GAYLORD, Mich., (July 17, 2023) – Hospice of Michigan is currently seeking volunteers in Gaylord and surrounding communities with sewing experience to create ‘Memory Bears’ to help comfort families grieving the loss of a loved one.
Hospice of Michigan’s Memory Bear program was created in June 2014 by the not-for-profit’s grief support services department to help grieving families capture and preserve aspects of their loved ones within one-of-a-kind stuffed animals. As the initiative continues to gain popularity among bereaved families, more volunteers are needed to meet sewing demands.
Memory Bears are approximately eight inches in height and made with compassion and love by skilled volunteers. Families are encouraged to bring clothing of a loved one for sewers to use in creating a commemorative teddy bear. Hospice of Michigan patient families may receive one uniquely designed memory bear per each family.
“In times of grief and loss, it can be incredibly healing for families to have a physical reminder of their loved one to bring them comfort,” said Alexandra Irwin, grief support services manager for Hospice of Michigan. “As a volunteer Memory Bear sewer, your skills and donated time will help bring peace to grieving families by creating a keepsake that brings back memories of their lost loved ones.”
For those who have experienced a loss, Hospice of Michigan encourages a waiting period of one year before becoming a hospice volunteer to allow for the processing of grief.
If you or someone you know is interested in donating time to the Memory Bear program, please contact Alexandra Irwin at 989-705-2603 or airwin@hom.org.
For more information about Hospice of Michigan, visit www.hom.org.