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Community invited to Fifth annual Hospice Memory Walk

The 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society is holding its annual Hospice Memory Walk on Jan. 25

For five years now the 100 Mile District Hospice Palliative Care Society has invited South Cariboo residents to remember their departed loved ones at their Hospice Memory Walk. 

Set up around the 100 Mile House Marsh, the walk is a time for community members to remember those they've lost while walking down a candlelit path and reading inspirations scattered throughout the treeline. Attendees are also invited to write messages to departed loved ones and leave them in bags along the route, which are then collected and burned by Sarah Smith, 100 Mile Hospice bereavement coordinator and lead organizer of the walk. 

"Because of COVID-19 we had to create some mourning rituals. We decided that after Christmas, when it's a pretty hard time for most people with darker days and not much to look forward to, to create another mourning ritual," Smith said. "This year there is another little surprise for people. A singing group in town has decided to volunteer their time and their talents. They'll be along the trail at various places singing songs that are appropriate to the occasion." 

The group of singers who have volunteered to sing during the walk is a group of locals led by Demian Pettman, Smith said. She's not sure if they plan to be walking the route or standing somewhere in the trees but remarked she thinks it will be a nice addition. 

"It just adds to the experience," Smith said. 

This year the walk is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Smith said she hopes it is warmer than it has been in previous years. She invites anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one this year, whether it's a recent loss or an old loss, to attend and consider dropping off a written message in one of the bags along the route. 

Smith noted she appreciates the District of 100 Mile House's ongoing support of the walk and staff's efforts to clear the route used every year and make sure it's well sanded. She said she receives notes from the community every year thanking hospice for putting the walk on which illustrates its importance. 

"I see there is a need. I do have people reaching out to me enquiring what day it is going to be because it does fluctuate in January. Also all those notes (left during the walk) tell me this is a needed opportunity," Smith remarked. "We don't have a lot of opportunities to remember our loved ones, reminisce and do some of our mourning work.

"There is an opportunity for you to reminisce and be in nature where it's grounding and quiet. The goal is to take that moment for yourself and do the work. (Grieving) doesn't just end a year after the death, it's forever." 

Anyone with questions about the walk is invited to contact 100 Mile Hospice at 250-395-7680. 



Patrick Davies

About the Author: Patrick Davies

An avid lover of theatre, media, and the arts in all its forms, I've enjoyed building my professional reputation in 100 Mile House.
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