or facing a life-limiting illness. Please consider pledging these riders to help them reach their goal of $10,000.
Donating is easy—just go to www.cycleoflifetour.ca, click on the Sponsor a Rider Tab and enter the rider’s name! On June 3rd will the riders will be having a garage sale at the Comox Valley Public Health parking lot at 941 England Ave. in Courtenay. Please stop by and check it out from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Comox Valley Hospice Society companions people who are living with dying, grieving and caregiving. For more information on compassionate care and support, volunteering or free Advance Care Planning workshops, call 250-339.5533 or visit www.comoxhospice.com or www.AdvanceCarePlanningCV.ca