Baskets of Hope keeps the memory alive of those lost to suicide and addictions

WARNING: This story contains a discussion of suicide.

While a sea of colourful blossoms at a garden centre might not be unusual, the flowers at Pat's Plants & Gardens in Bay Bulls over the weekend had been planted for a special reason.

They were part of Baskets of Hope, an annual fundraiser organized by the Jacob Puddister Memorial Foundation in memory of those who died by suicide or addictions.

Over the years, says community support manager Johnny Rose, the event has become a staple for those looking to remember their loved ones.

"It provides an uplifting, celebratory nature or vibe for everyone. And that's definitely what we hear," said Rose.

"The great atmosphere around Pat's Plants provides such an uplifting and green space to create a different type of event surrounding and addressing the stigma for mental health."

The fundraiser was started in 2017, as a way to bring awareness about mental health to the community. Families and friends can pick out flowers and create hanging baskets, which are then both picked up by them and put up for sale.

The annual basket 'With Jake's Heart', bright with red and purple flowers, was created in memory of Jacob Puddister, after whom the foundation is named, and has been a part of the event since the beginning.

This year, 11 baskets were included, nine of which are recurring designs.

"One new one this year that was designed by a community member is called Smile. And just simply put it's because your loved one had the most beautiful smile," said Rose.

"Another one is entitled Nancy's Embrace. And the flowers are centred around the person's warm nature."

Others featured this year were Music and Friends, Two Hearts Sitting on a Rainbow, Starry, Starry Night, Fisherman's Blues, Brothers at Heart, Wheelies Forever, Free Spirit, and Your Legacy.

Proceeds from the basket sales are going toward free mental health services for youth aged 12 to 35. It's an offer that has been seeing overwhelming demand for a while, said Rose.

"We most recently experienced 80 requests for counselling in 15 minutes. It's sparked a lot of conversations among us to how do we address the need for counselling," said Rose. "And a lot of that is advocacy work through community, doing events like this and making sure that our voices are out there to tell people that there are more requirements for long-term mental health."