Of the $113,000 raised at this year's Hike for Hospice Hustle, $11,113 in sponsorships came from one person.
Margaret Thiessen, an 83-year-old High River resident, was the top individual fundraiser this year and has now raised over $30,000 for the Foothills Country Hospice in the last few years.
She first began fundraising for the hike in 2019 in memory of several loved ones, including her husband, son, daughter and niece.
Thiessen has now participated in four Hike for Hospice events, and says that gathering sponsorships has become easier over the years.
“Some people say, ‘Well, you worked hard at it.’ I don’t. I really enjoy people, and if you walk into a store or meet somebody on the street or whatever, put a smile on your face. It makes a huge difference,” she said. “Sometimes people aren’t having a good day, but if you share your day, and it’s pretty good, it helps a whole lot.”
Thiessen walked two kilometres in the event this year, alongside her niece Kelly and sister-in-law Dora.
While the day was slightly overcast, it didn’t dampen spirits.
“The camaraderie on those days is wonderful. They had a lot more people than last year, and everybody just kind of molds into one,” she said. “There’s talking, there’s laughter, it’s just a really nice day. The little kids are there, the pets are there, and the staff at Foothills Country Hospice are phenomenal again, getting everything organized. There was a lot to do.”
She added that she was particularly pleased with this year’s pink T-shirts.
“Being a cancer survivor, that was a plus.”
Thiessen was called up on stage at one point to address the crowd.
“I must say, there were a few tears shed because I was so overcome with joy and pride, and humbled by everything that happened,” she said. “The hospice surpassed their expectations by quite a bit that day.”
While Thiessen had planned for this to be her final time walking at the event, she has no plans to stop fundraising.
"Who knows, if I'm still in good health, I might get out and walk a couple of kilometres again, and my thought is I'll always try and sponsor, no matter if I walk or I don't," said Thiessen. "That's very important to me, and that's part of the drive when I get into the sponsoring."
She noted the hospice’s expansion from eight to 16 beds as a major motivator.
“The number of people you can help if you put your heart and soul into it is a lot, and that’s what really kept me going.”
Thiessen hopes others will be inspired to support a cause they care about, and said putting yourself out there isn’t as scary as it may seem.
“I really enjoy people, and if you walk into a store or meet someone on the street or wherever, put a smile on your face. It makes a huge difference.”