NEWS RELEASE
HOSPICE ORILLIA
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Each year, Hospice Orillia hosts its annual Candles of Remembrance Ceremony, where community members gather to honour those who are no longer with us. While the ceremony has been held virtually for the past two years, the 2022 ceremony will be held in person on Dec. 8 with a virtual option available.
“We are excited to welcome our community to the new venue for our annual Candles of Remembrance ceremony, which will take place at Creative Nomad Studios,” says Hospice Orillia’s bereavement coordinator, Louise Brazier. “The holiday season can be stressful, and it is especially difficult when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. We want the community to know they are not alone; we are here for them.”
As a Community Hospice, Hospice Orillia provides grief and bereavement support to the community through a variety of services, one of which is their annual Candles of Remembrance ceremony, during which guests are treated to poetry readings, live music, and light refreshments. This year they will also have the opportunity to create a memorial token in memory of their loved ones.
“We are thankful that our guests will have the opportunity to gather in this beautiful space in the heart of Orillia,” Brazier said. “There is ample parking in the municipal parking lots located at the Orillia Public Library off of West Street and behind Creative Nomad Studios, or street parking is available. For those who may require assistance navigating their way to the second floor, an elevator is available.”
In past years anywhere between 45-60 individuals attended the ceremony when it was held in person; however, based on the record number of individuals who have viewed the virtual ceremony over the past two years, and as a result of a survey conducted, Hospice Orillia will be continuing to offer access to a special Candles of Remembrance production in addition to the in-person ceremony.
“For many, they simply do not have the means to be able to physically attend the in-person ceremony, which is what makes it so important that we continue providing access to our memorial events virtually,” said Amanda Tevelde, communications, fundraising and community relations specialist.
“As a partially funded organization, we rely on financial donations in order to be able to provide both an in-person and virtual option to our community members. We would like to thank the Casino Rama CREW Festive Fund as well as the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area for their ongoing support of this very important ceremony," said Tevelde.
With everything that is going on in the world, it is more important than ever for us to take the time to pause and reflect. Whether you participate in person or online, you are invited to submit a photo, along with a sentiment, of your loved ones. To have your submission included during the ceremony, it is asked that you complete the online form found here by Dec. 5. All memorials submitted will also be included (along with any photos submitted) in the virtual edition, which is scheduled to be released on Dec. 14.
The 2022 Candles of Remembrance will take place at Creative Nomad Studios, 23 Mississaga St. W., on Thursday, Dec. 8, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. For more information on this year’s Candles of Remembrance ceremony or RSVP, please visit this website.
For more information on the bereavement services provided through Hospice Orillia, please visit this link or call Louise Brazier at (705) 325-0505, ext. 209.
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