KAWARTHA LAKES-Every year Erin lights a candle and shares her story after losing her daughter to suicide.
“Losing a loved one to suicide is devastating and very isolating,” says Erin, a former Hospice Services client, who has lost her daughter to suicide. “Something I have learned on my grief journey is that it is so important to be with others to share our stories, our memories, our fears, and our tears. For me, coming together at the Candlelight Vigil is an opportunity to remember my daughter, and a reminder that I do not have to walk this journey alone.”
Tuesday September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. In Lindsay, a Candlelight Vigil will mark that the day at 112 McLaughlin Road – site of the Hospice Service labyrinth garden (on the grounds of Hutton and Angelo Chartered Professional Accountants). The vigil begins at 6 pm. on September 10, with information available about local community resources. The candlelight vigil follows at 6:30 pm.
Local residents are encouraged to come out and light a candle to remember a loved one lost to suicide, to support the survivors of suicide, and to show their resolve for suicide prevention efforts.
“The Candlelight Vigil will be an opportunity for families to remember their loved ones. At the same time, we hope to raise awareness about an important issue that needs a collaborative approach to prevent.” says Ryan Alexander, Manager of Community Care’s Hospice Services who host a regular grief support group, Healing After Suicide Loss.
The event is hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR), Community Care Health & Care Network and the HKPR District Health Unit.
“Local organizations such as ours are working together to prevent suicide, which requires the efforts of many,” adds Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education for CMHA HKPR.
“Every suicide is a tragedy that affects people of all ages and backgrounds,” notes Joanne Brewster, a Health Promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit. “Suicide and suicide prevention are important issues facing our community, and with awareness and training, we can all play an important role in saving lives.”
 photo credit: Reelaxxx (I.Rosenfeld) candle-light via photopin (license)
