"Sir David” is the mascot for the Quest, making appearances at events in Annapolis and Digby county representing Fundy Hospice. “Sir David” is, in reality, Atalanta Hospice Society's President David M. Cvet. David and his horse, Nya, dress in the accoutrements of a medieval knight representing what a knight and his steed may have looked like in the early 13th century around the time of the Second Crusade. The design of Sir David’s accoutrements references the Order of Saint Lazarus, one of the three great Orders active during the Crusades. The Order of Saint Lazarus' had a hospitaller mission to serve those in need, care for the sick and dying and had constructed a hospital outside the walls of Jerusalem between the Tancred Tower and the Gate of the Pillar of Saint Stephen. The Saint Lazarus knights were Templar knights who had contracted leprosy and been transferred to the Order of Saint Lazarus. These men continued with their military duties, which were limited to surveillance, reconnaissance and supply runs because of the disease. However, the Order was able to muster 25 Saint Lazarus knights in response to a plea from the Knights of the Temple to join them in defending Acre from a possible siege by Sal H'udan in 1291. Because of this hospitalier mission, a knight from Order of Saint Lazarus is a fitting representative for the effort to create Fundy Hospice.
2022 |
August 15 - Annapolis Valley Exhibition Grand Parade, Lawrencetown ******************
The Quest for Fundy Hospice made another appearance in the annual Annapolis Valley Exhibition Parade hosted by Lawrencetown, NS. This was the largest parade entered showing off numerous creative and humourous floats. "Sir David" riding Nya in the accoutrements of a 12th knight was lead by two "squires" who volunteered to assist in the parade and were bearing the large Fundy Hospice banners. The late in the day parade offered more humane temperatures for one and all. "Sir David" and his stead Nya won first prize for the best horse entry in the parade (well, being the only horse entry made this easy!)
August 6 - Scallop Days Grand Parade, Digby ******************
The Quest for Fundy Hospice made its appearance in the parade by the Scallop Days committee, Digby, NS. The parade featured numerous floats, antique and new vehicles. "Sir David" once again, was riding Nya in the accoutrements of a 12th knight was lead by two "squires" who volunteered to assist in the parade and were bearing the large Fundy Hospice banners. The parade was very well attended throughout the route despite sweltering temperatures!
July 23 - Heart the Valley Grand Parade, Middleton ******************
The Quest for Fundy Hospice made its appearance in the parade organized by the Heart of the Valley Festival, Middleton, NS. The parade featured numerous floats, antique and new vehicles. David riding Nya in the accoutrements of a 12th knight was lead by two "squires" who volunteered to assist in the parade and were bearing the large Fundy Hospice banners. The parade thrilled both children and adults.
July 16 - Bear River Cherry Carnival ******************
Once again, the Quest for Fundy Hospice made its appearance in the parade organized by the Bear River Fire Department. The parade featured numerous antique vehicles including antique and modern fire trucks. David riding Nya in the accoutrements of a 12th knight was lead by two "squires" who volunteered to assist in the parade and were bearing the large Fundy Hospice banners. The parade thrilled both children and adults.
June 24 - Lazy Bear Brewing Unveiling Architectural Renduring of future Fundy Hospice ******************
The Atalanta Hospice Society kicked off the Quest for Fundy Hospice with an event at Lazy Bear Brewing in Smiths Cove, where the architectural rendering of what the future Fundy Hospice would look like was unveiled to the public at this event. The day started with an interview with CityTV Atlantic with Erin Norman (owner/operator of Lazy Bear) and David Cvet, President of the Atalanta Hospice Society. The architectural renderings were well received by the public. The event had "The Leftovers" entertaining the guests with music and song.
2021 |
To kick off the Quest, The Atalanta Hospice Society sponsored a five-day "Knight Ride" in September 2021 to raise awareness and funds.
The Knight Ride raised more than $17,000 thanks to generous contributions from the community.
The 250-kilometre horse ride was undertaken by society president and co-founder David Cvet. Wearing accoutrements like those worn by 13th Century medieval knights, David and his trusty steed, Nya, rode daily laps around the hospice property for five days until they reached their goal of riding 250 kilometres to raise money for Fundy Hospice.
The Fundy Hospice will become the fourth residential hospice within Nova Scotia and the first such facility in Southwest Nova Scotia once it is placed into operation in 2030, preferably sooner if possible.
Even though the Knight Ride is done, you can still support the Quest. Find out how at by clicking here.
Click on the thumbnail to view the TV interview/story created during the Knight Ride:
Click on the satellite image below to view details of the location on Google Maps.