Memorial Forest Vigil
Founded in 2009, the Memorial Forest seeks to reduce the stigma around mental illness and promote greater understanding and compassion from the community as a whole.
The site is located at the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site at 1860 Sir Isaac Brock Way in St. Catharines. It features mature trees, an inscribed stone and plaques that honour family and friends who have passed on after battling mental illness.
We want to provide an opportunity to share stories of hope and success as told by individuals and family members living with mental illness.
Annual Memorial Forest Vigil
Every October, a Memorial Forest Vigil takes place on the Thursday during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
This year the vigil will take place on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022 from 3 – 4 p.m.
The event includes music, a lived experience speaker and readings. The community is welcome to join the event in-person or to view the event online.
This event is rain or shine. Limited seating is available, so we encourage visitors to bring a chair if you would prefer to sit during the event.
For those who cannot attend in person, the event will be recorded and available here in October 2022.
Donations and name plates
Financial donations help with the maintenance and visual improvements of Memorial Forest, and in educating the community about mental illness.
Name plates to memorialize a family member or friend can be purchased for $20. You can also donate towards having a tree planted or having a memorial structure built and added to the site, such as a birdhouse. For donation inquiries, call 905-688-2854 ext. 7353.
Thank you to the generous donors, local businesses, sponsors and volunteers who have been involved in making Memorial Forest a reality.
Wear a green ribbon for mental health awareness.
Green signifies new life, new growth and new beginnings.
The green ribbon has become a symbol for raising public awareness about mental illnesses, bettering the lives of those with mental health challenges and showing support to those individuals and their families.
Wear a green ribbon to show your support for mental health awareness.
