WDBN invites you to ‘Hike for Hospice’ in September

The Westmeath Dublin Business Network (WDBN) is organising a fundraising event this September for its charity partner the North Westmeath Hospice.

The hiking event is taking place in Glendalough, and the challenge is to hike the white route (9km) in teams of four. Teams record their times and take pictures to prove they completed the challenge. There is no set day or time but the hike must be completed in the month of September.

Teams can either post a photo of them after completing the hike on WDBN social channels or email the details to westmeathdublinbn@gmail.com.

There is a prize for the fastest team and best picture.

The event has been organised following the cancellation of the WDBN’s charity golf classic this September.

John Brennan, chair WDBN and MD of local company ORS, said: “Like many networks, we had to cancel our last two events due to Covid-19. While we accept that, we did want to try to do something as a network to help our charity partner, the North Westmeath Hospice.

“During these challenging times, you tend to forget about other vital services that have to carry on.

“They are dealing with the same capacity issues and require the same funding support, but sadly corporate donations are down, and all fundraising events are restricted.

“Put simply; the North Westmeath Hospice is really struggling with funding as a result of Covid-19 and the knock-on economic impact.

“So please join us in our #HIKE4HOSPICE event this September. Registration is €25 pp or €100 for a team of four. If you can’t hike there is an option on our Eventbrite page to still donate.”

Margaret Claffey, chair of North Westmeath Hospice, said: “Covid-19 has certainly hit the Hospice hard. While we know the government and public health focus is on the pandemic, and rightly so, there is still the same number of people in our community that need our support.

“Terminal illness, unfortunately, has not gone away and we are really struggling to ensure the same level of care is provided by our Hospice, considering our funding constraints.

“To put it into perspective, we get between 10% and 15% of our overall funding from the HSE and the rest we need to raise. So, if events continue to be restricted and corporate and personal donations stay down, we will struggle.”

To register to Hike 4 Hospice, please follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/hike-for-hospice-tickets-117289715697