Johnny Rose, left, and Peggy Rose say being able to design flower baskets in memory of their loved ones gives families and friends an opportunity to turn their grief into something beautiful. (Henrike Wilhelm/CBC) WARNING: This story contains a discussion of suicide. While a sea of colourful blossoms at a garden centre might not be unusual, the flowers at Pat's Plants & Gardens in Bay Bulls over the weekend had been planted for a special reason.
They were part of Baskets of Hope, an annual fundraiser organized by the Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation in memory of those who died by suicide or addictions. Over the years, says community support manager Johnny Rose, the event has become a staple for those looking to remember their loved ones. "It provides an uplifting, celebratory nature or vibe for everyone.
And that's definitely what we hear," said Rose. "The great atmosphere around Pat's Plants provides such an uplifting and green space to create a different type of event surrounding and addressing the stigma for mental health." The fundraiser was started in 2017, as a way to bring awareness about mental health to the community.
Families and friends can pick out flowers and create hanging baskets, which are then both picked up by them and put up for sale. The annual basket 'With Jake's Heart', bright with red and purple flowers, was created in memory of Jacob Puddister, after whom the foundation is named, and has been a part of the event since the beginning. 1 year after sur.
