OLDS — The annual Olds & District Hospice Society’s Tree of Remembrance ceremony, normally held in mid- to late-November, is happening Dec. 1 this year.
The event, to honour the memories of loved ones who have passed away, is held each year at the gazebo and at the foot of a giant tree in Olds' Centennial Park decorated with Christmas ornaments.
The society's executive director, Mary Marshall, told the Albertan this year’s edition was postponed to Dec. 1 to give time for volunteers to sell more stars at craft sales. The stars go on the tree in memory of late loved ones.
Marshall said last year, volunteers were unable to make it to the craft sales, so sales of stars were down; hence the desire to attend those craft sales this year.
In recent years, the stars were made at École Olds High School, but Marshall said that couldn’t be done because teacher Renu Mathew, who coordinated that project is away.
So hospice volunteer Kelly Siemens and a client of hers made the stars.
“They’re resin stars. They’re quite pretty. They’re see-through,” Marshall said. “With the light behind them, they’re quite nice.”
People interested in purchasing a star to hang on the tree in memory of a loved one can do that now.
