Winter Candlelight Memorial 2024
Although the weather forecast kept a few confirmed families away, our annual Winter Candlelight Memorial had the best attendance in recent years. It created a warm, safe and supportive space for families of our Emily’s House, Emily’s House at Home, and Philip Aziz Centre for Hospice Care clients.
Family members, volunteers and our hospice teams gathered in a shared spirit of remembrance and solidarity. They reflected on the memories and legacies of loved ones, in an atmosphere of comfort and healing: allowing families to honour their loved ones and find peace in their memories.
Bruno and Kim shared their personal journeys of caregiving for their loved ones during their illnesses and how they manage their grief journey. Bruno shared about his son’s laughter and love for Frank Sinatra. Kim’s reflection on caregiving for her mother highlighted challenges, moments of strength, and some of the special things she learned from her mother. She also brought her mother’s apron, and the last jar of nearly empty jam that her mother made. She showed us the cookbook of her mother’s recipes that PAC staff and volunteers helped her to assemble. She expressed gratitude for the PAC staff’s support throughout her mother’s illness, and the grief and bereavement support afterwards.
Special thanks to: client representatives Bruno and Kim; our CEO, Rauni Salminen; event lead and social worker, Sharon Bailey-Wright; our wonderful volunteers and staff who were instrumental in providing a warm, inviting and comforting atmosphere; and, to the Mount Pleasant Group venue/host.
Families shared:
- “It’s such a blessing to have a safe space like that for my daughter and our family.” (EH at Home community parent)
- “Thank you so much for all your support. My family and I really appreciate all the resources.” (PAC, community family member).
- “Thank you for your kind work and support.” (PAC, G&B client)
- “Thank you for remembering our children.” (EH community parent)
- “I come every year to this memorial. Thank you for giving me a safe space to talk about my daughter.” (PAC, community parent)
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