In October 2020, Home Hospice North Lanark (HHNL) launched their first ever “virtual” Hike for Hospice. When Almonte resident Millie Maloney told her mother-in-law, Mary, that she was going to sign up, Mary was keen to sponsor her. Millie had a better idea. “Let’s sign you up, Mary! You can walk around the kitchen table with your walker.”
Before they knew it the idea took on a life of its own. “Mary Maloney 100 years” was the team name and people starting sponsoring this wonderful woman. This year the team is called “Mary Maloney 101 years” and sponsorship is taking off.
One of five children, Mary grew up in St. John, New Brunswick. Together with her husband Gerry she raised two children in Montreal, where she worked as a nurse.
“She was a very kind lady who always did for others. Even into her nineties she would use taxis to take friends to their cancer appointments. She was the queen of doughnuts and would make dozens and give them as thanks to the men who would set up the tables for the marathon bridge events she organized in Montreal. Her home was known as the “do drop in” as everyone always felt very comfortable there,” states Millie, continuing: “Michael and I feel blessed by Mary and have learned many life lessons from her especially patience and appreciation for our health.”
When Mary moved to Almonte seven years ago to live with her son and daughter-in-law, she was quite active, playing bridge at Orchard View where she became good friends with former Almonte mayor Dorothy Finner, and becoming an active member at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. The last two years have seen Mary slow down a bit, so she can’t get out often anymore, but she is a real social butterfly and loves company. She especially loves when the ukulele ladies comes to practice at their home. She enjoys music very much and is their biggest fan.
HHNL was delighted when Scotiabank agreed to sponsor the hike this year by matching the first $1000 raised by the first three teams or individuals to reach that level. Mary is the first to reach this goal.
Come Hike With Us!
Registration takes place online at hhnl.ca/hike, or participants can make arrangements to pick up a registration form by calling 613-256-5375 or emailing hike@hhnl.ca. Once you’re registered you can pick up your new bracelet and start hiking! You decide where and when to complete your personal hike; and how far you are going to hike (minimum of 1 km. recommended), anytime during the month of October. You can do it in one day, or spread it out over the whole month. Set a goal for yourself or your team!
If you’d like to support Mary, visit Mary’s team on CanadaHelps.