It is a way to remember a loved one and helping others in need – providing Hope for the Holidays with Hospice Wellington’s Tree of Remembrance
This Saturday, Hospice Wellington is back for the season in Centre Wellington at the Fergus Zehrs on Dec. 11 from 1 to 6pm, where local volunteers from Hospice will be selling angels and tags.
“Selecting an Angel to place on the tree for every special person in my family the first time a few years ago was the first time that year I felt I had achieved something in quite a while” recounted Hospice volunteer Sherry Loree.
This year her organizational abilities are on a different level; she is the coordinator of Hospice Wellington’s annual fund and awareness raising campaign: Tree of Remembrance.
A widow, who has been a client of Hospice’s community programs, Loree will be busy describing to visitors the process of writing a gift tag to remember a loved one and placing it on the tree along with an angel and making a donation to sustain the Hospice programs that have helped thousands of other families in the 30 years the organization has been in existence.
“You will never know how much you need the help till you get here, and then you will find the listening ear that can hear your story that is too painful to share with even family and friends sometimes.”
Loree spoke of her own difficulties after losing her husband to suicide.
“Even though other people have lost their husbands, my loss felt different, but now I know everyone’s experience may be different. The help is just as special. So now it’s my turn to give back.
Erin McInnis, Hospice Wellington’s client services supervisor, said, “We know this time of year can be tough.”
Hospice has many regular events including a weekly wellness program on Monday mornings from 9.30am at Groves Hospital in Fergus and “Walking with Purpose” a walking group for individuals who have experienced the loss of a significant person, in Elora, Thursdays at 10am starting from the Cenotaph in front of the civic centre.
Hospice also produces a leaflet that many people find helpful. It is full of tips for coping with the season.
“You don’t need to be blue and alone this holiday season” said McInnis. “Come and share with those who know the pain of loss; you’ll be glad you did.”
