The Valley Hospice Foundation invites the community to come together for the 14th Hike for Valley Hospice & Palliative Care Sunday, May 3, now at a new location in Coldbrook.
This family-friendly event welcomes people of all ages and abilities to honour loved ones, recognize caregivers and support compassionate hospice and palliative care throughout the Annapolis Valley.
New for 2026, the hike is fundraising with a clear goal: purchasing two cuddle beds for Valley Hospice. A cuddle bed is designed for palliative care and is certified for use by two people, helping make it possible for a loved one to lie safely beside a patient and offering closeness, comfort and connection when time is precious.
“Patients and families have these wishes and needs even more intensely and urgently during their journey at the hospice. Our hope is to bring these moments back to those who are the most frail and mobility limited,” says Gerry Morey, chair of the Valley Hospice Foundation board of directors. “Our partners at Valley Hospice have identified a solution that brings these quiet moments of peace and comfort, while ensuring the strict standards and high quality of medical beds.”
Valley Hospice is a home-like hospice residence where visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, seven days a week: family and community are important during this time. The addition of cuddle beds will help families make the most of that time together in a way that feels more like home.
The hike also kicks off National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada, an opportunity to recognize the importance of quality palliative care and to support better access for all.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, everyone is welcome at the Hike for Hospice. The event is May 3, with check-in from 1 p.m. and the walk start at 2 p.m.; all from the Coldbrook Lions Hall, 1416 South Bishop Road, Coldbrook. Route options include either a three-kilometre or five-kilometre distance along the Harvest Trail. Learn more and sign up at https://valleyhospice.ca/event/2026-hike-for-valley-hospice-palliative-care/
