If you’re grieving the loss of someone, the holiday season is fraught with difficult moments. Decorating the tree, making cookies alone, the music on the radio – everything reminds you that they’re not here this year.
Sunshine Coast Hospice Society volunteers recognize what a difficult time this can be and, for the 25th year, they are inviting Coasters to write love notes to remember those who are gone and hang them on the Christmas trees set up in Gibsons, Sechelt and Pender Harbour until Dec. 17.
Hospice volunteers are here to listen to your stories, answer your questions and accept your love notes. Throughout the year, trained hospice volunteers provide compassionate, respectful end-of-life and bereavement care for all residents on the Sunshine Coast. They provide one-to-one companionship, bereavement groups, respite to caregivers, two hospice rooms, and a comprehensive library on death and bereavement.
Stop by the Hospice table at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons, Nov. 21 to Dec. 3, at Trail Bay Mall in Sechelt, Dec. 5 to 17, at the craft fairs at Madeira Park Community Centre Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, and outside Madeira Park IGA on Dec. 10, weather permitting.
On Jan. 1 at 2 p.m., gather with others at the Lighting the Memories ceremony at Mission Point Park in Davis Bay, where all the love notes will be burned in a ceremonial fire on the beach and your wishes sent skyward.
Money donated to the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society stays on the Coast to provide hospice and bereavement care for those who live here.
