Snow tubing was on tap Saturday as Seasons Centre for Grieving Children hosted its inaugural Hope Around Town event at Horseshoe Resort to introduce Hope, its mascot, to the world.
Seasons Centre was founded in 1995 in memory of Samantha and Jessica Ramey to provide comfort and hope to children and their families grieving the death of a family member.
Samantha and Jessica spent countless fun-filled hours at the Oro-Medonte ski resort, and Saturday’s event took place on what would have been Samantha’s 41st birthday.
The centre describes itself as being “committed to providing peer support groups for children and families who are grieving the death of a loved one.”
“We are funded by the generosity of the community and all our programs are free of charge. We are continually evolving our services to meet participants where they’re at in their grief journey.”
Rowley Ramey, managing director of Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, was on hand to kick off the event.
“Today, we’re bringing Hope to life, and launching our campaign, Hope Around Town,” he said.
“For me, it’s about bringing awareness about Seasons Centre, and maybe that other people that are grieving get the support that is needed.”
There were 65 participants taking part in the tubing activity, with the resort donating the tubing tickets in support of the cause. There were also 14 prize packages that were available to be won.
Through this new campaign, the centre hopes to raise up to $90,000 this year.
“This is about hope and where you are in your grief, and that you can find hope somewhere between sadness and joy. And Hope will be at Horseshoe, or Meet the Colts, or when Hope meets the mayor, or Hope goes to Queen’s Park,” said Ramey.
More information about Seasons Centre for Grieving Children can be found at grievingchildren.com.
