Lights of Love honours the memories of lost loved ones

Pictured from left are Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth social worker Melissa McManus and Lucie Stuart, director of fund development and stewardship.

Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth will close out the year with its annual Lights of Love Holiday Campaign to commemorate loved ones who have passed by uniting the community in lighting candles and celebrating their lives. 

An outdoor lighting ceremony will take place Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. Dedication messages will be displayed on a slideshow accompanied by formal remarks presented by speakers, and hot beverages and refreshments will be available.  

“For The Lights of Love Holiday Campaign, we decided to kick it off with the lighting ceremony,” said Lucie Stuart, director of fund development and stewardship at Rotary Hospice. “This event gives people a chance to remember their loved ones. It's not so much about the size of the donation that you make, it’s the dedication message.” 

Melissa McManus, social worker at Rotary Hospice and speaker at the lighting ceremony, said the role is a heavy one to fill but she’s honoured to help struggling families who are experiencing loss.

“You never stop grieving somebody; they are always there and always a part of you. You learn over time to adapt to this new normal without them being physically here,” said McManus. “They can always be present in your life in different ways and that’s something we will talk about at the lighting ceremony and different ways on how you can still include your loved one in your traditions.” 

The Ontario Ministry of Health provides funding for only 50 per cent of Rotary Hospice’s yearly operating costs. The rest of the money is raised through donations from the community.

“You can give $20 and send us your dedication message, and you will be put in a slideshow,” said Stuart. That $20 is wonderful to give and we are grateful for it. It does not have to be a certain amount; donate as much as you would like too.”

Rotary Hospice aims to raise a $1 million every year to reach the annual budget requirements to successfully run the facility with the highest level of care. Stuart said the holiday campaign is a vital component to reaching that goal. Previous campaign numbers show Lights for Love can raise $40,000 for the hospice. 

The event will also feature live music and a guest speaker who will inform the community on their experience with Rotary Hospice.