Donations Open for Lights of Love

Friday, 22 November 2024 05:53

Plastic lanterns will light up the back garden of VON Sakura House in memory of those who are no longer with us.

WOODSTOCK - VON Sakura House is getting ready for its 5th annual Lights of Love.

Fund Development Coordinator Chelsea Stephens says plastic lanterns will light up the back garden of the residential hospice on Friday, November 29th.

"We're going to have some lanterns illuminated for family members who may have passed at the house or elsewhere. You can donate $25 or more per lantern to have a lantern lit in memory of your loved one."

You can purchase a lantern online here or at the VON Oxford office on Ingersoll Ave in Woodstock. Those who buy one can add a personalized message to their lantern, and Manager of Fund Development Brittany Bratt says they will be able to take their lantern home after the event.

"I know a lot of people in the past have taken their lantern home, put it on the shelf, and every night of the holiday season they will light it up again for their loved one."

Once all of the lanterns are lit up and on display, a video will be recorded and posted online after the event. That way the people who donate but are unable to attend will be able to see their lantern.

Another video will play on a loop during the event, which will highlight personal stories from members of the Sakura House family.

Lights of Love is a drop-in style event which will begin at 6:00 p.m. and wrap up at 8:00 p.m. The Starbucks on Dundas in Woodstock is donating coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, so those who plan on attending should RSVP in advance.

Bratt says Sakura House has been a staple in the community for almost 20 years now.

"We are a 10-bed hospice and we service patients 365 days a year at no cost to them or their families. So it is an incredibly meaningful place for those who need it. Last year alone we serviced 276 patients."

Sakura House relies on community donations to cover the hydro bill, groceries, and other costs not related to healthcare.

Brittany Bratt and Chelsea Stephens stopped by the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie on Thursday, November 21st. You can listen to the full interview below: