Organized by Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach and Education Manager, facilitators from the community and within Chilliwack Hospice Society, presented a wide variety of learning opportunities for guests, beginning with gentle chair yoga by Emmy Kerr at the start of the morning. Amanda St. Amour of Wild Birds Unlimited gave an informative talk in the Mountain View Wellness Room, while downstairs in the Serenity Garden Room author Karen Skillings read selections from her book of poetry Love, Loss, and New Life.

Executive Director Sue Knott led a group of women through the process of pour painting in a workshop aptly titled ‘Pour Out Your Feelings’. A popular activity for both adults and children who visit Chilliwack Hospice Society, pour painting is a beautiful medium for exploring grief through creative expression.

Lucy Fraser, Director of Programs, taught participants about what she has learned about EFT tapping and its benefits for those stricken with anxiety and stress, a common experience for those grieving the death of a loved one. Combined with online videos, the presentation gave those present a moment to just breathe and experience relief brought about by EFT tapping.

Throughout the day, Relaxation Program leads Marjorie Perzow, Eileen Trojanoski, and Dale Seguin provided relaxation treatments through Healing Touch for those who wished to experience healing through therapeutic touch. This program is offered regularly at Chilliwack Hospice Society, booked in advance through the office.

The day’s events culminated in an interactive presentation on grief and family dynamics facilitated by Franceska Hills, Child and Youth Program Manager, and Jennifer Dacre, Palliative and Bereavement Services Manager in which adults and youth learned how to navigate difficult conversations when a family member is dying or has died.

Visitors to Chilliwack Hospice Society, some of whom were experiencing the very recent death of a loved one, remarked on Health and Wellness Day being their first time to enter the office and learn about the various programs and services available. Overall, the second annual event proved to be an important time for learning and healing along many Chilliwack residents’ grief journey.

Chilliwack Hospice Society Health and Wellness Day was generously supported by Chilliwack Hospice Society Thrifty Boutique and many other local businesses including, Beautique Beauty Lounge, Chilliwack River Valley Honey, Cookies Grill, Klassen Farms, Mighty Moose Ice Cream, SinAmen Bun Co., Smits & Co.w Farm Cheese, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

Throughout the year Chilliwack Hospice Society hosts a variety of in-person and virtual educational workshops and presentations for the community. Topics may include advance care planning, financial and legal matters, self-care, and wellness. For more information, contact Laurie McNaught, Community Outreach & Education Manager, at (604) 795-4660 or visit https://www.chilliwackhospice.org/education/education-workshops/