By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Lennoxville United Church’s (LUC) upcoming “Service of Hope & Inspiration” aims to support individuals and families impacted by cancer. This special event to be held on May 5, at 10 a.m. at the LUC, is organized to bring together those who have been touched by this challenging disease, offering a space for remembrance and encouragement.

All financial contributions collected during the event will be divided equally between two notable cancer support organizations: La Maison Aube -Lumière and Leucan. These organizations are dedicated to providing care and support to cancer patients and their families, making significant impacts in their communities.

Attendees are encouraged to make floral or monetary donations in memory of their loved ones. For details on how to contribute, interested parties can contact LUC Outreach Team Member Frankie Noble at 819-348-9118.

The service promises not only a moment of reflection and hope but also an opportunity for attendees to connect with others over refreshments, which will be available after the ceremony.

“It’s a service in which we dedicate some flowers to members of the family of friends of those suffering through cancer or have succumbed to cancer,” Noble explained in a brief interview with The Record May 2. Lennoxville’s Cass Funeral Homes is donating the flowers, she added.

Flowers will be given out at the door to people who come in; during the service they will be placed in “a big vase of hope” and can then be taken home afterwards. Those who wish to include a special dedication in the bulletin to a loved one should contact the LUC before May 4.

Noble said Robbie Hinds will be there representing Leucan and will shave his head in support of cancer victims after the service for a third year in a row. Christian Gagnon, executive director of Aube -Lumière, will attend to represent his organization. Both will be presented symbolic envelopes near the end of the service representing the money raised at the event.

Everyone is invited for refreshments downstairs after the service, Noble said. “Hope bags” will be available there for people to take to loved ones that need to spend time in the hospital due to cancer-related treatments. They contain toiletries, crossword puzzles, pens, pencils and more. “Those are available for anybody to take to anyone, free of charge,” Noble noted.

The event is organized annually by LUC’s Outreach Team, co-chaired by Kristan McKercher and Nancy Suitor.