Coming Together For International Survivors Of Suicide Loss Day

Thursday, 7 November 2019 at 06:15

Photo credit: Facebook.com/International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

A candle lit memorial walk and a tree lighting ceremony are scheduled to take place on November 23rd, as well as a photo presentation of those who were lost to suicide. It starts at 6:00 pm and it is required you pre-register for the event.

WOODSTOCK - Everyone is invited to a special event in Woodstock to commemorate the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.

The free event is happening at the Smith-Leroy Funeral Home on Wellington Street on November 23rd starting at 6:00 pm.

Organizer and Suicide survivor Vicki Travnicek says they will be doing a candle lit memorial walk and a tree lighting ceremony.

"We are going to do a candle lit service, we are planning a candle lit walk up to Dundas Street and back and we are going to do a tree lighting, we are also going to do a photo presentation of all those we have lost to suicide and in honour of them, we will be lighting a tree, that will be lit throughout the Christmas season."

Travnicek says they are hoping for a big turnout.

"We want all members of our community, who have been touched by the loss of a friend, a family member, a co-worker to suicide. We want everybody to know that we support them and we understand we need to celebrate the ones we lost and acknowledge that our community is really strong and supportive."

She adds that they do ask that you pre-register for the event and indicate if you want a loved one featured in the ceremony.

"We are doing a photo presentation and if you want your loved ones photo included in that, you need to email us in advance. We hope that won't deter people from coming, we would love to know the numbers, so that we can be prepared and have a candle for everyone who comes. We are going to be celebrating with some music and a small ceremony and we want to know approximate numbers of who will come, but we don't want anybody to be deterred, you are all welcome, if you can hear my voice, you are invited."

They do ask to pre-register by November 15th and you can do so by emailing Karla at kenns@wellkin.ca, or Vicki at vicki.incite@yahoo.ca or you can call Karla at Wellkin at 519-539-0463, ext. 281.