Held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Evergreen Hall, this year’s Hometown Hoedown for Hospice welcomed a sold-out crowd of 250 guests, a record for the event. Proudly presented by Century Plumbing & Heating, the evening was filled with high-energy fun, generosity and down-home country charm as sponsors, donors, volunteers and supporters came together from across the community.

Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner, games, a lively Dessert Dash, a 50-50 draw and a particularly successful online auction featuring more than 100 items generously donated by local individuals and businesses. With bidding from both event attendees and supporters across the community, the auction played a major role in this year’s record-breaking result.

The celebration also featured a surprise line-dancing flash mob by DanceFixx and live music from the Dusty Boots Band, whose mix of country and rock kept the dance floor full well into the evening.

“This year’s Hometown Hoedown for Hospice was a wonderful example of our community coming together in support of a cause that touches so many lives,” said Sue Knott, executive director of Chilliwack Hospice Society. “We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, donor, volunteer and guest who helped make this record-breaking evening possible.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society extends sincere appreciation to all event sponsors, auction and Dessert Dash donors, volunteers, professional service providers and community supporters for their generous support of this year’s Hometown Hoedown for Hospice.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

If you would like to contribute an item or a cash donation to purchase an item for our online silent auction, please contact Sharilyn Jackson, Event Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or email sharilyn@chilliwackhospice.org. Thank you!

As donations are confirmed, we will update the following list:

• Abbotsford Canucks
• Algra Bros.
• Amazing Co.
• Arts Club Theatre
• Ascend Fitness & Lifestyle
• Banter Ice Cream
• Barn Country Bar, The
• BC Lions
• B Fit Personal Training
• Blenz Coffee
• Bozzini’s Restaurant
• Chilliwack Boxing Club
• Chilliwack Chiefs
• Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre
• Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA
• Cottonwood Centre
• Cultus Lake Golf Club
• District 1881
• Earls Kitchen & Bar
• Elements Chilliwack Casino
• Excel Martial Arts
• E-Exit Chilliwack
• Fluxx CycleHouse
• Forest Echoes Cabins
• Fountain Tire
• Frankie’s Italian Kitchen
• FYidoctors — Chilliwack
• Gary Baars PREC
• Good Taco
• Greystone Dental
• GridZone Games
• High Hopes B & B
• House of Comedy
• H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
• Ironside Design Manufacturing
• Island Tan (Hocking Ave.)
• J. Adam & Sons Ltd.
• Jack’s Cycle
• Jacqueline Tait Notary Public
• Jiffy Lube
• Kelly/Carlos O’Bryans Pub
• Ken’s Tire & Wheel
• Kumsheen Rafting Resort
• Longfellow’s Furniture
• Major League 2 Taphouse & Sports Pub
• Men In Kilts
• Old Spaghetti Factory, The
• Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
• Pink ‘N Blue Kidz Clothing
• Prism Studio
• Quesada — Cottonwood
• Rebalance Rehab
• Royalwood Golf Course
• Smooth Effects Chilliwack
• Stó꞉lō Gift Shop
• Sue Knott
• The Keg
• TNT Hay
• Twisted Roots Salon
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Vancouver Bandits
• Vancouver Canadians
• Vancouver Warriors

Updated as of March 6, 2026.

The event brought together 120 golfers and numerous sponsors in honour of the late Russ Walsh. Committee chairpersons Gerry Enns and Kim Percy, both close friends of Walsh, helped guide the tournament alongside event manager Sharilyn Jackson of Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Prospera Credit Union returned as the presenting sponsor, while local business Guerilla Q provided a barbecue lunch for participants. Volunteers from both Meadowlands and Chilliwack Hospice Society played a vital role in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

“We are so grateful to the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers who made this day possible,” said Sue Knott, executive director. “The generosity of our community continues to carry forward Russ’s legacy and support the care we provide.”

The Society extended special thanks to Jo-Ann Thompson of Meadowlands Golf and Country Club for her assistance in hosting the event.

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at Meadowlands.

