They’re all raising funds to support Hospice Huntsville’s good works

The good vibes were flowing a couple days ago when the Purple Boot Campaign kicked off with an official launch at Christmas Tyme in downtown Huntsville.

Community members, campaign sponsors, and a couple media representatives gathered on March 8 to chat and donate to the annual Huntsville Hospice fundraising event.

The campaign culminates with the community organization’s largest fundraiser of the year – the Hike for Hospice, which takes place on Sunday, May 5 at River Mill Park. It will be the 15^th year the Hike is being held.

There will be 44 purple boots – literally boots that have been hand-painted purple – collecting cash and even virtual donations (via a QR code on the boots) at businesses in the communities served by Hospice Huntsville (Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Baysville, Dorset, Dwight, Novar, Port Sydney, Burk’s Falls and Sundridge).

Marg Winchester, who is affectionately known as the “Purple Boot Granny” for her continued efforts as the volunteer who coordinates the campaign, spoke passionately about the campaign and it’s importance. She is joined by several volunteer “Boot Moms” who will help distribute and collect the boots for the campaign.

“It’s amazing how businesses and locations just accept the boot in so warmly,” says Marg Winchester. “It’s grown so much, businesses like Christmas Tyme who keep their purple boot up year-round.”

The Purple Boot Campaign directly supports the Hike for Hospice is a fundraiser, which is also much more than just a fundraising event. This year’s goal is to raise $50,000, but so was last year’s and the final amount was much more than expected.

“Last year the Hike raised over $72,000,” says Tracy Badger, Events & Residential Volunteer Coordinator. “It’s our largest signature event fundraiser, but it’s more than just a hike. It’s a gathering, it’s a celebration for those who we have lost . . . it’s about memories.”

Included among the many commemorative celebrations is the process of writing a note for a loved one who passed that will then become part of the community garden in Huntsville.

“This year we’re introducing a wind phone. It’s taken from a concept that was developed in Japan after the tsunami wiped out a whole area. We will have a phone there that is connected to the wind in a private space where you can have a chat with a loved one.”

As well, the Lake of Bays Garden Centre held their Tulips for Hospice fundraiser on March 8, with $20 bouquets of tulips being sold to support the community organization.

A table selling Lake of Bays Garden Centre’s fundraising tulips was set up in Christmas Tyme, and indeed several people took the opportunity to buy a bouquet for a good cause (including this writer).

When people walking along Main Street or in businesses saw friends with tulips, they often ended up popping over to buy a bouquet for themselves.

The beauty of the Purple Boot Campaign, Hike for Hospice, and Tulips for Hospice fundraisers is that 100 percent of the proceeds goes to support Hospice Huntsville’s compassionate end-of-life care to residents and their families in the setting of their choice.

The not for profit, charitable organization incorporated in 1989, providing palliative care, as well as grief and bereavement services to the community.  

Though Hospice Huntsville does receive some government funding support, it isn’t enough to meet the full requirements of offering no-charge services to those who need the services. Annually, Hospice Huntsville must raise over $1,800 per day in donations and fundraising to stay free-of-charge – 60 percent of their operational costs are covered by fundraising.

“The campaign really kicks off throughout March Break,” says Melissa Polischuk, Fund Development and Public Relations Coordinator. “We’re asking everyone who is able to put a little into the boots.”

To donated online to the Purple Boot Campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/PurpleBootforHospiceHuntsville

To learn more about Hospice Huntsville, how they’re run, and what they do, go to:  www.hospicehuntsville.com