VARNA – Despite the cold north wind, the candles flickered and a large number of bundled-up participants attended the second annual Candlelight Memorial Walk.
The event, held at the Taylor Trail in Varna on April 1, was organized by a team of local volunteers. Hundreds of candles lit up the forest path, making the memorial walk an absolutely magical experience.
Over 100 memorial names were read during the dedication ceremony while, thanks to a generous donation from Tim Hortons in Bayfield, participants were able to keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate.
Special thanks was given to the team lead by Willy VanKlooster, executive director of Huron Hospice.
“I am deeply aware of how much work you put into this – both in terms of raising money and in terms of organizing a meaningful event,” stated VanKlooster. “I am aware that you did not do this alone, but want to give you my special thanks and appreciation.”
With 51 Huron County business sponsors and a very large number of candlelight donations, over $25,000 was raised in support of Huron Hospice, with donations still coming in. The team was delighted with these results.
For those family members that were unable to attend, or would like to share the event with others, a video of the memorial walk can be found online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkFXsJaEWWw.
“It was heart-warming to see so many people attend the second annual Candlelight Memorial Walk, despite the chilly winds that evening.” says Jay McFarlan, speaker at the event and chair of the Huron Hospice Board of Directors. “People came out to honour their loved ones, each with their own unique story of loss. By sharing our stories, we help each other through the process of grief and keep those memories alive.”
Anyone interested in joining the volunteer organizational team for next year’s memorial walk, please contact team lead Roger Mather at 905-630-3571 or rogerrogermather@gmail.com.
