People wanting to help with the construction of the new Children’s Memorial Garden in Grande Prairie can now do so. Tiny Hands of Hope and the Community Foundation have joined forces to create the Tiny Hands of Hope Children’s Memorial Fund. President and Co-Founder Karen Gilkyson says this fund will allow people to donate directly to the project.
“We’re looking for the community if they feel it in their heart that this is something that they want to donate to [and] if they believe in this project, any little bit will help and it will go a long way.”
The memorial garden is currently in the design phase and has been in the works for about two years. It will be built in Maskwôtêh Park as a place for families to go who have suffered the loss of a child or lost a baby during pregnancy or infancy.
The garden will also have flowering trees, interactive sculptures and a gazebo. As it is still early in the process, the total price has not been set yet. Gilkyson says there are other options if people don’t want to donate money directly.
“Individuals that would like to purchase a memorial tree, they can do that through the city and they can specifically request for that tree to be at the Children’s Memorial Garden.”
Gilkyson hopes to break ground this year. After that, she expects it will be a few more years before it opens to the public.
Monetary donations can be made in person at the Community Foundation’s office on 106 Street or online. Those looking to request a tree can visit the city’s website.