We are proud of the exceptional care we provide our residents through their end-of-life journey, and we know that the loss of each life weighs heavily on family and friends.
Over the many years we’ve supported our community, we’ve heard from people wishing to plant trees in memory of someone we cared for. Being unable to plant any volume of trees on our House properties, these requests led us over the past year to find a local partner – equally as committed to supporting our community as we are – to explore how we might create an area that honours these wishes.
Introducing…our Forest of Memories
We are so pleased to announce that, together with rare Charitable Research Reserve in Cambridge, we have created an exceptional space where the new Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice Forest of Memories will live, offering another meaningful way to pay tribute to someone by having a tree planted on rare’s beautiful grounds.
The Forest of Memories has clear benefits to families and friends of our residents, including the fact that it will be a permanent part of the Reserve, and it also has benefits for the community at large – over time, the Forest of Memories will significantly contribute to increasing the local tree canopy through the plantings. And as it grows, the Forest of Memories will create a corridor that connects two existing woodland ecosystems, creating specialized habitat for many plants and animals, and increasing carbon retention.
And trees make a unique and long-lasting gift as well, especially for anyone who has enough “stuff” – a win for families and our local portion of the planet!
How it works
Each tree is a one-time donation of $150 (with a full tax receipt issued), and four native species of trees are available:
- Bitternut Hickory
- Sugar Maple
- White Pine
- Red Oak
When we receive a request for a tree, we’ll reach out to our partners at rare to determine the most appropriate tree to plant. This will create a mix of species in the forest, ensuring the Forest of Memories stays healthy and ecologically balanced into the future. Once the tree is determined, we’ll reconnect with the donor with additional information about the tree being planted, a keepsake for them, and planting timeframes (likely twice a year).
To begin the order process for your tree, click here.
For more information about the Forest of Memories, please email our Donor Steward, or call 519.208.5055 ext.262.
To find out more about rare Charitable Research Reserve, click here.
To watch an interview In Studio with Executive Directors Andrea Binkle and Dr. Stephanie Sobek-Swant, click here.
