The paths are a little bit brighter on the grounds of the Foyer Lacombe Hospice after an annual fundraising event Thursday night.
On Nov. 18, the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospice Association (SASHA) held their Lighting the Way Light Up Celebration.
This year was the second year the event was held by SASHA to raise money for Foyer Lacombe, which is home to 10 hospice beds and 12 long-term care beds.
Donors buy a light bulb or a tree in support of those living with a life-limiting disease or in memory of a loved one.
The money goes toward programs such as the Compassionate Care Volunteer Program, Connect Café, and to make enhancements at the hospice.
Shirley Brown spoke candidly about her husband, Larry — who had ALS — and their experience with SASHA.
A SASHA volunteer would visit him weekly at their home during the last year of his illness.
“Larry looked forward to the Wednesday afternoon visits and I could concentrate on my job. I felt very comfortable with the volunteers and never felt anxious leaving the house,” said Brown.
The visits continued when Larry was assessed as palliative and given a bed at the hospice.
“It was such a blessing to both of us to have met these sincere new friends. And my goal one day is to be a SASHA volunteer.
“Larry's room was right over there,” said Brown, pointing toward the hospice.
Coun. Sheena Hughes also spoke at the event. She said the facility is desperately needed in the community.
“The support they're providing is really immeasurable for those who need it,” said Hughes.
Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said we spend a lot of time planning how we enter into this life, but not as much time planning on how we exit. Groups such as SASHA bring comfort to loved ones and their families at the end.
“In times of darkness, we look to the light to bring us comfort, to offer us hope, and to inspire joy. And sometimes it feels like there's just a little bit too much darkness around us. But we sometimes need darkness to be able to actually see the light,” Hnatiw said.
St. Albert MLA Marie Renaud said she knew a family whose family member used the hospice when it opened.
“It was remarkable actually, the peace and love that they felt here during a really difficult time,” she said.
Morinville-St. Albert MLA Dale Nally also had personal experience with the hospice.
“I'm not going to go into a lot of details now because I'll get emotional, but this place has a special connection for me,” he said.
Nally said he was incredibly supportive and appreciative of the work SASHA does.
The lights will be up on the trees until Jan. 18, 2022.
The multi-coloured trees are the community trees that are decorated with donations from people who purchased light bulbs and also corporate sponsors. The solid-coloured trees are sponsored by businesses, organizations, or families in memory of a loved one.
