CORNWALL, Ontario – The holiday season can be an especially challenging time of year for anyone who has ever lost someone close to their heart. To support those people, the Bereaved Families of Ontario held their Memorial Tree lighting service at the Cornwall Square mall, continuing a 21 year old tradition, on Sunday afternoon.
“This is the memory tree lighting ceremony for bereaved families, our tree has been at the Cornwall Square for the last 21 years. It’s a symbolic gesture to memorialize those we’ve lost,” said Gisele Roy, from the Bereaved Families of Ontario’s local office.
“Some people return year after year to put their memory tag in the tree, and it’s a source of comfort.”
Attendees listened to advice and how to cope with grief over the holidays, and were invited to tap into the Bereaved Families wealth of resources designed for people facing these tough challenges. The Centennial Choir was also in attendence, performing for crowds shortly before the tree lighting.
“Some people were here for the first time this year, of course all are welcome,” said Roy. Following the tree lighting attendees were invited to place memories on the Christmas tree, which will later be digitized and kept by the Bereaved Families of Ontario.
“We have our candlelight service coming up at Knox St. Paul’s United Church on December 13th at 7pm,” said Roy, inviting all those unable to attend today’s event.
