Special Events

Hospice Calgary Calendar of Events for 2008

April to June - The Vintage Challenge
The Vintage Challenge is a unique fundraising initiative in which individuals are invited to participate in a friendly challenge by hosting a private event or activity created around one bottle of wine. We’re busy putting together a tool kit of ideas for you to run with – keep watching this space!

Sunday, May 4 - Hike For Hospice
Hike attracts walkers of all ages, Stampeders, and Ralph the Dog!

The 3rd Annual Hike for Hospice Calgary was a terrific success, drawing over 140 walkers to Fish Creek Provincial Park on May 4, 2008. The weather cooperated beautifully and the sun shone on the group from start to finish. Watch this space for details on top pledge getters, total raised, and a photo gallery from the day. Hospice Calgary would like to acknowledge the event organizers, volunteers, and the participating walkers & those who pledged them! Thanks also to our wonderful sponsors for making the day possible (Calgary Stampeders Football Club, Xerox, Van Houtte Cafe, Nonfiction Studios, Wyeth, Glaxo-Smith-Kline Foundation, Bayshore Home Health's national and local offices, Frito Lay, and Georgia Vallis). Special thanks to the Calgary Stampeders and player hike ambassador Rob Cote, the Outrider cheerleaders, and Ralph the Dog for making the day so memorable. The hike is an annual celebration of life, and this year's event accomplished that and more.

Wednesday, May 7 - Stephen Jenkinson
Stephen Jenkinson is revolutionizing the way we think about death and dying. He is the co-leader of the Max and Beatrice Wolfe Centre for Children’s Grief and Palliative Care at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s School of Family and Community Medicine. Stephen is a sought after speaker and teacher in the palliative care field and his work has been featured in several television documentaries. He is the author of Money and the Soul’s Desires (Stoddart Publishing) and the subject of Grief Walker, a National Film Board of Canada documentary due for release later this year. Further information about this 90-minute evening presentation will be available soon.

September 18 - 2008 4th Annual Clare Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars for this fun-filled annual tournament to take place at the Cottonwood Golf and Country Club on September 18, 2008. For more information, please contact Marc Johnson, Flexpipe Systems at 998-1501 or Joanne Johnson, Lite 96 at 686-9717. We hope to see you there! Clare Johnson passed away in 2003 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor - tournament proceeds will go to Hospice Calgary in support of Rosedale Hospice, where Clare spent his final days. Hospice Calgary thanks the Johnson Family for their support! Please click here for information on tournament registration, sponsorship, and more!

2007 Tournament Winner Jim Dokter (centre) with Joanne and Marc Johnson.

Clare Johnson’s boys Cale and Eric with Joanne Johnson at the 2007 event.

Friday, September 26 - The Meaning of Life Luncheon
The Meaning of Life Luncheon is an annual event designed to create greater corporate and overall community awareness of Hospice Calgary’s outreach programs and the value they bring to Calgary and surrounding area. The luncheon always features a very special speaker – sometimes serious, sometimes funny, and always thought-provoking. This year, we are proud to present the rarely serious, ALWAYS funny, and pretty darn thought-provoking Brent Butt from the CTV smash hit Corner Gas! Please join us at the Hyatt Regency Calgary for this event, proceeds benefiting Hospice Calgary. Click here for brochure.

December 2008 - The Tree of Love
The Tree of Love; Have a Heart for Hospice annual campaign is dedicated to remembering loved ones and absent friends during the holiday season. For many, December is a special time for sharing memories about those we love and/or miss during the holidays. Hospice Calgary invites you to honour and remember your loved one(s) with an ornament on the Tree of Love. Location and dates will be announced soon.

May 2009 Hike For Hospice
Hike for Hospice is an annual national event where individuals and family members whose lives have been touched by Hospice Calgary walk together to honour or remember their loved one(s). Check back for new information for the 2009 walk.