Hospice of Michigan Seeks Sewers to Create Memory Bears

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., (Sept. 16, 2016) – Hospice of Michigan (HOM) is seeking volunteers with sewing experience to assist in creating keepsakes for the Memory Bear project. An informational meeting is being held on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. at 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Suite 1155 in Traverse City.

The Memory Bear project is headed by HOM’s grief support services department to help comfort families who have lost loved ones. Families are encouraged to bring clothing of a loved one for sewers to use in creating a commemorative teddy bear.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those who enjoy sewing to apply their talents in a meaningful activity that will make a difference in someone’s life. It’s truly a blessing,” said Kathryn Holl, HOM grief support services manager.

The Memory Bear project began in June 2014 and was created to help bereaved families capture and preserve aspects of their loved ones within these one-of-a-kind stuffed animals. As the initiative continues to gain popularity among bereaved families, more volunteers are needed to meet sewing demands.

For those who have experienced a loss, HOM encourages a waiting period of one year before becoming a hospice volunteer to allow for the processing of grief.

To volunteer as a sewer, contact Kathryn Holl at 231.929.1557 or kholl@www.hom.org.

To learn more about all volunteer opportunities for Hospice of Michigan, visit https://www.hom.org/get-involved/

For more information about Hospice of Michigan, visit www.hom.org

About Hospice of Michigan A nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original – and largest – hospice in the state.  The nonprofit cares for nearly 1,800 patients each day, raising more than $5 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured.  HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life, including community-based palliative care and pediatric care programs. HOM provides grief support and counseling, caregiver education and support, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through its research, training and education arm, the Hospice of Michigan Institute. In January 2016, HOM joined forces with Arbor Hospice and Palliative Care, strengthening the mission of nonprofit hospice in Michigan to ensure patients and their caregivers receive the highest quality of care. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.