“This was a hugely important day – very powerful and moving. I needed this for my soul. Hopefully what I have learned today will make my life more valuable to myself and to others.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
The theme for the 2018 AHPCA Roadshow was “A Mindful Finale: Spirituality and Ritual at End-of-Life.” The topic clearly resonated with attendees as we received many comments similar to the one above.
“Thank you for these Roadshows. We can’t always travel to the big cities and this is wonderful.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
This year, we connected with five communities around Alberta. The hosts in each location were warm and welcoming. We started the season in Camrose, with our host The Hospice Society of Camrose & District. In May we went north to Fairview, hosted by the Fairview and Area Palliative Care Society and the Northwest Peace Community Adult Learning Council. We then headed to Lethbridge where our host was the AHS South Zone Palliative Care Program. In June the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society hosted the Roadshow in Strathmore. The final Roadshow was held in Athabasca, hosted by The Catholic Women’s League – St. Gabriel’s.
“Phenomenal – thank you both for your powerful words of inspiration and intention. … Depth of workshop appreciated.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
Guest presenter Darrin Parkin handled the spirituality portion of the day. Darrin is the Spiritual Care Co-ordinator at Rosedale Hospice and Sage Centre of Hospice Calgary. His enthusiasm and knowledge, acquired while providing spiritual care for over 25 years in a variety of settings, came through clearly in his presentation.
“Darrin, your expertise and passion are a powerful combination.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
Guest presenter Blair Collins spoke about the power of ritual during the second half of the day. Blair has worked for over 30 years in a variety of non-profit settings, including dealing with grief and loss. In his work as a Hawaiian Shaman, he creates rituals appropriate to the time and the context of celebrations.
“Blair, you modeled how empathy and compassion and grace might appear in the world.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
At the end of the day, both Darrin and Blair led the group in a moving and relevant ritual that linked water, rainbow and light.
“I’m inspired to be more wild again and to create more ritual (i.e. more meaning) into my life.”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
AHPCA sincerely thanks each person who attended the 2018 Roadshow. We are particularly grateful to the Order of St. Lazarus – Calgary and Edmonton Commanderies for the continued support of these valuable education workshops. The Roadshow would not be possible with their patronage. Our gratitude extends to our hosts in each location: The Hospice Society of Camrose & District, the Fairview and Area Palliative Care Society and the Northwest Peace Community Adult Learning Council, the AHS South Zone Palliative Care Program (Lethbridge), the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society (Strathmore) and the Catholic Women’s League – St. Gabriel’s (Athabasca). Heartfelt thanks goes to our guest presenters Darrin Parkin and Blair Collins for their humour, compassion and camaraderie that was felt by all attendees this year.
“Wonderful day. Beyond my expectations. Gave me a sense of delight in the possibilities!”
– 2018 Roadshow attendee
Plans are already underway for the 2019 Roadshow – our 10 year anniversary. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!
