Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

MOMS STOP THE HARM

Silent Night Memorial Tree lights up for lost loved ones

Dec 11, 2024 | 4:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — Among the holiday decorations inside Sahali Mall, the Silent Night Memorial Tree has been set up for people to reflect on the lives lost to the overdose crisis.

Each year, Moms Stop the Harm Kamloops sets up the purple and white Christmas tree as an opportunity for people to pay their respects to those who have passed as a result of a toxic and unregulated drug supply.

Sandra Tully, Charene Monk and Troylana Manson set up the display this year, and Manson says for many people it’s a way to express their grief, and love for someone.

“The Silent Night Memorial Tree is a way to honour, respect, reflect on our loved ones. Each year at Christmas time, there’s a missing person at the table,” notes Manson, whose own son, Aaron, lost his life to an accidental overdose in 2021.

People can fill out a card or bring an ornament with a message of photo of their loved one to display. After the holiday season, the notes and ornaments are saved to be displayed the following year. Previous year’s tags or sticky notes can also be seen in a photo album placed on a table beside the tree.

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“We all need that sacred time of reflection of our lost loved ones.” says Manson. “Sometimes in our busyness of our lives, we’re not able to find that time, and this definitely sets that time aside for yourself to practice that grief and mourning of your loved one.”

The Silent Night Memorial Tree will be on display in the front entry way of Sahali Mall until the end of December.