Christmas time is not always about the gifts, food and general excess of the season.
For many, it’s a time of reflection and even closure for those who have lost someone dear to their heart.
That’s why the Richmond Hospice Association provides its Tree of Remembrance each year at this time.
“Getting close to the end of the year, it’s a time for many people to think about someone special in their lives who they may have lost,” said Pat Miller, the association’s executive director. “It’s something most hospice organizations provide for their communities, and one we’ve offered for the past 15 years.”
The lobby at Richmond Funeral Home is again the site for the tree where visitors can write their name of the person they want to recall on a paper ornament card and add it to the collection that grows steadily through the holiday season.
“We don’t really have enough rituals in our society today,” said Jennifer Dufour, coordinator of volunteer resorces with the hospice association. “Hopefully, this can become one of them each year for people.”
While the Tree of Remembrance is not primarily a fundraiser, donations to the hospice association can also be made at the same time when filling out a card. Last year, the tree raised around $500.
“This is not so much as a fundraiser but a way of remembering someone, and that can be a very effective way of achieving closure for many,” Miller said.
Richmond Funeral home is located at 8420 Cambie Road.
