All of us will be touched by loss in our lifetime. Many of us feel that we have to do it alone – either because we feel that’s what’s expected of us, or because we don’t know where to go for support and we don’t even know what that support looks like or what’s available. Grief is a journey that we will all make, full of twists and turns and ups and downs, with no clear timeline. Grief can begin before the passing, and continue long after, and it can feel like the loneliest road in the world.
The Alberni Valley Hospice Society supports individuals, their families, friends and other loved ones with emotional, spiritual and physical care as needed. It’s less about dying and more about support.
Did you know that the Alberni Valley Hospice Society offers many free services to everyone in our community?
In addition to Ty Watson House, we offer one-on-one adult grief counselling, one-on-one child and youth grief counselling, group support, vigil sitting, walking groups and education on advance care planning. We provide services at our Community Office at 2579 10th Avenue, as well as in the community or in your home.
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We are often asked why we do the work that we do. We appreciate the intimacy of someone sharing their thoughts with us. We are saddened that some feel they must go this alone, yet we can laugh with those who choose to share jovial memories and we feel empathy for the families of those who have passed. We are humbled, honoured and consider ourselves privileged when a family asks us to walk alongside them in their journey.
Our Society is able to provide services at no charge by hosting yearly fundraiser events. Our Black Ty Gala is occurring on Saturday, June 1 at Echo Centre. Tickets are going quickly and can be purchased at the Alberni Valley Hospice Society on 10th Ave or online on the website at www.albernihospice.ca.
Saturday, June 22 the Alberni Valley Hospice Society will host its annual Butterfly Effect event in the park next to the community office on 10th Avenue. This family-oriented event is a huge hit every year for everyone. For more information, contact us directly at 250-723-4478. Butterflies can be purchased online at www.albernihospice.ca or at the 10th Avenue office.
To support the services we provide, the Hospice Society relies heavily on donations, whether they be monetary or a contribution of time from our wonderful community. We recognize that there are many organizations in need in the community and are grateful when you choose to support the Alberni Valley Hospice Society and Ty Watson House. We assure you that the money stays in Port Alberni, benefiting the community at large.
We ask for your ongoing support so that we can continue to do our work before and after some of the most difficult times in people’s lives.
EDITED: The print version of the Giving Back feature for May 2024 included an incorrect date for the Butterfly Effect.
