By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—Next time you walk by the Caledonia Legion or past the Spratt Park located at 55 Argyle Street North, you will find beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Both displays are referred to as memorial trees and each exhibit has its own story, each of them beginning with the loss of a child.
The memorial trees at the Caledonia Legion are an annual tradition that began at the park located next to the Oasis. This collection is organized by Kimberly Pinczel, a former Caledonia citizen who held many key community leadership roles when she lived in town.
The first exhibit was done 27 years ago after the passing of Pinczel’s son William. At just 6 years old, he passed away near Christmas time. To support Pinczel and honour the memory of William, a group of community members came up with the idea to create a memorial tree exhibit. Over the years the memorial has grown and now pays tribute to the memory of William Farnsworth, Wendy Roberts, and Kirk, Harold, and Doris Dietz.
CALEDONIA— The trees at Spratt Park, new this year, which include ornaments that name loved ones.
The exhibit moved to the Caledonia Legion five years ago. Pinczel, who now lives east of Toronto, returns to Caledonia each year to coordinate the project, which now also honours the lives lost in military service. Pinczel says the project “is a beautiful way to pay tribute to those who have served and the memories of our loved ones.”
A five minute walk from the Legion you will find the second memorial tree exhibit, newly organized this year.
The display in Spratt Park was pulled together in two short weeks by Rick King and his wife Linda Kerr. Rick and Linda contacted Kathy Marshall, Director of the Caledonia BIA, after the loss of their daughter, Michelle King-Pezel. Marshall says, “We immediately began discussions regarding possible tree locations, type of lights, safety concerns, anti-theft strategies, power sources, and how names could be appropriately recognized.”
Rick and Linda’s idea was to decorate trees with clear light bulbs containing a printed name of a lost loved one and a white feather. The bulbs are placed on the trees in exchange for a donation to Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice (NHCH). So far, the project has raised $1,565. Marshall adds, “I was honoured to be contacted by Rick and am so impressed with Rick’s resolve, strength, and generosity.”
Fundraising Chair for NHCH, Tracey Webster, says, “The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice is incredibly thankful to Rick King and his family for bringing his vision of a memorial tree to life in Caledonia.”
To have a bulb named and to make a donation to the Hospice, please email EFT to director@caledoniabia.ca or mail a cheque to “Caledonia BIA” c/o PO Box 2032, Caledonia, ON N3W1A0. If you have any questions, email director@ caledoniabia.ca or call 289-260-8394.
Both exhibits will be available for the public to view until the new year.
