If you see this person walking the roads and trails anywhere between Osoyoos & OK Falls, don’t bother to offer a ride. 

Louise Szalay is a volunteer for the Desert Valley Hospice Society which sponsors a “Hike for Hospice” fundraiser each year in May.  Because of the cancellation of all group events during the pandemic, the hike has been adapted as a “virtual” event.   

Participants are urged to conduct their sponsored hike in any way they can – around the yard, the neighborhood or town.   Louise has chosen to up the challenge by pledging to walk 75 kms. each week of May in support of the Hospice Society and the valuable work they do in the 3 communities of Oliver, Osoyoos, and OK Falls.

“Many people do not even know the work of the Hospice Society in their community.  The group supports our vulnerable citizens in long term care and in private homes by offering comfort and emotional and social connection.  I was not even aware of all the services of the Society until I joined as a volunteer and I am in awe of all the ways they support the aged and palliative community members.  This current lockdown has been particularly difficult for those isolated in their homes and the longterm care homes.  The loneliness is a huge factor in their emotional and physical health.  I am really missing not being able to visit my friends in Sunnybank.  If anything, this pandemic should be placing much needed focus on the needs of our elderly and vulnerable community members.   We are all aging and will all find ourselves at a place in life when we will require the love and support of the community.  I just want the Hospice Society to still be there for all of us.” 

Louise took to the trails in preparation for this challenge about a month ago.  She’s walked to from Oliver to Osoyoos a couple of times along the Okanagan river and is regular along the Hike and Bike path.