Christmas Silent Night Memorial Tree at North Kamloops Library.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Troylana Manson
December 17, 2021 - 10:42 AM
A special kind of Christmas tree was set up by some Kamloops parents who have lost children to the ongoing drug crisis last night.
The Christmas Silent Night Memorial tree was set up at the NorKam Library yesterday, Dec. 16, and decorated with ornaments featuring the pictures and names of those who have died from drugs.
Families impacted by the opioid crisis are invited to add the names of their loved ones to the tree.
Troylana Manson lost her son in a drug-related death early this year. It was her job to set up the tree.
“Others showed up to help me,” she said. “One showed up that had just lost a loved one. It was so fresh and raw for them. The group embraced them because we understand their pain and want them to know they are not alone.”
Christmas Silent Night Memorial Tree at North Kamloops Library.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Troylana Manson
This is the third year the memorial tree has been set up as part of a cross-country awareness campaign initiated by Moms Stop the Harm. The trees represent all drug-related deaths. This was the first year Manson participated.
“You can feel the quietness as you take a moment to remember those who are lost,” she said. “What stands out for me is how young these people are and how many males there are. It is a moment to share the grief and the loss with others.”
READ MORE: Why you need to update your perception of who's dying of overdose in B.C.
Manson said she wants the tree to go up in a higher traffic area as a way to share that the community is missing people and show families their loved ones matter. She is hoping the Aberdeen Mall in Kamloops will consider it, or other more exposed places.
Families who want to hang ornaments on the tree can contact Troylana on her Facebook page here.
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