This page was exported from Shelburne Free Press [ https://shelburnefreepress.ca ]
Export date: Tue Jul 23 21:13:55 2024 / +0000 GMT

Hope for the Holidays helps grieving residents this season




The holidays are a time for family. But for many people, the holiday season serves as a difficult reminder of lost loved ones.

In partnership with Drury Funeral Home in Alliston, Kent Funeral Home in Cookstown, and Rod Abrams Funeral Home in Tottenham, Matthews House Hospice hosted their Hope for the Holidays event at the Circle Theatre in Alliston. This was the third year for the event, which brings together grieving members of the community to help them get through this difficult time.

“With all the hype about Christmas and the holidays and all that, it can be really overwhelming on the best of days,” says Shannon Pride of Matthews House Hospice. “But even more so when you're grieving because you don't have those people with you, the ones that you've lost.”

Pride says it's especially important to provide support at this time of the year, which can be stressful. As a time of family togetherness, recent losses are not the only ones that make the holidays difficult. People can be reminded of grief for loved ones lost years ago.

“We offer this support to let people know that they're not alone, and that it's okay to feel miserable or down during this cheerful holiday season,” says Pride. “It's more of a community togetherness and awareness to bring peace.”

The event featured readings and singing performances, and community members were invited to light a candle on the Tree of Remembrance to honour lost loved ones.

Matthews House Hospice also features year-round bereavement support through structured 8-week sessions or casual drop-ins, as well as groups specialized for bereaved children. For more information contact Matthews House Hospice at 705 435-7218.

By Emily Wood

 

 

 

 
Post date: 2013-12-04 15:45:25
Post date GMT: 2013-12-04 20:45:25
Post modified date: 2013-12-11 14:40:34
Post modified date GMT: 2013-12-11 19:40:34
Powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin. HTML saving format developed by gVectors Team www.gVectors.com