Hospice Orillia and Mariposa House Hospice have hit the pavement running with their planning for the 2024 Hike for Hospice. This year's hike will take place on Sunday, May 5th at Tudhope Park with hiker check-in opening at 12:30 pm. The Hike for Hospice is a nationwide event with communities across Canada hiking to raise awareness about hospice palliative care.

The two organizations provide various services to those living with a life-threatening illness, have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or are at end of life themselves. People often tend not to think about these services until they are in the position of needing them themselves. This is where the annual Hike comes in, it provides the organizations with an opportunity to create Ambassadors who will help spread the word to friends and neighbours about how important local hospice palliative care programs are.

Participants of the Hike will receive a hiker kit which is set to include a T-shirt, snacks for the trail and a variety of other goodies. There is no registration fee, rather participants are encouraged to collect pledges. The top fundraiser will be acknowledged during the opening ceremonies of the event and award a prize for their efforts. Hike officials encourage participants to create a team of colleagues, friends and family members and make the hike an annual tradition.