THUNDER BAY – Hospice Northwest shares, “The holiday season can be a difficult and lonely time, if you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one. So, Hospice Northwest is reaching out to support people through their grief, and to honour those they have lost.
Once again this year, Wings of Remembrance Ornaments are being offered.
These spun-glass keepsakes are available in three styles: an angel, a butterfly, or a dove. At $25 dollars each, the ornaments can be personalized in memory of a loved one. Proceeds go towards providing palliative care, grief and bereavement support services, throughout the District of Thunder Bay.
Pat Skirtschak and her family received dove ornaments last Christmas in remembrance of Ilko, the grandfather and mentor to the family. For Skirtschak it was a gift of love. “When we opened it up and saw a dove”, she says, “ it was touching because he created peace for us in our family. It was very symbolic. It was really a treasure.”
Loved ones are being remembered in another way, this holiday season.
A Candlelight Memorial Service will be held on Thursday December 1st at 7 pm at Trinity United Church, 30 South Algoma Street. The service is a collaboration between Hospice Northwest, Trinity United, and St Paul’s Anglican Church.
Music and readings will be featured and there will be the opportunity to light a candle, in memory of a loved one.
In a further moving tribute, ice candles created by Hospice volunteers will line the steps of the church and will be given, to people attending the service, to take home.
Reverend Randy Boyd with Trinity United Church says this kind of memorial service is important at the holiday season, “It’s saying you’re not alone. There are others. There’s a need for a time to gather and express the deep grief
we feel. It’s ok to be feeling sad at what is a joyous time of year”
The service is non-denominational and open to everyone in the community,no matter their loss.
The Wings of Remembrance Ornaments will be available for purchase at the service.