SUNDRE – A couple of dozen people recently gathered just outside the Myron Thompson Health Centre to remember loved ones lost as well as offer some thoughts and prayers for those still with us.
Blue and red lights adorning a tree immediately adjacent the facility were lit up on Friday, Dec. 6 in memory of those gone as well as a beacon of hope and support for others during the annual Tree of Hope lighting ceremony. Blue bulbs represent those who have passed away, while the red lights represent an expression of hope and support for those still with us.
Diana Kleinloog, Sundre Palliative Care Association president, offered a few words and Jo-Anne McDonald, longtime Tree of Hope coordinator, read aloud the names of loved ones lost during the annual lighting ceremony.
The Sundre Community Choir brought their melodic vocal cords and sang a few carols following the ceremony. The members also performed their first annual Christmas choir at the Sundre United Church on Sunday, Dec. 8 with plans for another scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. with admission by donation and all welcome to attend.
The palliative care association is a non-profit organization whose volunteers among other things provides the community with grief and bereavement as well as spiritual or pastoral support.
Visit www.sundrepalliativecare.ca to learn more about the association, request the help of trained volunteers, or even find out how to get involved.
