Formed by a small group of people whose lives had each been touched by the loss of a child, the non-for-profit society has recently partnered with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta.
Focused on helping families which have suffered from all types of infant loss, including pregnancy loss, neonatal loss, stillbirth, SIDS and infant death up to the age of 24 months, the society provides centralized bereavement group support to those in need.
Making bereavement materials available to families as well as helping to standardize child loss bereavement packages for the local hospital, Tiny Hands of Hope has also purchased much needed equipment for families experiencing loss as well as those who are pregnant after previous losses.
“Annually, we hold a memorial event called the Walk to Remember as an opportunity for families and friends to come together to honour and celebrate the little lives that have touched their hearts,” says Karen Gilkyson, President of Tiny Hands of Hope Society.
Held each September, the Peace Country Walk to Remember, which saw more than 600 participants in 2018, offers a place for those grieving the loss of a child a place to gather with others who understand what they are going through.
The society also holds an annual gala as its primary fundraising endeavour. In addition to hosting support groups and bereavement resources, funds raised will go towards building a new children’s memorial garden. To be located near Maskwôtêh Park across from the new regional hospital, the garden will be a place for those touched by the loss of a child to go year-round, says Gilkyson.
“Many of us have young children, so what I love about it being right beside Maskwôtêh, they have a place to run around but also there will be a place for the children who are not with me right now that we can honour and celebrate them,” she says.
The recent fund established with the Community Foundation, will allow those wishing to donate to Tiny Hands of Hope Society for the creation of the memorial garden.
“The Community Foundation is proud to partner with Tiny Hands of Hope and the City of Grande Prairie to build a stronger community and the garden is a pillar for families to remember loved ones,” says Tracey Vavrek, CEO of the Community Foundation.
You can make a difference in our community – not only for today but forever. When you make a donation to the Tiny Hands of Hope Fund, earnings from your gift are used for the creation of a memorial garden. Donations can be made online here https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/39488 or by calling the Community Foundation at (780) 538-2820.
