Airdrie City Hall will set the scene for tonight's lighting of the Tree of Hope.
According to the Airdrie and District Hospice Society, the Tree of Hope is lit every Dec. 1 in Nose Creek Regional Park, in memory of those whose lives have been lost, and as a symbol of resilience for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The light-up ceremony is typically on the opening night of the Airdrie Festival of Lights.
However, instead of Nose Creek Park, the tree will be lit this year at City Hall. The lighting ceremony will get underway tonight at 5:30 p.m., following a short memorial service.
ADHS is encouraging Airdronians to honour a loved one who has passed away by pledging a gift this holiday season. The society is selling stained-glass holiday-themed ornaments, including angels and tulips.
Concurrently, from today until the end of December, the Hospice Society will be accepting donations for its Compassionate Care Fund through the Tree of Hope campaign. According to a press release, this fund is used to assist families with expenses such as medication, aids for daily living, and transportation to visit a loved one in hospice when these are not covered by Alberta Health or other medical insurance plans.
2021 marks the eighth annual Tree of Hope celebration and campaign.
"The Christmas season is one of the most difficult to get through when you've lost someone close to you," noted ADHS President Daria Skibington-Roffel, in a press release.
"To remember those who are no longer with us at this time, the Tree of Hope lighting is a compassionate event to recognise the grief that some community members must cope with during what is normally one of the happiest celebrations of the year."
Those who would like to remember a loved one are encouraged to visit the Airdrie & District Hospice Society's website at airdriehospice.ca or call the society at 403-880-0424
"Your loved one's name will be placed on a special commemorative page on our website for the holiday season," the charity's email states
