Winter Candlelight Memorial 2025 – November 30, 2025

This year’s Winter Candlelight Memorial gathered 55 clients and family members for a beautiful and meaningful event. Families from Emily’s House, Emily’s House at Home, and the Philip Aziz Centre for Hospice Care came together in a space of remembrance, and community support. The atmosphere felt comforting and warm, offering a safe place to honour loved ones and to find solace in shared memories.

The service was made special due to one of our Volunteers, Anna, who shared a beautifully heartfelt reflection about her years of service and what she’s learned about grief. We were also honoured by the El-Abou family, who shared a moving reflection on the loss of their son. Their eight-year-old daughter touched the entire room as she read a sweet and tender poem in his memory.

Following the formal program, families stayed, talked, and supported one another, filling the space with warmth, compassion, and connection. It was a comforting evening where grief was present and met with care for one another.

A special thank-you to the staff at Mount Pleasant Group for graciously hosting us, and for their incredible support in helping create such a welcoming environment.

We are grateful to the dedicated staff and volunteers who made the evening possible: Tina (Grief and Bereavement Coordinator); Kristen (Music Therapist); Sharon (Social Worker); Emily (Paediatric & Family Grief and Bereavement Coordinator); Nichelle (Client Care Coordinator); Lena (Manager of Client Services & Social Worker); Anna, Beth, Caryn, and Lois (Volunteers). Your compassion and presence helped create a meaningful evening of remembrance and healing.

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