An organization that has dedicated itself to supporting those with life-limiting illnesses will be at the centre of a special celebration Saturday.
The Greater Trail Hospice Society is preparing for National Hospice Palliative Care Week (May 6 to 12), and locals can celebrate the week by attending its 25th anniversary gala Saturday night at the Cominco Gym.
The event aims to honour the society’s past, present and future. Awards will be presented to Wilma Buckley, Marg Browne, Irene Page, Dorothy Beestra and Diane Volpatti for their longtime involvement in the society.
“I’ve never planned anything like this before,” said organizer Brenda Hooper. “It’s kind of like doing a wedding.”
The Golden City Fiddlers are opening the event, Trish Farrell will be performing the Italian rendition of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” before Kootenay Danceworks demonstrates some of its finest moves.
Many other performances will include music, poetry and there will be a discussion about advanced care plans.
“It’s been fun to visit everybody for this,” said Hooper.
“We’re hoping people will come and see old friends, and talk about old times.”
The Trail Hospice Society provides bedside support for those with life-limiting illness, training for volunteers, education for health professionals, grief support groups and a library of resources about death and grief.
The anniversary event will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Trail Memorial Centre gym, but the doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
The celebration will include live entertainment, a bar and highlights of the Enema Awards.