Sunshine Coast Hospice presented the annual Lighting the Memories ceremony at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day at Snickett Park in Sechelt. This event marked the conclusion of the Lights of Life program for this season. Many thanks to everyone who donated to hospice during Lights of Life at Sechelt and Gibsons..

Lighting the Memories takes place every New Year’s Day at Snickett Park at 2 p.m. This year marked the 16th year this event has been held.

The candle ceremony was once again led by Rev. Mark Lemon. Following the ceremony, all the cards from the Lights of Life Christmas trees were placed into a bonfire on the beach. The burning of these cards signifies a lasting symbol of love for all those people being remembered. This year there were approximately 75 people in attendance.

Special thanks go to the Threshold Choir who added to the atmosphere of the event by singing a number of songs at various times throughout the service.

Light refreshments were available following the ceremony

The Lights of Life and the Lighting the Memories programs are an annual event put on by the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society.

— Submitted