Family members who have suffered the loss of a child are invited to a candlelight service at the Fogolar Furlan Club in Windsor.
The service at 6:30pm Sunday is part of the Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting. It unites those around the world who have suffered the death of a child at any age and any cause.
During the service, the names of each deceased child will be read. Family and friends are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one for the memory table, and a candle will be lit in their honour.
"For many families, this is an opportunity to come together to openly mourn their child," says Colleen Campo, a bereavement specialist with the Windsor chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. "For those whose pain is new, it is a safe place to come together with others who feel the same loss."
Among those at this year's event, will be the Spencer family, whose son Maisyn died two years ago at the age of eight of cancer.
This year's event is supported by Heavenly Rest Family of Catholic Cemeteries, Remember Our Children, Tim Hortons, and local families.