Tree of Memories
Our 27th Annual Tree of Memories Community Candlelight Memorial Service took place on December 5, 2024 where our community came together to honour and remember their loved ones. It was a special evening of community, reflection, and comfort, for those who are facing the holiday season for the first time without their loved one, and for those who lost their loved one many years ago.
We are grateful for all of those who participated in this special evening. A very sincere thank you to Rev. Doug Neufeld of Trinity United Church, and Kim Lewarne, Brockie Donovan’s Funeral Celebrant, for their heartfelt words of comfort and hope. Thank you to our soloist, Julianna Moore and accompanist, Rob Lovatt, for sharing their amazing gift of music which was so warm and comforting.
A special thank you to Pastor Jamie Freeman and Bonnie Irvine for assisting us with all of the audio and visual requirements for the evening, and to McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church and all of their staff for being such gracious hosts and going above and beyond to accommodate our requests.
We would also like to thank all of our very faithful volunteers who come together every year to help make the evening memorable, as well as our sponsors: Guild Insurance Group, IG Private Wealth Management ~ Dennis Hunt & Assoc., Leech Group, MNP, The BloomBox, The Green Spot, and Meridian Crossfit. We are grateful for your support and generosity.
For those who have ordered a Memorial Ornament, you are welcome to pick them up from our office at 332-8th Street after Monday, December 9th.
We sincerely thank you for joining us and we wish you a peaceful Christmas, surrounded and comforted by those most important in your life.
There is often pressure on grieving individuals (either internally, or from others) to put aside their sadness and hurt and be full of joy and thanksgiving. However, memories of their loved one resurface during events where their loved one would have been. It is our hope this article written by leading grief psychologist, Dr. Alan Wolfelt, will help you understand how to help yourself heal during the holiday season, or how to support someone you know who is grieving over the holidays.
“Holidays are time spent with loved ones” was imprinted on our psyche from a young age. They are part of the milestones we share with each other and they generally represent time spent with family. But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how on earth can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died? For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving, when we miss our loved ones even more than usual. The need for support may be the greatest during the holidays. There are a number of ways to incorporate your loved one and your loss into the holidays. It is our hope this video will give you guidance as you face the holidays without your loved one.
