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Vigil marks 'heartbreaking' losses at Lighthouse

Candlelight vigil held to remember clients of shelter, soup kitchen; 'We will not forget you,' executive director says

A corkboard in Orillia’s homeless shelter bears the images of about a dozen people who have died in recent years.

“Oh, there’s more,” staff member Tobey McCool said, explaining the number of faces on the board barely scratches the surface of the problem.

The Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter held a candlelight vigil Wednesday night to remember those who have died. One was 16. Another was in her 80s. A couple of them died due to health problems, including one who had a heart attack, but many more were lost to suicide and overdoses.

“It’s been hitting our clients hard, and that’s why we decided to do this,” Lighthouse development co-ordinator Lynn Thomas said.

In September, nine members of the Lighthouse’s “extended community” — clients, friends and family of clients, and others — died within two weeks.

“It was time for some comfort and to show them we care,” Thomas said.

That was evident Wednesday evening, as about 30 people gathered in front of the Peter Street South shelter, holding candles, saying prayers and singing Amazing Grace.

Ron, a client at the Lighthouse for three years, felt it was important to take part in the vigil.

“It helps you remember friends that are gone now,” he said. “They’re not there to help guide you anymore.”

The clients aren’t the only ones affected by the losses. McCool feels a pang of grief when she looks at the memory board.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “I’ve been in the office when mothers have called to tell us their kids have passed away. I’m supportive on the phone, but when I hang up, I cry.”

She’s invested in the well-being of those she helps, and she makes sure they know that.

“We have to remember them, but I also want it to be a wake-up call for the people here,” she said. “I kind of mother them. I tell them, 'I don’t want the next phone call to be about you.’”

Lighthouse executive director Linda Goodall shared that sentiment, saying it’s important to show clients she cares.

“Love only needs a second to be born. I choose to believe that in all our abilities, we show love to everyone that walks through our doors,” she said. “And they take that with them. No, tragically, we can’t save everyone, even though we try, but we can show love.

“To all those that have passed, my prayer is that they felt even a spark of love. Each one of them has touched our lives forever. We will not forget you.”

Those taking part in the vigil were invited to write the names of loved ones, or prayers, on pieces of paper and place them in a basket. Those slips of paper will be kept at the Lighthouse.

The youngest participant was Reuben Aldom. The 14-year-old aspiring pastor read Psalm 23:4.

“It says, ‘Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.’ It’s a really comforting verse,” he said.

It makes sense to Ron, who ended up at the Lighthouse due to “bad situations, bad consequences.” He’s ready to emerge from the shadows, having secured a job and a place to live.

The Lighthouse has seen a spike in visits recently, and volunteers are always needed. To learn more, contact the shelter at 705-329-2265 or [email protected].


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Nathan Taylor

About the Author: Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the desk editor for Village Media's central Ontario news desk in Simcoe County and Newmarket.
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