60 km Bike Ride, Because I Care

Starting February 1^st to the 10^th, 2022 I will be riding my bike 60 km to signify the distance between my home and the hospital where I work as a Spiritual Care Provider (Chaplain). I know for many a 60 km bike ride is nothing more than a pleasant Saturday afternoon excursion but not in February!  It is a virtual bike ride.  I will be doing the 60 km on my stationary bike charting the progress daily.

There is an excellent reason for this mid-winter jaunt. I and many others are raising awareness of Spiritual Care Providers in local hospitals as well as raising funds to help support the presence of Spiritual Care Providers in the Grey-Bruce Hospitals. The campaign is titled: “I Care ∴ I Walk (or ride):  A Spiritual Care Challenge to Grey Bruce.”

In Grey-Bruce Counties there are trained Spiritual Care Providers in every hospital, hospice and at- home palliative care teams.  If you or a member of your family have ever received a visit from one of the Spiritual Care Providers than you know the invaluable care they provide. These trained professionals offer a non-anxious presence in some of the most anxious situations life has to offer.  Some are available On-Call 24/7 and are often called into crisis situations.

If you would like to support the Spiritual Care presence in the local Grey-Bruce Hospitals please consider sponsoring me (every $20.00 donation or more is receipted) or email the Spiritual Care Office for details: ehazen@gbhs.on.ca.

Recently, as I was ending a visit, the patient turned to me and said, “I didn’t realize how much I needed your visit until now.  Thank you for coming and could you come back soon?”  This sentiment is repeated often.  Please consider helping us to keep the gentle and attentive presence of Spiritual Care Providers within our local hospitals. 

Thank-you,

Rev. Heather McCarrel