Darkness To Light 2025
Darkness to Light will Take Place at Del Crary Park on Sunday December 21, 2025
Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) will be hosting the 5th Annual Darkness To Light, for community members impacted by suicide and overdose. Taking place Sunday, December 21st at a new location, the entrance to Del Crary Park off Rink Street, Darkness to Light is an outdoor sunrise gathering, marking brighter days ahead after the solstice, which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight. Julie Brown, who has led the event each year, will return to lead the group with a message of support and moment of silence as the sun rises on the morning of the winter solstice. The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event, but are encouraged to register HERE. Organizers are asking guests to arrive by 7:30 am as sunrise is expected at 7:45 am that morning.
New this year, Hospice Grief Listeners will be at the event. Grief listeners are specially trained volunteers who lend a sympathetic ear and sit with people in their grief.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last four ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.” said Vince Bierworth, Executive Director, Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF). “All are welcome to join us at our new location, the entrance to Del Crary Park off Rink Street, on the morning of December 21st. We encourage everyone to come for 7:30 am, have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.”
While the event is being offered free of charge, donations can be made and will be directed to support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough. Please follow this link to donate or visit www.GPHSF.ca.
“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment.” said Julie Brown.
“We are very grateful to Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way.” Said Hajni Hős, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.
–
About Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF)
As a non-profit Foundation our vision is to fund and support programs that positively impact the social determinants of health. By partnering with the Peterborough Family Health Team and other community-based organizations, we can best support the evolving health needs of Peterborough City and County. This allows us to work with partners in fostering awareness surrounding health promotion while also raising vital funding for initiatives that broaden equity and access to healthcare.
About Hospice Peterborough
Since 1988, Hospice Peterborough has offered the best possible support to individuals and families living with or affected by life-threatening illness and grief. With 45 specially trained staff and close to 200 volunteers, Hospice delivers 26 programs and services to clients of all ages living in the city and county of Peterborough. Examples of programming include ongoing grief groups, suicide survivors groups, bereaved parents support groups, day hospice, and more. These are provided at no cost to the client. Intentionally designed to be a central hub for the delivery of hospice palliative care, Hospice Peterborough’s 10-bed, state-of-the-art Hospice facility at 325 London St. provides a safe and comforting home for those at end-of-life and their loved ones. Guided by a philosophy of compassion, respect and autonomy, the organization cares for the whole person, improving quality of life and enhancing comfort.
If you know someone who may benefit from Hospice Peterborough’s support, please visit hospicepeterborough.org or call 705-742-4042.
About Julie Brown
Julie Brown is a registered psychotherapist who has practiced in Peterborough for 25 years. Her therapy practice, Tabono Therapy (www.tabonotherapy.ca) specializes in therapy for adults and employee wellness workshops and retreats. She has a particular passion for working with people who are grieving and living with life threatening illness. Julie is a much sought presenter, delivering keynotes and workshops to organizations and at conferences across Canada. She is also the co-host of the podcast, What Now: On the Threshold of Life, Death and Grief, a podcast that seeks to enlighten and demystify the often difficult and emotional experiences of dying, death and bereavement.
For more information contact:
Vince Bierworth
Executive Director,
Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF)
Tel. 705-740 8074 ext. 101
Vince@gphsf.ca
