Hospice North Hastings Celebrates Lives at Second Lights of Love Memorial

Hospice North Hastings hosted its second annual **Lights of Love Memorial** on **November 29, 2023**, at the hospice house located at **27 Bridge Street North** in Bancroft. This event allowed community members to honour and remember loved ones who have passed away by purchasing lights for six trees, with proceeds benefiting the hospice’s services. The memorial coincided with **National Hospice and Palliative Care Month**, highlighting the importance of end-of-life care.

Stacy Pitts from Hospice North Hastings reflected on the success of the evening, noting the community’s strong support. The hospice is a four-bed residential facility staffed by Registered Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers, and a grief and bereavement counsellor, all overseen by Executive Director **Keitha McNeil** and Medical Director **Dr. Micayla Ahearn**. The hospice’s mission is to provide compassionate end-of-life care while respecting the final wishes of patients.

The **Lights of Love Memorial** featured a poignant slideshow that displayed photos and names submitted by families and friends, adding a personal touch to the remembrance. Six trees adorned with lights stood as symbols of love and cherished memories, with each light representing a life that had touched the community. This year, the event honoured **130 loved ones** and raised just over **$5,600**.

Pitts expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support, stating, “We value each donation, we value everyone who was able to attend, we value the love and support shared by many.” She emphasized that the memorial serves as a testament to the spirit of community involvement, noting, “The Lights of Love Memorial continues to be a testament to that very spirit, thank you to all who helped make a difference.”

The evening also featured musical performances by the **Joyful Bell Ringers**, enhancing the atmosphere of reflection and remembrance. The trees for the event were generously donated by local individuals, showcasing the community’s commitment to supporting the hospice’s mission.

In her remarks, Pitts quoted **Albert Einstein**, stating, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. Being valuable means doing things that help others and make the world a better place.” This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, underscoring the importance of compassion and community.

Hospice North Hastings also acknowledged the contributions of local businesses that supported the memorial. Pitts remarked, “We wouldn’t be here without the support of our entire community and surrounding areas.”

The **Lights of Love Memorial** stands as a cherished tradition for Hospice North Hastings, offering comfort and connection to families during a difficult time. The event not only commemorates those who have passed but also reinforces the importance of community support in providing compassionate care.