It was clear skies and full steam ahead as dozens of participants helped raise more than $10,000 at the 2025 Walk for Hospice.

Organized by the Compassionate Care Hospice Society (CCHS), the annual fundraiser brought together 74 registered participants on June 1 for a morning of walking, running and biking in support of hospice care programs offered free of charge to local residents and their families.

Melissa Drake, marketing coordinator for CCHS said this year’s event raised $10,848 after expenses — a notable increase over the $9,229 raised in 2024.

The day kicked off at the Rocky Rec Centre with a welcome speech and a group warm-up, followed by participants hitting the trails for a three, five, or 10-kilometre journey. Costumed walkers competed for best-dressed prizes, and community members cheered on teams raising funds in memory of loved ones.

Participants at the 2025 Walk for Hospice in Rocky Mountain House. (Melissa Drake/Compassionate Care Hospice Society)

Lunch was served thanks to the generous support of TC Energy, which supplied the BBQ and propane and provided volunteers to cook and serve burgers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Rocky Search & Rescue also donated their time to help with safety and traffic control along the route, providing both crossing guards and on-site medical support.

Drake said all proceeds from the event go directly toward supporting the society’s programs, including access to a dedicated hospice suite inside the Good Samaritan Society Centre in Rocky Mountain House, as well as bereavement services.

Participants at the 2025 Walk for Hospice in Rocky Mountain House. (Melissa Drake/Compassionate Care Hospice Society)

With support from local businesses, donors, and volunteers, the annual Walk for Hospice remains the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Drake noted the goal for 2025 was to raise $12,000 — and while that number wasn’t quite reached, the boost in participation and donations was welcome.

Participants at the 2025 Walk for Hospice in Rocky Mountain House. (Melissa Drake/Compassionate Care Hospice Society)

Participants at the 2025 Walk for Hospice in Rocky Mountain House. (Melissa Drake/Compassionate Care Hospice Society)