Themed ‘Vintage Vibes’, the event brought together the best of thrifted fashion and timeless style. Thirty volunteer models walked the runway, each showcasing three carefully curated outfits — complete with accessories and footwear — all sourced from Thrifty Boutique. From modern casual to retro chic, the looks celebrated the creativity and sustainability of second-hand fashion.

“This event is such a beautiful expression of what Chilliwack can do when the community comes together with heart and purpose,” said Executive Director Sue Knott, who emceed the evening. “It’s more than just a fashion show — it’s about compassion, connection, and making a meaningful difference for people facing death, dying, and grief.”

Attendees enjoyed more than just the fashion. The evening also featured a pop-up shop, penny social, silent auction, and mystery treasures — all made possible by generous donors who support Thrifty Boutique throughout the year. Each item was repurposed and reimagined into beautiful gift baskets and one-of-a-kind packages, allowing guests to shop for a cause and take home something special.

“This event is a celebration of sustainability,” said Sandy Parker, Thrifty Boutique store manager. “Everything seen on the runway — every outfit, every accessory — started as a donated item. With creativity and care, second-hand becomes one-of-a-kind. Volunteers truly outdid themselves — not only as models on the runway, but also behind the scenes preparing appetizers, setting up, and making the evening unforgettable.”

A special highlight of the night included a vintage runway presentation from Chilliwack Players Guild, featuring authentic costumes from the 1800s to the 1980s, adding theatrical flair and a touch of history to the show.

The success of the event was made possible by the generosity and dedication of many. Devry Greenhouses provided greenery and floral décor. Scott Hrusik of RE/MAX Nyda Realty donated a cube van to transport supplies, with Joe Palmer, a longtime volunteer, taking the wheel. Vickie Legere provided photography for the evening, and Jolly Miller Pub generously donated the wine.

Discover Thrifty Boutique: Where Style Meets Purpose. Thrifty Boutique offers an upscale thrifting experience while supporting Chilliwack Hospice Society. Shop with purpose and explore a curated collection of quality clothing, accessories, home décor, books, and more. With new items added daily, there’s always something unique to discover. Proceeds from every purchase directly support local programs and services for individuals and families navigating death, dying, grief, and loss.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

• A delicious barbeque dinner by Guerrilla Q
• High-energy country music to keep the dance floor packed
• A lively silent auction featuring incredible items
• The return of our fan-favourite mechanical bull
• Delicious drinks, Dessert Dash, and more!

In total, $68,000 was raised to help fund the grief and palliative care support the Society provides the community free of charge. Event organizers would like to thank all those who attended or supported the 11th Annual Hometown Hoedown for Hospice through sponsorship, donations, and ticket sales for contributing to its success.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

Photo courtesy of Vickie Legere.

Photo by Vickie Legere

The runway at the 6^th annual Fashionista Fashion Show will be “classy and a little bit sassy,” event organizers at the Thrifty Boutique say, when 50+ original thrifted outfits are shown by volunteer models in support of Chilliwack Hospice Society.

The fundraising event has become a highlight of the Spring season for many in the local thrifting community. Each outfit is curated by Thrifty Boutique staff from donations received at the store. Following the show, featured items including clothing, shoes, and jewelry are available for sale.

Photo by Vickie Legere

Models vary in age from seven to 70, and include Thrifty Boutique volunteers, their grandchildren, Chilliwack Hospice Society directors, and members of the community.

“Some of our volunteers enter the show with trepidation but by the end of the night all are smiling and full of laughter,” Thrifty Boutique manager Sandy Parker remarks. “It is truly rewarding to see everyone on stage having as much fun as our audience.”

Starting at 6:00pm, attendees can enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary glass of champagne while browsing a delightful pop-up shop, bid on items in a silent auction and penny social, and enter to win door prizes.

Thrifty Boutique hosts the annual Fashionista Fashion Show in support of Chilliwack Hospice Society, Friday, May 10 at Evergreen Hall. Tickets are $30 and available in-store at the Thrifty Boutique located at #101-7955 Evans Road.