A volunteer-led fundraiser supporting hospice care in Chatham-Kent has raised more than $32,000 for local end-of-life services.
The “Lifting for Life” fundraiser was recently held at Performance 360 in Chatham and organized by Rick Paxton and Heather Myers.
The event combined fundraising, memorial celebrations and fitness activities for participants of all abilities. Participants bench pressed a pre-determined weight as many times as possible while collecting pledged donations for each repetition.
Organizers said 10 participants between the ages of eight and 79 took part in this year’s event, each honouring loved ones while supporting future hospice families.
“Community-led fundraisers are vital to our hospice and our fundraising goals,” said Brock McGregor, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation. “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.”
Since 2023, the fundraiser has raised more than $74,000 for Chatham-Kent Hospice.
“We are thrilled to have been part of such an awesome event,” said Warren Potter of Performance 360. “Thank you to all who contributed to such an amazing donation to Hospice!”
The 2026 Lifting for Life fundraiser was held in honour of Rob Pomajba, Dave Craeymeersch, Kerry Stone, Calvin Carrothers, Nelly Kasper and Mary Louise Rosseel.
