Volunteers hang lights on a tree on the grounds of the Burk’s Falls and District Health Centre. The tree, each holiday season, is transformed into the Tree of Remembrance, where people can sponsor lights in the name of their deceased loved ones. The campaign is a fundraiser for the Almaguin Palliative Care Team. Pictured from left are Helen Healey, Mary Manuel, Betty Soth, Margaret Ross and Larry Laidlaw.
BURK’S FALLS – A tree on the grounds of the Burk’s Falls and District Health Centre will again be alight with memories of loved ones.
The annual Tree of Remembrance program allows people to sponsor a light on the tree to remember and acknowledge their deceased loved ones during the holidays, says the Almaguin Palliative Care Team’s (APCT) Mary Manuell.
The APCT has been lighting the Tree of Remembrance since 1994. Those adopting a light make a donation to the APCT. The amount is at their discretion.
The Tree of Remembrance is more than a fundraiser, Manuell said. “It’s a way for people to remember loved ones. I know often people say that it’s like buying a gift for the loved one who died.”
She said people from as far as British Columbia have sponsored lights. Some lights are dedicated to long-deceased people, she said, but families still want a way to remember them, even years later.
The donations go to offset the mileage and training expenses of the APCT.
The APCT is a group of dedicated volunteers who provide compassionate, supportive care to dying people and their families in the Almaguin area. Volunteers aren’t “medical people” but provide grief support, respite, companionship, light meal preparation, reading and other support.
Access to the APCT’s services is free. The program is funded through donations, the Ministry of Health’s long term care division and fundraising.
Those interested in dedicating a light on the Tree of Remembrance can call Manuell at 636-5912, Betty Soth at 387-1653 or Margaret Ross at 382-2852.
To refer someone for APCT’s service, call Manuell.
The APCT is also hosting another event aimed at remembering lost loved ones during the holidays.
One Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., a candlelight memorial service for those who have lost children will be held at Moore’s Funeral Chapel in Sundridge.
It’s part of a simultaneous worldwide memorial service that’s held each year.
Editorial
