Press Releases

Bayshore Home Health's national branch network to participate in Hike for Hospice Palliative Care for third year in a row

Mississauga, April 2, 2008 – Employees from 40 Bayshore Home Health branches across the country are set to take part in the sixth annual Hike for Hospice Palliative Care on May 4.

The Hike is organized by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and will be held at approximately 100 sites this year. The event also marks the start of National Hospice Palliative Care Week (May 4-10).

“This is our third year of being the exclusive home care sponsor of the Hike, and each year our staff have become more enthused by this event and our participation numbers have grown,” says Holly Quinn, Bayshore Home Health’s Director of Clinical Programs.

“Our nurses and caregivers provide palliative care every day, and are very passionate about it,” she adds. “They are excited to take part in the Hike, and many bring along their families and friends. We are strong supporters of the Hike and like the fact that funds raised remain in the local community – going toward local hospices.”

Last year’s Hike was held at 91 sites nationally and contributed more than $845,000 toward local hospice palliative care – a 25% increase from the prior year. 
“The Hike allows us give back to the communities we serve and is a cause that’s close to the hearts of our people, says Mike Krunic, Director of Marketing for Bayshore Home Health. “It’s the biggest national event that we undertake as a company and it’s very important to us.”

Most of Bayshore Home Health’s branches participate in the Hike by teaming up with a local hospice, while others conduct various fundraising efforts throughout the year. Last year, for example, the company’s Hamilton, Ont. branch held its third annual golf tournament in support of the Bob Kemp Hospice, while the Saint John, NB branch organized its second annual palliative care conference.

Bayshore Home Health’s employees raised more than $78,000 through last year’s Hike and related activities, and are aiming to break the $100,000 mark this year. The company is also a sponsor of National Hospice Palliative Care Week.

The main goals of the Hike are to raise funds for hospice palliative care at the community level, raise awareness of the many issues related to hospice palliative care and recognize the phenomenal work done by volunteers and professionals in the field.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 259,000 Canadians die each year, and that number is projected to increase by 33% by 2020. Currently, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association estimates that only 25% of those who need it will have access to hospice palliative care. The association is working toward ensuring that more Canadians, especially their our own communities, receive the end-of-life care they wish for.

About Bayshore Home Health

Bayshore Home Health has been enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Canadians in their homes since 1966. Canadian owned and operated, it is the country’s largest provider of home and community health care services, with 40 home care offices and more than 7,000 employees. Its core services are in-home nursing, personal care and home support – which can be purchased directly by individuals as well as accessed through government care programs, personal and group insurance plans and workplace safety insurance. Its other services include nurse and caregiver staffing, pharmaceutical support services, health education programs, infusion clinics and dialysis centres. Bayshore Home Health has been a winner of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies award since 2006.

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Mike Krunic Holly Quinn Director of Marketing National Director of Clinical Programs Bayshore Home Health Bayshore Home Health Phone: 905-822-8075 / 1-800-668-9490 Phone: 905-822-8075 / 1-800-668-9490 Email: mkrunic@bayshore.ca Email: hquinn@bayshore.ca