Sooke Lions Launch Inaugural Walk to Honor Mike Thomas

URGENT UPDATE: The Sooke Lions are set to kick off the inaugural Mike Thomas Memorial Walk on October 5, 2024, at 8 a.m. from Edward Milne Community School. This vital event honors the late Mike Thomas, a beloved member known for his dedication to the community and the Sooke Hospice Society.

Mike Thomas, who passed away on September 9, 2024, was a longstanding advocate for hospice care, making significant contributions to the Sooke community over his four-decade tenure with the Lions. The walk aims to raise funds and awareness for the Sooke Hospice Society, which provided crucial support to Thomas during his battle with brain cancer.

“Mike was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” said Al Beddows, the walk coordinator and a friend of Thomas for over 35 years. The event not only serves as a tribute but also aims to fill the void left in the community after Thomas’s passing.

Participants can register for $25, which includes a commemorative T-shirt and a pancake breakfast following the walk. The event is open to everyone, and participants are encouraged to gather pledges to further support the hospice efforts in Sooke.

The Sooke Hospice Society plays a vital role in caring for palliative patients and their families, striving to keep patients in their homes for as long as possible with compassionate care. The organization currently operates two dedicated end-of-life care beds at Ayre Manor.

Thomas’s legacy includes his role as town crier for a quarter-century and his involvement in numerous local initiatives, including the Sooke Salmon Enhancement Society and the Sooke Food Bank. His commitment to the community has left a lasting impact, inspiring many to continue his charitable work.

The Mike Thomas Memorial Walk promises to be a heartfelt gathering of friends, family, and community members, united in remembrance and support for a cause that Thomas cherished. To participate, registration forms are available at sookelions.com, and for further inquiries, email [email protected].

Join the Sooke Lions on this significant day as they honor a true community hero and support an essential service that aids families during their most challenging times.