The holiday season is a time of getting together with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company, reliving fun times and creating new traditions.
But it can also be a time of sorrow when the circle of life is broken through the loss of a loved one.
Nanaimo Community Hospice Society wants to turn that sorrow into comfort and remembrance – a celebration of life – through two family events.
Hospice invites individuals and families who have recently lost a loved one to a Gathering To Remember Dec. 2 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church at 2:30 p.m.
Enjoy music, readings, candle light remembrance with visual and silent reflection followed by tea and light refreshments.
The event is also the kickoff to Hospice’s Celebrate A Life – a community support, awareness and funding event.
Christmas trees will be at Country Club Centre Dec. 7-17 and Woodgrove Centre December 14-21.
Memory cards are placed on the Celebrate a Life trees and the lights shine in celebration and remembrance.
“This year many families grieving the loss of a loved one will be entering the holiday season with heavy hearts,” said Wendy Pratt, Hospice executive director. “For them, watching as others rejoice and celebrate the tradition will be painful and sometimes debilitating.
“Nanaimo Hospice is here to provide compassionate care and understanding by holding events like Celebrate a Life and Gathering to Remember as well as many other programs and services.”
Volunteers and staff are available to offer support and information about Hospice programs and services.
For more information or to participate in Celebrate a Life online, please go to www.nanaimohospice.com or call 250-758-8857.