Christmas can be a time to reflect, especially on our loved ones that have passed away. 

Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw is holding a Memories of Christmas Past fundraiser over the month of December to help us remember those we have lost. 

For a $25 donation, Heartland Hospice will put a solar ornament on a Christmas tree, donated by Moose Jaw Coop, outside of Pioneer Lodge as well as a virtual tree on its website. 

“Our hope is that these will be a symbol of their loved one's continued presence during the holiday season,” said Amanda Dowling, public engagement and fundraising chair for Heartland Hospice. 

Each ornament will bear the name of a loved one if the donor chooses to do so. All of the funds raised will go towards the Heartland Hospice’s goal of bringing palliative hospice care to Moose Jaw. 

Currently, the non-profit group has only one hospice bed located at Pioneer Lodge. 

“So right now, we do have the one Hospice bed and we are looking to expand into three dedicated hospice palliative bedrooms complete with furnishings,” Dowling said. 

Dowling added that they are will eventually transform the current bedroom into a sacred space open to everyone. They are also looking to add a family access entrance at the south side of the building and create a family room complete with a library, resources and activities for children. Heartland Hospice will be continuing to develop the serenity garden as well. 

For more information or to donate to Memories of Christmas Past visit www.heartlandhospicemj.ca.