The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is bringing back memory trees as a way for loved ones to remember friends and relatives who have passed on.

Tammie-Lee Rogowski, manager of the palliative care program, says they've been running the memory trees since 2014. It has allowed those looking to remember loved ones the opportunity to write their name on an ornament and put it on a community tree.

"Historically, the trees are set up in facilities," explains Rogowski. "However, during a pandemic, we don't want to encourage people to come into facilities simply to place an ornament on the tree."

She adds, while none of the trees this year are necessarily in driving range of Portage la Prairie, they're doing a virtual tree so anyone that wants to can partake. She notes this year is especially important to look back at those who weren't able to join us for this year's holiday season.

"There are many people who weren't able to visit their loved ones," says Rogowski. "They weren't able to be beside their loved one, they weren't able to say goodbye. For many, they weren't able to honour their loved one through normal rituals such as you know, funerals or celebrations of life or any other cultural norms."

While it's a sombre project, she hopes that some people can take solace in the memories of enjoying Christmas festivities with those who've passed on.

"While it's sad, it's very meaningful as well."

To sign up for the virtual memory trees, click here.