Palliative Manitoba’s memory tree is up at St. Vital Centre

St. Vital

St. James-Assiniboia

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/11/2023 (742 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The return of the Palliative Manitoba’s memory tree to St. Vital Centre for the holiday season signals there’s some comfort and compassion on the horizon for those who may need it at this time of year.

This year’s memory tree, again positioned near the front of The Bay, was officially launched at the centre on Nov. 23. With the help of its partners at Winnipeg Environmental Remediations and Homecare Solutions for Everyone, the tree was put together in a record 90 minutes, organizers said.

This marks the 36th anniversary of the memory tree, and the 40th anniversary of Palliative Manitoba. Jennifer Gurke, Palliative Manitoba’s executive director, said she’s proud to be involved with the seasonal initiative that has captured the hearts of minds of community members through the decades.

“I’ve had the incredible privilege of leading the organization during the last six years,” Gurke said, noting this was the second year the event has had a public launch since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s so important to be able to help ease the suffering of those who are dying or grieving.”

Gurke said the grieving process is a challenge, but the feeling associated with it can be magnified during the holidays, as this is traditionally a time of celebration and togetherness. Individuals, she said, might feel a compounded sense of loss and isolation, and the memory tree gives them an opportunity to remember someone who has died, and significantly — acknowledge that grief can be a normal part of the season.

“As in previous years, we hope the memory tree gives people an outlet to safely express their grief. The holidays can be tough for some when others are full of joy and excitement. It’s important that people know they can show their grief over the holidays. We all express our grief in our own ways, and the feelings might be different for a person who lost someone 20 or 30 years ago. Grief is a normal, human emotion, and we’re all different,” she said.

“A big thing that I want people to know is they’re not alone. They’re able to place a card in the tree, and there are volunteers there to listen and hear you, and you can express your grief in a safe manner.”

Palliative Manitoba is grateful to St. Vital Centre for hosting the tree and Desjardins Funeral Home for providing the memory cards.

Volunteers are available at the memory tree during mall hours until noon on Dec. 24. Cards can also be filled out online until noon on Dec. 24, and donations to the tree can also be made online until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31. Visit palliativemanitoba.ca to learn more, or to donate.