INUVIK - Christmas's celebration of what we share often comes mixed with the pain of who we've lost.

"It's a touching time when someone stops to fill out a card," said Emma Noksana, standing beside a Christmas tree laden with memories of lives shared and lives lost.

The Inuvik Regional Hospital has erected a tree of memories in its entrance to raise money for its two palliative care rooms. Pictured are, from left, Jane Baryluk, hospital executive secretary, Roger Israel, director of finance, and Emma Noksana, administrative assistant. - Aaron Beswick/NNSL photo

The small cards adorning the tree in the entrance to the Inuvik Regional Hospital each carry a poem dedicated to someone who has died. The cards are bought by friends and relatives for a minimum $2 donation.

"People have volunteered from every department to come, sit by the tree and sell the cards," said Debra Tynes, hospital chief executive officer. "We hope to have 400 names by the time sales end on Friday (Dec. 10)."

Sales began on Dec. 6 and as of the morning of Dec. 9 they were at 250 cards and counting.

The money will go to the hospital's two palliative care rooms.

"We'll leave what to buy up to the nurses who know the needs," said Tynes.

"But we're looking to make the rooms more home-like and less institutionalized."

This is the tree's first year, but Tynes said that it will likely become a tradition at the hospital.

"It's not only about raising money, it's also a healthy way for people to remember those they've lost," said Tynes. "And this is a sensitive time of year for many people."

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