Caledon residents can help fund cancer care at Headwaters Health Care Centre by joining an Oct. 8 hike at the Caledon Ski Club, where organizers are offering shorter routes for the fundraiser’s third year.
The Headwaters Hike to Fight Cancer will offer one-kilometre and three-kilometre options, with registration opening at 4 p.m. and the hike starting at 5 p.m., Caledon Citizen reported.
Registration costs $35 per person and includes a T-shirt and dinner after the hike. People can sign up on their own or join as a team, and organizers welcome participants of all ages.
Money raised will stay local, supporting cancer-care equipment and programs at Headwaters Health Care Centre. The foundation’s support includes oncology clinics and diagnostic imaging, with this year’s proceeds directed to the highest-priority cancer-care needs.
Previous fundraising has helped provide oncology treatment chairs and supported the hospital’s MRI and diagnostic imaging capabilities, according to the report.
Routes adjusted after participant feedback
Shauna Santarossa, who handles marketing for the Headwaters Health Care Foundation, told Caledon Citizen that organizers changed the route options after hearing that some participants found last year’s hike more difficult than anticipated.
The one- and three-kilometre routes are intended to be easier than last year’s options. A five-kilometre route, which drew less interest, will not be offered this time.
The event was developed as a less expensive way for residents to take part in fundraising for the hospital, alongside the foundation’s annual golf tournament and gala. Organizers are encouraging families, neighbours, co-workers and community groups to participate.
Santarossa said a hockey team was already signed up. Participants can also create an online fundraising page to collect donations from friends, relatives and colleagues.
Prizes will go to the individual and team that collect the most money. The fundraising component allows people to support a participant as well as take part in the hike themselves.
Dinner and activities follow the hike
After finishing their routes, hikers will gather for dinner in the ski club’s Main Lodge. The meal will include salad, lasagna and a cookie.
The evening will also include games, a raffle table and a silent auction. Coffee and apple cider will be available after the hike.
Santarossa described the event as an opportunity to spend time outdoors with others while supporting the local hospital. Registration remains open, and participants can register online through the Headwaters Health Care Foundation’s fundraising page at hhcfoundation.akaraisin.com/ui/hike2026.
