The Christmas season isn't always the happiest of occasions due to loneliness, and Sunset Palliative Care in Portage la Prairie understands. Volunteer coordinator Aldene Moroz says they held their Christmas Dinner of Hope last night after it was postponed Tuesday due to the blizzard.
"The Christmas
About 70 people attended, and Moroz says a ceremony's part of the get-together, with five candles that are lit to represent grief, courage, memories, love, and hope. She notes each person then lights a candle at their table in memory of a loved one.
Moroz says games and door prizes are part of the companionship everyone enjoys in this pre-Christmas setting. Donations are welcomed, but the dinner is free, so everyone can attend. She notes the PCRC gave a grant to the service this year to help cut costs for the dinner. Mil-Jeanne Flowers and Axcenz also helped out with the arrangements on the tables.
Trish Garrioch says the dinner means a lot to her.
"It's getting out and being with people who've gone through the same type of tragedy in some way. My sister was only 54 when she passed away. We had some palliative care help. Some of the ladies that are here tonight actually came and visited with my sister when she was in the hospital, and even at home."