The Hike for Hospice is just around the corner.

The fundraiser for the Foothills Country Hospice takes participants on a four kilometre walk along the paved Crystal Shores pathway.

Stephanie Barnes with the hospice says there's specific plans for how the funds will be used.

"Definitely medical equipment, and we're also in the process of renovating our patient rooms as the hospice is in its tenth anniversary so some of the initial equipment in the rooms needs to be replaced so we're doing that as well."

Sights are set high this year with a fundraising goal of $70,000. Last year's hike brought in about $67,000.

Barnes says fundraisers are a significant source of income for the facility.

"We have an operating budget of $3 million and Alberta Health only covers 60 per cent of that so that leaves us with a $1.2 million shortfall," she explains. "We're required to make that up through fundraising events such as the Hike for Hospice."

The event is family friendly and will include an appearance from the Okotoks Dawgs Baseballl mascot Diggity Dawg, a Doggy Fun Zone sponsored by Bone & Biscuit, Kids Zone with glitter tattoo artists and balloon twisting, and coffee and snacks.

The Hike for Hospice takes place May 6 with pre-hike festivities at 1 p.m. at the Okotoks Curling Club and the hike officially starting at 2 p.m, rain or shine.

Registration is $10 per person with children ages five and under taking part for free.

To register click here.

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