Harp music played while grieving people scattered flower petals onto the Alouette River in memory of their loved ones, as the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society held its first annual Hike for Hospice event on Sunday.
There were about 100 people who registered for the walk through Allco Park, where signs along the pathway offered messages for a day of remembering loved ones who have passed.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure,” said one. Another: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
Families and groups took the short, 1.3 km memorial walk through the quiet park, and participated in the ceremonial petal scattering, and saying goodbye. Then, those participating could enjoy a Domino’s pizza lunch.
“Because nothing goes better with grief than pizza – comfort food,” said Lindsey Willis, executive director of the society, told the participants.
There were also Hospice Society counsellors there for those who needed support.
The event will replace the former Vistas Run, which had been a hospice fundraiser, but was laid low by the COVID-19 pandemic and did not bounce back.
Willis said the new hike was free this year, but she hopes that the Hike for Hospice can be a fundraiser for the not-for-profit charity in future years.
All of the grief support programs offered by the Hospice Society are offered at no cost.
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