Hike for Hospice to be held in South Mountain

port, bereavement services, respite services, caregiver support, and complementary therapies. This scope of services would not be possible without donations. Catherine explained that the Hospice is currently facing challenges such as rising costs, a declining volunteer base, and a low awareness of the services offered. Events like Hike for Hospice can help to address these challenges.

can be accessed by visiting DundasCountyHospice.ca and scrolling to the Pledge Forms link. The Hike will take place on Sunday, May 7th. Registration takes place at 12pm, with the Hike starting at 1pm.

by Brandon Mayer

The Dundas County Hospice is once again holding their popular Hike for Hospice fundraising event this year. The event took place in Chesterville last year, and this year it will be held in South Mountain. Funds raised from the event support programs run by the Hospice to help clients in North and South Dundas.

Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Catherine Clement, explained what the Hike looks like for those who participate. “It's a 5km hike through the town of South Mountain,” she said. “We will start at the Rick Cauvier Memorial Park, and do a circle through the town to end there. We have a warmup/speech before the Hike, and will have BBQ and Cake after. This year is special as we will also have a cheque presentation from the Williamsburg I.O.O.F from their Surf & Turf dinner.”

Hike for Hospice is a national fundraising event created by CHCPA (The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association). Catherine explained that Hospices across Canada are walking to raise funds for the people in their community. Dundas County Hospice has been participating in the Hike for Hospice event for 10 years now. “Each year, we try to choose a different town in Dundas County to show our support for both North and South Dundas,” Catherine added. “This event is both to raise funds for the Hospice, as well as to spread awareness of the Hospice in the community.”

Why fundraise? The Hospice provides free services such as end-of-life sup-

The Hike for Hospice fundraising event would not be possible without the generous and enthusiastic support of the community, and there is no shortage of generosity or enthusiasm in Dundas County. “The community is amazing at supporting our fundraising events. No matter what town we’re in, we will have people show up from both North and South Dundas to walk with us and support us,” said Catherine, who was eager to add an extra word of thanks to the business sponsorships received from businesses throughout the community.

Catherine explained that for those wanting to participate in the Hike, there is no sign-up needed. Those interested can get a pledge form on the Dundas County Hospice website, and show up on the day at 12pm to register. The pledge form

Correction notice

Please note that the artist featured in last issue’s Art in the Branches, submitted by the North Dundas Art Council, was Shaw Knlesen. His surname was incorrectly spelled as “Knelson” in the release. The Times apologizes for the error.

Baldwin's Birds

that's what life is all about, isn't it!?

With having fairly large windows in our living room, we get to see more than just the immediate garden birds! Recently, we have been treated to the sight of a flock of Turkey Vultures, who rise above the tree-line to the southeast of us and soar round and around until they disappear from sight. This tends to happen later in the day, but is still quite the display. Sometimes their presence is accompanied by some flocks of Canada Geese, who are either leaving or dropping into the creek in that same direction.

The Bluebirds are back!

Hoping that this fine sunny day finds you in a lot happier situation than a lot of you were in a few days ago, and not still now, as a few of my friends are, still having to fight the good fight against the horrible water damage done in their houses. Every one of you has my deepest sympathy, if you are still in this situation. Good luck!

Our avian friends are, no doubt, as relieved as we are to be back into more acceptable weather conditions, as spring slowly dries out all their feeding grounds and makes them think of building either new nests, or refurbishing some used last year. Robins are hopping across the lawn, stopping now and again to listen for the slightest hint of grubs being just under the surface for them to get and eat. Other birds are now very evident such as the Cowbirds, the male of the species strutting about impressively with wing feathers raised as a display, for the females who are supposed to be impressed! The female Rock Pigeons are supposed to be impressed too by the puffed up and strutting males, in their clan, as they try to woo them. Many of the other birds don't just have food on their minds either, when they make their approaches to a female of the same breed as themselves, but then again,

Today, our special bird treat is that of seeing our first Bluebirds of the year. Yes! They are back in their beautiful bright blue suits with red bibs and white lower chest colors all shown off to perfection in the brilliant sunlight. Great! They are not the only ones who show up better in the sun than some of the darker birds, but the male Goldfinches are rapidly changing into their brilliant yellow plumage as well. If you have had some of them with you all winter in their duller coats, start looking now and watch the transformation almost happening before your eyes and enjoy. Look after yourselves and stay safe.

Cheers, John Baldwin