Hospice Orillia has taken the annual Garden of Remembrance ceremony virtual, for the second year in a row.
Traditionally, flowers have been planted in the Garden of Remembrance, directly behind the Conservatory at Couchiching Beach Park in order to remember the loved ones they have lost.
However, due to the pandemic, the ceremony will take place virtually, with a pre-recorded video launching online June 3rd at 6:30pm.
The community is invited to participate in the ceremony by submitting their loved ones name, along with a photo and a sentiment via the Hospice Orillia website by May 26th.
“We invite the community to participate in the ceremony by submitting their loved ones name, along with a photo and a sentiment via the Hospice Orillia website.” Louise Brazier notes. “We want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity for their loved one to be honoured during the ceremony and as such, we will be taking submissions over the phone for those who are unable to submit online. You may call (705) 325-0505 ext 108 and speak with Megan Lowrie.”
During the memorial submission process, participants will have the opportunity to order a free Keepsake Package, which will include everything needed in order to plant a sunflower in their garden plus a printed copy of the ceremony program. Limited number of Keepsake Packages available.
In addition to the beautiful memorial tribute video, attendees to the virtual Garden of Remembrance ceremony will have the opportunity to hear poetry readings and music from local musicians.
“The Garden of Remembrance ceremony is available to all who wish to participate.” Added Brazier “At Hospice Orillia, we know just how important it is to remember all types of loss. We hope that the ceremony will provide some level of comfort and support to the community.
Having lost two family members during the pandemic herself, Amanda Tevelde, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator at Hospice Orillia, can speak to just how important the Garden of Remembrance ceremony is.
“In the summer of 2020 our family experienced our first loss, our Aunt Gina, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Then in February 2021, we lost my Grandma, who also passed away after a battle with cancer.” Amanda states. “Both of these women were diagnosed and died during the pandemic. Like so many others in our community, the pandemic left us without the opportunity to say our goodbyes, or to provide our family with the amount of support that we would have otherwise provided. The Gardens ceremony provides us with the opportunity to honor our loved ones who we have not had the chance to say goodbye to.”
“While we can not be together in person, we can still come together as a community through the virtual Garden of Remembrance ceremony. Please join us in honouring our loved ones by sending in your memorial submissions.” Tevelde adds.
To submit your memorial submission please visit www.hospiceorillia.ca/gardens or call (705) 325-0505 ext. 108.
2021 Garden of Remembrance registration now open. Please join us for our annual virtual memorial event to remember those who are no longer with us. For more information please visit https://t.co/tHnlBjyvIh pic.twitter.com/SConwFNlZj
— Hospice Orillia (@HosOrillia) May 5, 2021