Joy, good cheer and celebration often come to mind as the festive holiday season approaches. Yet at times, emotions can turn to sadness, nostalgia and grief at the remembrance of departed loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate this special time of year.
The Sunshine Coast Hospice Society (SCHS) offers an opportunity for everyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one to remember them through the Lights of Life Campaign.
The Sunshine Coast Hospice Society will have a Lights of Life table set up where you can write a note to a departed loved one. Understanding volunteers will be present to offer any assistance you may need or to lend an ear of support.
The Lights of Life table is open Mondays through Saturdays, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons from Nov. 18 to 30 and at Trail Bay Centre in Sechelt from Dec. 2 to 14.
As a follow-up, the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society will be at the beach at Mission Point Park in Davis Bay on Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. for the Lighting of the Memories event, an annual tradition since 1995. This non-denominational ceremony will culminate in placing the written memories into a bonfire accompanied by the voices of the Threshold Choir. Following the beachside ceremony will be the opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage inside Mission Point House.
While donations are always welcome, the Lights of Life and Lighting of the Memories campaigns are complimentary offerings from the SCHS.
– Submitted by John McDougall-Goulet
