A seasonal memorial to those who have died as result of substance use is returning to Peterborough Square in the form of two specially decorated Christmas trees.
Since 2019, Gail Perry, a member of Moms Stop The Harm, a network of Canadian families that advocates for change around failed substance use strategies and polices, has put the tree up in the mall. This year, however, there will be two trees – one purchased via cash donations and another donated by Chemong Home Hardware.
Both trees, decorated with bulbs adorned with photos of those lost, will go up November 27th near the mall’s food court and be in place until the end of December.
Perry says the annual tribute is a fitting way to honour not only her daughter Jody and all those who have been lost but also helps reduce the stigma around substance use.
Those wishing to have a bulb placed on the tree in memory of a lost family member or friend can stop by the trees’ location.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
