Candles of Remembrance Ceremony Goes Virtual
(pictured above is Louise Brazier, Bereavement Services Coordinator with Hospice Orillia)
ORILLIA, ON – Each December Hospice Orillia hosts its annual Candles of Remembrance ceremony where communitymembers gather to honour those who are no longer with us. Traditionally guests were treated to poetry readings, live music, plus the opportunity to light a candle in memory of their loved ones.
With the overwhelming success of last year’s virtual Candles of Remembrance ceremony, Hospice Orillia has opted to move forward with a similar format for 2021.
“We take pride knowing that last years memorial ceremonies brought much comfort to many, near and far.” Says Hospice Orillia’s Bereavement Coordinator, Louise Brazier. “Based on the feedback we received, combined with the current unknowns surrounding the pandemic, we decided it was in everyone’s best interest to conduct the 2021 Candles of Remembrance ceremony virtually.”
“We know that the holiday season can be stressful and it is extra difficult this year not knowing what the future will hold. Those who have lost a loved one may not be ready, or able, to surround themselves with loved ones this year and we want them to know they are not alone.”
Community members are invited to submit a photo, along with a sentiment, of their loved ones to be included in this year’s virtual ceremony; which will feature poetry readings, music, candles and submitted memorials.
The pre-recorded ceremony will become available to the community via the Hospice Orillia website Thursday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m.
“We are thankful that our guests will not be required to brave the unpredictable weather that tends to comealong with the Candles of Remembrance event.” Brazier said. “Given the number of individuals served through the 2020 virtual ceremony, we could see this become an event that carries on in the future as it provides everyone the opportunity to participate from the comfort of their own home.”
Traditionally the ceremony would see between 45-60 individuals attended in person; however in 2020 inexcess of 1,000 individuals attended one of the virtual memorial ceremonies provided by Hospice Orillia.
“With everything that is going on in the world, it is more important than ever for us to come together, even if it is virtually, to take the time to pause and reflect.” Brazier notes. “We invite the community to RSVP for the event, submit their memorial photos and join us on December 9th in the comfort of their own home for an evening of reflection, poetry, music and memories.”
Submissions will be accepted until end of day on December 2nd. To submit your loved ones name and/orphoto, or for more information this years Candles of Remembrance ceremony, please visit www.hospiceorillia.ca/candles
For more information on the bereavement services provided through Hospice Orillia please visit https://hospiceorillia.ca/bereavement-services/ or call Louise Brazier at (705) 325-0505 ext. 209
Background info about Hospice Orillia:
Established in 1989, Hospice Orillia offers practical, emotional and spiritual support to those in our communitycoping with advanced illness, death and bereavement. Our volunteers and staff serve clients and their loved onesof all ages and backgrounds with compassion and respect, while honouring their choices and supporting themthrough their life journey. Our services are offered to anyone living with a life-limiting illness and/or their friends,family members, and caregivers at the clients home, wherever “home” is, or at our office location in a private space.