The Foothills Country Hospice is gearing up to head outdoors for one of their fundraisers.

This is the third year the facility is taking part in the national event Hike for Hospice where participants can embrace nature as they go for a stroll through Okotoks.

Stephanie Barnes, Fund Development and Communications Manager for the Foothills Country Hospice, says all the money raised from Hike for Hospice and other events goes directly towards supporting their patients.

"It actually costs $1,035 per patient per day at the Foothills Country Hospice, and that's equivalent to a three million dollar budget, so AHS covers 57 per cent of that and then we're required to fundraise the remaining 1.3 million," she explains. "So our overall fundraising goal for the year is 1.3 million, and that's basically just to keep our doors open, so we don't charge for patient stay or their meals."

Barnes adds she is hoping to top last year's turnout.

"We had about 415 participants last year and similar the year prior, so we're hoping for the same this year. Last year we raised about 42 thousand dollars and the year prior it was around 60 thousand, so we're setting the bar in the middle this year and we're hoping for 50 thousand."

The Hike For Hospice takes place May 5 with a registration fee of $10 per adult. Children five-years-old and under are free.

Participants also have the option of donating funds and collecting pledges.

The event kicks off at Ethel Tucker Park at 1 p.m. with the hike starting at 2 p.m, rain or shine. A kids zone will be set up with a bbq wrap up party set to follow the completion of the hike.

To register and learn more click here.

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