Kelowna’s Walk of Memories today gives community a chance to grieve together

A unique annual event is happening in Kelowna today.

Put on by the KGH Spiritual Advisory Team (SAT), the Walk of Memories is intended to support people who have experienced loss of any kind and allow the community to grieve together.

“It is an interactive and family-friendly way for people to acknowledge losses and to remember in a supportive environment,” explains a release from the SAT.

There will be a ceremonial one-kilometre walk with four stations meant to inspire reflection, which can begin anywhere between 2-2:45 pm at The Dolphins statue at Waterfront Park.

All four stations are designed to help people reflect on stages of life and memories of lost loved ones, highlighted by an action that symbolizes that part of the grieving process. You can learn more about the stations here.

The event will conclude with refreshments, music, inspirational speakers and a closing ceremony at 3:30 pm.

“While grief is commonly acknowledged following the death of a loved one, it is also experienced with other losses such as loss of safety and surety, such as our society experienced with the pandemic and the recent fires in Kelowna,” the SAT says.

“Grief is not only experienced as an emotion of sadness, and it affects every level of our being, physical, mental, and emotional. It may show up in unusual ways. Knowing and understanding the many faces of grief and how to support ourselves and one another is both helpful and important.”

There will be more than 50 volunteers on hand to help this year’s Walk of Memories run smoothly and to provide attendees with the guidance and support they may need.

For more information on the event, click this link.