WHAT IS THE MOONLIT MEMORY WALK?
The purpose of the Moonlit Memory Walk is to commemorate the people who have died. We celebrate that they lived, whether for minutes, years, or decades and that they made a lasting impression on the lives of others. The goal of this event is to keep memories alive and create a community of collective healing where to talk about our loved ones is to honour them.
At the core, the Moonlit Memory Walk is a fundraising event to support the programs and services of the Home Hospice Association. With the support of our incredible walkers, we will achieve great fundraising heights.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE WALK?
During the Moonlit Memory Walk event, people come together to walk in the evening, along a treed path, by the light of the October full moon.
Upon arrival, participants are greeted with a commemorative lantern on which they write the name(s) of their loved one(s). They are then invited to help themselves to food and beverages and volunteers introduce familiar people to new people. Thus begins the establishment of a community.
As everyone gathers outside, the names of those being remembered are shared and, with lanterns lit, participants begin the walk. Everyone carries a lantern to light the footpath and participants are invited to share their memories with others. There are thought-provoking questions to help that sharing process such as, "What was most important to the loved one you are celebrating tonight? What one word would you use to summarize your loved one?" People who began as strangers, begin to share and listen and continue to heal.
At our First Annual Moonlit Memory Walk, on returning from the walk, people who had never known each other before, sat together while they had desserts and beverages. On leaving, new acquaintances hugged, wished each other well, and thanked one another for sharing their story. The smiles told of healing.
WHY DO WE WALK?
It is an opportunity for the legacy of our loved ones to live on in the care of others at the end of their lives. The funds you raise, in memoriam of your loved one, ensure care happens when cure is no longer possible. It is a time for healing through the sharing of memories and stories. It is a way for our loved ones to live on in the way we tell others, who may have never met them, who they were and what legacy they left in this world. It is a way for us to ensure HHA is there and able to hold space for those who will embark upon their end of life journey and those who love them, including their pet.
WHO DO WE WALK FOR?
Every life matters and we walk for every one. We walk for our parents, grandparents, siblings and children. We walk for our pets because we miss them and know others will understand. We walk for a life that may have only existed in the body of another, who never had a chance to meet everyone who love them. We walk for those whose tragic end may prevent loved ones from being able to grieve in a healthy way.