The Sunset Walk to Remember is coming up on Sunday, May 6 and organizers with Sunset Palliative Care Inc. are encouraging Portage la Prairie residents to come out and show their support.

This is the one fundraiser of the year for the non-profit charity organization. "We are looking forward to the hike," said Pat Chimney, volunteers' co-ordinator with Sunset Palliative Care Inc.

"We also will be unveiling the Memory Wall that was erected in the late fall," added Chimney. "We will be doing a dedication ceremony just before the walk begins at 2 p.m."

The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Memory Wall at Island Park.

The hike this year starts at the Lions Den at Island Park.

Participants take a leisurely stroll around Island Park. Many take part to remember loved ones or someone who is very ill.

"We are hoping to get a good turnout for the hike because this is our only big fundraising event," said Chimney. "All our programs are supported by donations."

The walk also helps to raise awareness about palliative care.

Registrations take place prior to the walk itself. Pledge forms are available at Shoppers Drug Mart and the Portage Regional Library, as well as at the event.

Pledge sheets are also available online at: www.sunsetpalliativecare.org

The Sunset Walk to Remember hike is being held in conjunction with the National Hike for Hospice. It marks the start of National Hospice Palliative Care Week.

Sunset Palliative Care will be setting up a palliative care information display at Portage's hospital throughout the week.

Monica Gullett, who is a member of the board with Sunset Palliative Care, said funds raised have recently helped furnish two palliative care rooms at Portage District General Hospital.

See more in Portage Daily Graphic.

angela.brown@sunmedia.ca