Play, Smiles & Tears
The annual Colored Tears Summer Daycamp for Grieving Children offers unique opportunities for children aged 6-12 to explore and express their feelings of grief and loss, following the death of a loved one.
Taking place during the week of August 10-14, activities include creating with clay, drawing, painting, writing, collage, performing and sharing stories.
These 'Expressive Arts' allow children, even in a group setting, to explore a worry, question, experience or idea, in a unique and individual way. They may not have the language or words, but the arts are a safe way for them to express how they feel.
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J's father loved birthday cake... she was 3 when he died.
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The award-winning program was developed 10 years ago by Cheryl Salter-Roberts, from Pilgrims Hospice,
after seeing a need for grief support over the summer months. Led by Cheryl & a
team of volunteers, she's
"amazed at how the kids bond, grow and become empowered by the activities".
The Daycamps allow Cheryl time to get to know the children and to do activities that take longer, while the children are able to share and really be engaged, as well as have time for fun and play along with the work.
To the donors who make the Daycamps possible, Cheryl says: "There aren't even words to express our appreciation. Their gifts allow grief to be explored in a unique setting, not only giving the opportunity for a healthy grief journey now, but also creating tools for grief loss in the future".
Click here for more info on Expressive Arts for Grieving Children, Teens & Adults.
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For the Love of Golf...
& Pilgrims Hospice
Colin Tooth lives up to Benjamin Franklin's observation that "If you want something done, ask a busy person". Hugely busy with his own work for Clark Builders as Director, Project Development, Colin is chairing our Annual
Pilgrims Hospice Charity Golf Classic for the 3rd year running.
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"A great way to have fun, network, mix business with pleasure
and help a worthwhile cause."
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Held at the prestigious Edmonton Petroleum Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, August 26, the day provides laughs and prizes at every hole, an outstanding lunch, and fabulous auction items to bid on. According to Colin, it's "a great way to have fun, network, mix business with pleasure and help a worthwhile cause".
Impressed by the excellent service of Pilgrims Hospice in the community with those who are facing the end of life, Colin is also touched by the programs offered to the children, family and friends of those who are dying, or following a death.
Colin has seen companies come back year after year to the tournament, thanking us for the opportunity to be involved. What could be better than combining a great game of golf with the feeling of contributing so positively to
the lives of others?
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Newsletter Ideas?
Do you have ideas for the newsletter, or an article you'd like to submit?
We'd love to hear from you!
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Doing Deathcare Differently
by Rayne Johnson
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| "...reclaiming the beauty, peace and healing of caring for the dying and the dead..." |
There's a fast growing social movement I'm part of, called Death Midwifery/Doulas, or Home Funeral Guides. This culture encourages open conversation & engagement with death. Through emotional and spiritual support, it empowers and educates families in Death Care, enabling them to
reclaim their ethical and legal rights to provide home based deathcare, if desired.
Facing death can be very transformational for all those involved, while
more education and knowledge of options helps with the grief journey in so many ways.
We see the importance of preparing ahead of time, through discussing and documenting wishes.
We want to help reclaim the beauty, peace and healing of caring for the dying and the dead, both for ourselves and others, and encourage families to bring in their own traditions and meaning in whatever capacity they choose.
"In home funerals, the state of grief and the powerful encounter with the dead body work together as rich earth and plump seed for experiences of enchantment." (From a 2014 writing from European Association of Social Anthropologists.)
Home Funeral Guides collaborate with medical institutions and Funeral Homes to guide families through the necessary paper work, for example the registration of death, enabling families caring for their own to choose the goods and services best suited to their needs.
Studies have proven there is less stress on you and your loved ones if you prepare ahead of time. There is such importance in learning some basic skills for end of life care and having the discussions and conversations to help feel more confident and prepared and in order to approach death and dying with some curiosity rather than dread.
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Rayne Johnson
Doing Deathcare Differently
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Rayne (Loraine) Johnson, resides in Edmonton and is founder of 'Doing Deathcare Differently' and Tear Cups.
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Rayne also works with Kathleen Miller, founder of Edmonton Home Funerals.Together they teach workshops, and host sessions to help educate on options and choices in end of life matters, & provide consultation and guidance for home
funerals.Rayne can be reached at 780-267-5007.
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Dr. Helen Hays, pictured at her Vancouver Island home, warmly invites you to join us for the Sunflower Luncheon
named in her honour.
You will hear our latest news, and your support will keep our community-based programs running - we can't do it without you! Thank You.
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Our popular "friend-raiser" is hosted by the passionate Seanna Collins and this year we welcome Keynote speakers Rayne Johnson, RMT, "Doing Deathcare Differently", along with Bereavement Counsellor, Jesse McElheran, on "Love Stories in Grief".
We are delighted that Dr. Helen Hays will be flying in from Vancouver Island to join us!
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Our Funding
In 2014 we received 12.2% of our funding from the government, through our Partnership with Alberta Health Services - so Foundation Grants, Donations (both Individual & Corporate) and our fundraising efforts are vital to our existence.
Please support our Programs with your donation, or participation in our Special Events.
You Can Make a Difference for those facing the end of life, their caregivers, and the bereaved.
Click the following links to:
THANK YOU!
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Contact us
If you'd like more information about any of our services, for yourself or a loved one, please fill out our
Service Request Form
here or call us at
780-413-9801
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Help others know about our news, events & vital work in the community.
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