By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The third annual “Food, Fashion, Fun” fundraiser hosted by Lighthouse for Grieving Children and Families on Thursday, October 24, gathered supporters for an evening of connection, laughter, and heartfelt stories at the Oakville Convention Centre. This vital event, featuring raffles, live auctions, and vibrant performances, plays a crucial role in sustaining Lighthouse’s mission to provide free, year-round grief support to children and families, entirely independent of government funding.
Angela Mallard, events and marketing manager for Lighthouse, emphasized the significance of the event in supporting their open-ended, peer-to-peer grief support programs.
“This is one of our largest annual fundraisers, essential to Lighthouse’s ability to support children and families. We don’t have a waitlist, and our peer-to-peer grief support is ongoing…as everyone grieves at a different pace.” Raising awareness and generating critical funding, this event enables Lighthouse to offer grieving families a compassionate community that meets each person’s unique journey without a timeline.
As guests arrived, the evening began with a land acknowledgment and a heartfelt opening from Jody Harbour, co-founder of Grandmother’s Voice, who shared her insights on finding joy amidst sorrow.
“To come here and live, love, and celebrate, even though there’s grief…we know there’s joy on the other side, and we’re supposed to live the best way we can in those moments. Dancing together is such an important part of letting go of the pain we carry in our bodies and the trauma we walk with.” Her words resonated, underscoring the night’s theme: healing through connection and community.
The evening quickly transitioned into a series of lively performances. Kicking things off was a vibrant dance show by JJ Dance, where young performers dazzled the crowd in silver costumes to Jimmy James’s “Fashionista,” bringing a burst of energy to the room. Following this, models took to the runway for a fall-themed fashion show, presenting seasonal trends from local boutiques such as Homebody, Burrows Clothiers, and Burrows Too. Each model walked with a joyful spirit, capturing the event’s celebration of resilience and beauty.
Adding laughter to the mix, comedian Crystal Ferrier delivered a lighthearted routine that brought smiles and laughter to the crowd. However, the evening’s most poignant moment arrived when Sophie, a young woman deeply impacted by Lighthouse, shared her journey of loss. After experiencing the passing of both her sister and father, Sophie found solace in Lighthouse’s supportive environment.
“Lighthouse gave me the space to grieve and a community to turn to…creating something beautiful out of my memories helped me see the other side of my pain,” she shared. Referring to memory-making projects, like decorating a memory box adorned with butterflies, Sophie highlighted how these activities helped her honour her loved ones and find hope in her healing process.
Delaney Holness, Lighthouse’s community engagement and outreach coordinator, also shared her reflections on the transformative work done at Lighthouse. “The impact is in the connections and the space Lighthouse provides,” she explained. “We help facilitate the group dynamics, but the real magic happens when kids feel safe enough to express themselves—whether through play or activities in spaces like the kitchen or volcano room where they can channel their energy.”
She described how the organization creates a nurturing environment where children can process grief at their own pace, whether in the expressive (and padded) “volcano room” for emotional release or in spaces where they can connect with peers going through similar experiences.
The evening concluded with raffle draws and auction items generously donated by local businesses and individuals. Guests eagerly participated, knowing their contributions would help sustain Lighthouse’s essential programs. As the night drew to a close, it was evident that “Food, Fashion, Fun” had not only raised substantial funds but had also brought together a strong community of supporters dedicated to helping grieving families.
Beyond a fundraiser, the event offered a gathering space for attendees to connect, celebrate, and honour the resilience of the families Lighthouse supports. Many guests left feeling inspired, with several expressing interest in getting involved through volunteering or donations. For the families who attended, it was a chance to find comfort in shared experiences, while for the community supporters, it served as a reminder of the powerful impact collective compassion has on those coping with loss.
As guests departed, the atmosphere was one of gratitude and hope, a testament to the healing Lighthouse brings to families. This event reinforced that while grief may be a heavy journey, connection and support can help make it lighter. Lighthouse continues to stand as a beacon of hope for families navigating their darkest times, offering a path to healing as inclusive and open-ended as the grieving process itself.
Lighthouse provides support for children and youth who have lost a close family member, often a parent or sibling, across Halton and beyond; after Oakville, where Lighthouse is located, Burlington children and youth make up the largest proportion of their young clients, Executive Director Anne Smith notes.
Their physical space offers play areas for younger and older children; teenagers may prefer the music room, with guitars lining the walls and comfortable beanbag chairs, and kids and youth of all ages often make use of the volcano room, a padded room complete with punching bag. From support groups to informal chats, young people who are grieving can find an empathetic and safe place to land at Lighthouse.
Educational programs and training sessions are also available through Lighthouse, as well as telephone consulations for grieving families. The educational and training sessions can be booked for groups interested in learning how to better support grieving people (for instance, in schools or workplaces), and how to understand the grieving process; specific sessions on child and youth grief are also offered.
For those interested in supporting Lighthouse’s work, their website provides information on ways to donate, volunteer, and attend future events, including JJ Dance’s annual performance, Light Heavy Light. This inspiring three-act show will take place at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 7 p.m., and Monday, November 25, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Visit Lighthouse’s website for more information on donating, volunteering, or attending upcoming events.
