Submitted by Brad Inglis
Are we there yet? I think that I have already used this question last year. Are we there yet… is covid moving past us, does everyone have their vaccine, can things go back to normal, can we move around freely, can we give someone a hug, can we go to a restaurant, can we play bingo, go to the meat draw? I don’t know about you but I finally find myself in that place where I feel like a kid in the back seat of the car, calling out – are we there yet? Because I’m impatient, bored, have to pee, I’m tired of being ready with nowhere to go. The answer of course is, no. No, we are not there yet, but we are getting closer. At this point it really is no consolation, but it’s all we have. So, let’s think about what is to come, when we do get there.
Thrift Shop Will Open
The Thrift Shop will open, we just can’t confirm a date. But please save your gently used items and we will announce drop off days in late May. And yes we are taking clothing this year.
We are looking for volunteers, primarily to work the days when we are open, especially the occasional Saturday. This means greeting customers, making sales and helping folks to their cars with their treasures. All of the protocol from last year will be in place. Numbers allowed in the Thrift Shop will be limited and masks will be required. If you would like to volunteer 3 hours a week, please contact Steve Lindsay at tobermorythriftshop@gmail.com.
Chicken BBQ Will Happen
The Chicken Barbecue will happen, we are still aiming for Wednesday May 26th – stay tuned!
Annual Hike for Hospice
… AND…. the annual Hike for Hospice is here! This is the 6th year for Hubbell (my dog) and I to help raise funds for Bruce Peninsula Hospice.
The Bruce Peninsula Hospice provides a compassionate presence at end of life for individuals and their loved ones, serving specifically the needs of folks living right here on the peninsula. They provide individual and group bereavement support, simple comforts, conversation and education with families/loved ones and those who are dying. They have excellent resources for advanced care planning and in normal times, provide some respite support in the home while family care-givers take a break. Losing someone you love, isn’t easy but volunteers from Bruce Peninsula Hospice provide a life line as you move through your grief and find new ways of living.
I show my gratitude for their excellent and life-giving work every year by pretending to hike the peninsula, drag my dog along and gather pledges from folks who believe that care at end of life for those dying and for those left to grieve, is important.
Bruce Peninsula Hospice has an excellent training program for volunteers, offers many opportunities to share your gifts in supporting others and is a physical presence in homes, hospitals and long-term care right here where we live. During covid, that care and compassion has not been deterred. Through phone and virtual support online, groups have continued, one on one work remains strong and bereavement and advanced care planning resources are still available.
My goal this year is to raise $3,000. You can contact me directly, cash, e-transfer and cheques are great (please send them directly to Bruce Peninsula Hospice), but the easiest way to make your donation is online, using the Bruce Peninsula Hospice website https://bphospice.ca and click Hike for Hospice. When you scroll down you will see Donate Now and find my link The Lazy Theologian and Hubbell – you can make your donation there.
If you are wondering where I am hiking to this year, check out the bakery section at Peacock’s and you will find me hiking around there!
Brad Inglis is the minister at Tobermory United Church. He can be reached at binglis2@me.com
www.tobermoryunited.ca
519-596-2821 (Home)
519-824-0268 (Cell)
