A very special reception and memorial service for bereaved Canuck Place families was recently held in honour of their children. 

The memorial, led by Kathryn Nicholson, Bereavement Program Coordinator, and Eric Stephanson, Spiritual Care Leader, featured reflections in music and song.  

Following the service, family members returned to the gardens of Canuck Place that had candle-lit lanterns each of which was labeled with the name of the child who was being remembered.   Upon finding their child’s lantern, families spent time reflecting and sharing stories prior to taking home their light.   Many siblings had also created their own luminaries which were on display.   The glowing lights made by volunteers lining the pathways, along with the soothing sounds of a harp and the flowing water, added to the tranquility of the event.  View photos

Families also had the opportunity to place a ‘touch stone’ with their child’s name into the gentle waterfall and brook of the new pondless water feature. 

Carol, a member of the Family Advisory Council noted, “’Remembering Our Children’ was a very moving event for so many reasons. First and foremost it allowed bereaved families to reconnect with each other and with Canuck Place staff.  With the theme of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" woven throughout in music, song, word and action we were able to honor and acknowledge the incredible spirits of our children.”

Thank you to all the families who participated and the staff & volunteers who supported the evening.

Read A family's story for a first hand account of the event