An annual event combining a memorial celebration with fundraising and fitness has raised tens of thousands of dollars in support of end-of-life care in Chatham-Kent.
The pledge-driven “Lifting for Life” fundraiser has raised more than $32,000 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. The event was organized by Rick Paxton and Heather Myers and held at Performance 360 in Chatham.
“Community-led fundraisers are vital to our hospice and our fundraising goals,” said Brock McGregor, the executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, in a news release. “They extend our reach, deepen community connection, and directly support compassionate end-of-life care. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who steps up to organize and participate. Rick and his team have continually gone above and beyond to support the Chatham-Kent Hospice.”
During the fundraiser, participants bench pressed a pre-determined weight based on their preference as many times as possible while earning pledged dollars for each repetition.
A total of 10 different people, aged eight to 79, participated in the fundraiser, each honouring loved ones and supporting future hospice families.
Since 2023, “Lifting for Life” has raised a combined total of more than $74,000 for the Chatham-Kent Hospice.