In the glow of 2023’s holiday season, the staff of Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel, are inviting the families who have experienced a loss, whether recent or in the past to join their annual traditional Tree lighting.
With the holidays comes time to reflect on family and those who are no longer with us. It’s about taking a moment to remember those who touched our lives.
As staff prepare for the 27th annual Tree Lighting Memorial they share the significance of the event:
The tradition dates back to 1996, which takes place annually on winter solstice December 21 where we say goodbye to the darkest, shortest day of the year, and look forward to the start of more daylight. A tree was planted at Sault Ste. Marie City Hall to honour those who have passed away. What began as a simple memorial has grown into a community event. Families, seeking solace during difficult times, have participated by purchasing bulbs to be placed on the tree — an act that serves as both a memorial and a source of comfort.
As for the event’s broader impact in Sault Ste. Marie, La-Na Fragomeni advance planner says – ”The whole holiday season is really about family, it is a gathering where families, bound by shared memories, can slow down, pause, and reflect”
"The tree becomes a symbol of hope, building a sense of community and understanding among those dealing with loss during the festive season," Fragomeni says.
"We’d like everyone in the community to come out and enjoy a moment of light during what can be a dark time for some. Most importantly when you come out on December 21, remember you are not alone. Whatever you are dealing with others are sharing the same experience." For the staff it is fulfilling to renew friendships that have been made over the many years.
Team Enchante from The Sault Sings for Kids, will add some harmony to the beginning of the evening. Refreshments will be served and a brief service will follow.
And in the holiday spirit of giving, ornaments for the tree can be purchased at Arthur Funeral Home for $20 each. In a gesture of community support, all proceeds will contribute to Every Breakfast Counts — a Sault-based initiative ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals, especially during the summer months when schools are closed.
Paige Linklater, Algoma Family Services Foundation manager, underscores the importance of Every Breakfast Counts.
"The program started in 2018 to address the service gap during the summer months when children who can't access daily meals still had the opportunity to eat healthy."
Linklater notes that the program allows children to "keep being kids" by ensuring they have a meal each day. Acknowledging the invaluable support from Arthur Funeral Home, she adds – "This program is 100 percent donation-driven and volunteer-run. Unfortunately, this is not a program that has annual funding, so we have to fundraise for this program to keep it going."
If you’d like to donate to Every Breakfast Counts, please follow this link to the Algoma Family Services Foundation.
And as the community supports the Tree Lighting Memorial, Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel extends an invitation to purchase ornaments for loved ones and participate in this year's event on December 21, with doors opening at 6:30.
Beyond the warm holiday lights of the tree, this annual tradition represents a collective embrace of memories, love, and the enduring spirit of unity within the Sault Ste. Marie community.